Kia unveiled its replacement for the Magentis saloon in Paris, marking a clear break with the dull styling of previous versions.

The Kia Optima will make its UK debut in 2011, and will feature a 113g/km 136bhp 1.7-litre diesel model.

A more powerful 2.0-litre diesel model will also go on sale, and Kia also hopes to bring an estate version to the UK.

Kia also showed a mild-hybrid version of the Sportage crossover vehicle at Paris, using similar technology to that found in Honda hybrid models.

The concept car, which has CO2 emissions of 117g/km, was intended to demonstrate forthcoming hybrid vehicles from Kia.