The CEO of Kia Motors Europe described the all-new Optima as the most beautiful car in its class. We still like the Mondeo more, but the promise of more Optima models in the near future got us really excited at the IAA.
During the Frankfurt Motor Show 2015 press conference, an Optima estate model was promised to those customers who want a bigger boot. The decision seems surprising, since the Optima has only been available in Europe for a few years. The ostentatious old model was designed for the American market, which never wants wagons.
But over in France, Germany or Britain, wagons account for the majority of mid-size model sales. How will a Kia version look? Pretty good, if the Sportspace concept car revealed in Geneva is any indication.
The South Korean study looks ready to battle against the likes of Insignia Tourer and Passat Variant if we consider the prototype’s dimensions - 4,855 mm (191.1 in) long, 1,870 mm (73.6 in) wide, 1,425 mm (56.1 in) tall. Plus, the wheelbase was stretched to 2,840 mm (111.8 in) which means that passengers in the back should benefit from extra space for their legs.
You won't be wanting in the power department either, as the 2-liter turbo of the Optima GT will make its way into the wagon, 245 hp and 6-speed automatic included.
Of course, most buyers will opt for the fuel-sipping 1.7-liter diesel option, but there will be an even more frugal Optima available. By 2020, a plug-in hybrid drivetrain will be ready for production.
We believe the mechanical goods will be shared with the Hyundai Sonata PHEV. A larger battery will allow the car to travel up to 22 miles (35 kilometers) on electricity. The Optima will call on the help of a 2.0 four-cylinder GDI gasoline engine that makes 154 horsepower and 140 lb-ft (190 Nm) of torque.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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