The very first images of Kia’s upcoming Optima Sportswagon, (SW), have been sent by our spies. They are expected to be released in 2016.
The very first images of Kia’s upcoming Optima Sportswagon, (SW), have been sent by our spies. They are expected to be released in 2016. The all new Optima sedan is now in its fourth generation. A more practical wagon version will be added to the lineup for the first time. This was expected, considering that Kia unveiled the SPORTSPACE concept back in March at the Geneva Motor Show. The South Korean marque confirmed that the Optima would receive an SW version a few months later.
The first images have been released. They show a heavily disguised prototype that conceals a design that is very similar to the sedan. The wagon’s mid-size size was being compared to segment rivals like the Opel Insignia Sport Tourer, Ford Mondeo Estate and Volkswagen Passat Variant.
Even though it was disguised, we know the front of the car will be almost identical to the sedan. We hope the rear half will follow the same design principles as the sedan. Because the wagon has a different back shape, it will have a greater trunk capacity than the sedan’s 503 liters. The Sportswagon will have at least 560-570 Liters. This is not a bad amount considering that the Skoda Superb Combi offers 660 Liters.
The Optima Sportswagon will be available in a GT Line trim, which will sportier and offer more power. Those who need more will be able get the GT model. The four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine of the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine will power it. It has 245 PS (180 kW), and 353 Nm (356 lb-ft) like in the Optima Sedan GT.
There will also be a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine with 163 PS (120kW) and 160 Nm (145lb-ft), and a 1.7-liter turbodiesel with 141 PS (104kW) and 341 Nm (251lb-ft). Kia will offer the model with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, depending on which engine you choose. The Optima Sportswagon could be introduced by Kia at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2016. The model could debut at the Paris Motor Show in October and go on sale by the end of the year.