Kia VG: An Amanti With Style, Giant Wheels

These are the first rendered images of a the Kia VG, a replacement for the ugly-duckling Kia Amanti. Considering the heritage, they actually look pretty good, borrowing styling from the Kia Forte with a dash of Opel Insignia.

VG isn't the official name just yet, but an internal name to be replaced when the car is officially unveiled at the next Detroit Auto Show. It's expected to compete in the "near luxury" segment and will sport a 2.4 liter direct injection four cylinder and a 3.8 liter V6. We're betting it won't be quite as wild as these images portray, but almost anything will be better than the Amanti.

KIA MOTORS RELEASES FIRST IMAGES OF ALL-NEW MODEL

Kia Motors has today released the first images of its new premium saloon due to go on sale in Korea at the end of the year.

The new model, currently known by its code name VG, was shown in concept form at the Seoul Motor Show earlier this year and is set to replace the existing Opirus model in Korean, North American and European markets.

"VG clearly demonstrates the next stage in Kia's design evolution and showcases our new design principle of 'sophistication by simplicity'. The exterior is a seamless blend of powerful front, sleek profile and sophisticated but simple rear lines to create an elegant and luxurious appearance," commented Hyoung Keun Lee, Senior Executive Vice President and COO of International Business Division at Kia Motors Corporation.

There are no current plans to bring this model to the UK market.