KIA‘s redesigned Magentis mid-size sedan is set for a world public debut at the New York motor show on 2 April.

Kia said the car, which competes with Honda’s Accord, Toyota‘s Camry, parent Hyundai‘s Sonata and domestic models such as the Chevrolet Malibu in the US is “a fresh design from the ground up”.

It is longer, lower and wider than the previous model, with a “significantly” longer wheelbase and “considerably more space for both people and luggage”.

The new model goes on sale in the USA and in non-European markets – where it is known as the Optima – from autumn 2010 while European sales are scheduled to start in spring 2011.