Kia is readying its first venture into the "near-luxury" market with this Michigan-plated, solidly-slick large sedan that was snapped by the spy photographers at Carparazzi while undergoing testing in Death Valley recently.
Bearing at present the codename VG but expected to become the next version of the medium-size Opirus, the aspirational Kia is said to be built off a Hyundai Grandeur platform, with power to come from either 3.3-litre or 3.8-litre Hyundai V6 engines, along with five-speed sequential auto transmission.
The wet T-shirt disguise on the photo car allows some clue about what is happening beneath, with signs of a neat, flowing headlight/grille arrangement, LED taillights and well-integrated dual exhaust outlets.
The overall effect appears quite pleasing and well balanced with the prerequisite high side window line, and a slightly-kicked rear side window.
Being front-drive, the nose overhangs the wheels a bit, while at the back there appears to be a fair amount of overhang, too -- presumably boosting the boot to match the car’s overall proportions.
Kia’s local range currently comprises the hugely successful Carnival MPV (as well as the more upmarket Grand Carnival), a couple of 4WDs including the resurgent Sportage and the more-off-than-on-road Sorento, the Cerato small sedan and hatch, the light-class Rio and the medium-size Magentis sedan.
Does VG spell Very Good for Australia?
Locally, the company's strength is based on the success of the Rio (sales this year are up significantly over 2007) and Carnival (down on 2007 so far), so it would not appear that Australia, more than anyone else, would be prepared yet to accept the concept of an expensive, high-end Kia -- especially in a market where light and small-car specialists are thought to be perfectly positioned right now.
According to Kia Public Relations Manager Jonathan Fletcher, the VG/Opirus is "Not on the radar right now".
With all that in mind, sources say the Kia VG/Opirus is planned for introduction to the worldwide market in the second half of 2009.
-- with Carparazzi
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