It has now been confirmed that we will be seeing the Kia Optima PHEV model when the new model makes its way to the Geneva Motor Show. A power tailgate can open the rear of the auto automatically when the key is in proximity.
Advertisement
The rear seats are 40:20:40 split-folding, enabling owners to slide longer items through the central seat, with outboard seating available.
Kia Niro is the company’s first exclusive hybrid model which is set to rival Toyota Prius new gen. Sharing its platform with the upcoming Hyundai Ioniq, Kia Niro receives a 1.6-liter petrol engine offering 105 PS and 147 Nm torque while the electric motor with a 1.56 kWh battery pack offers an output of 141 PS and 264 Nm torque. So, depending on the business case and perceived local demand for a wagon, it’s unlikely we’d see the Sportswagon before 2017.
Inspired by the Sportspace concept which received a very positive feedback, the new Kia Optima Sportswagon wants to combine the obvious practical gains of a wagon body with a striking exterior design.
Michael Cole, Chief Operating Officer, Kia Motors Europe, commented, “Hybrid sales have more than doubled in Europe over the last five years, and are estimated to account for around 7,00,000 new vehicle sales in Europe by 2020”.
The Sportswagon retains the same width (1860 mm) and length (4855 mm) as the Optima sedan and is 5mm taller at 1470mm, but other specs are identical to the four-door.
Advertisement
“In Europe, two thirds of all sales in the D-segment, and three quarters of all fleet sales in this class, are made up of tourers, so the Optima Sportswagon will play a critical role in attracting new private and corporate buyers to the brand”. The less-powerful petrol engine will be six-speed manual and six-speed auto transmission options, its larger sister with the six-speed auto only, and the diesel with the manual or a seven-speed DCT auto ‘box.
