Kia Optima estate set for Geneva show launch

Promising to major on style as well as practicality, the new Kia Optima Sportswagon is ready to make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show – and it’s relying on its good looks and versatility to significantly outsell its existing saloon stablemate.

The March expo will be the first opportunity for customers to see the car, which will go on sale in the UK in the late summer. And given the Europeans’ strong preference for estates, Kia is expecting the Sportswagon (SW) to sell up to six times more than the four-door here. The estate is anticipated to cost only a little more, starting at just below £22,000.

Under the bonnet is a 1.7 CRDi diesel producing 139bhp and 251lb ft, teamed with a six-speed manual gearbox or optional seven-ratio dual-clutch auto. Alternatively, there’s a 2.0 GT petrol range-topper, with 242bhp, 260lb ft and a six-speed self-shifter. A hybrid is on the cards as well.

Unique spring and shock rates are claimed to improve the Sportswagon’s ride and handling, while the GT also boasts multi-mode adaptive suspension. This can be fitted as an option on the diesel.

Load area is all-important in an estate, and the Kia’s shouldn’t disappoint. Capacity of 553 litres with the 40:20:40 folding rear seats in place is better than in its main rivals such as the Mazda 6 and Ford Mondeo, and there’s a flat loading lip, configurable cargo tidy and hands-free power tailgate.

Of course, the passenger compartment shares most of the saloon’s luxury and safety attributes and trim levels. There are sporty interior and exterior design touches for the GT, as well.