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KIA Optima Sportswagon Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 2
First production year: 2016
Engines: Diesel, Gasoline, Hybrid gasoline
Body style: Wagon (station wagon, estate, combi, touring)
KIA Optima Sportswagon photo gallery

Kia introduced the fourth generation of the Optima in 2016, and just two years later, the carmaker introduced a facelifted version at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show.

The Korean carmaker was on the verge of improving its products and relentlessly worked on its models. By the time the first 2016 Optima was sold, the designers and engineers worked double-time to introduce a new version in 2018, and they made it.

Imagined as a sporty-sedan, the Optima received a station-wagon brother, which was named Sportswagon. It shared the same front fascia with its three-door sibling that showed the new “tiger-nose” design language on the grille. In the back, the car sported a sloped tailgate and a diffuser under the bumper.

Inside, Kia installed a German-inspired dashboard design with an integrated infotainment screen. Its high center console split the front area into two separate clusters for the driver and its side passenger. The high-bolstered bucket seats confirmed that the car was made more for spirited driving rather than relaxed ones. There was room for three adult-sized passengers in the rear, thanks to the very low center tunnel that made the floor look almost flat.

Under the hood, Kia installed three gasoline, one diesel, and one hybrid powerplant, paired with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed automatic (dual-clutch).

full description and technical specifications
KIA Optima Sportswagon photo gallery

Who said that the station-wagon cars were dead in 2016 was dead-wrong. Kia noticed an increase in that type of vehicle and launched the Optima Sportswagon at the Geneva Motor Show.

One of the reasons why station-wagons were not so sought-after was the design. Those cars looked better on paper but not so good on customer's driveways. Despite their utility and practicality, they were couldn't match the sales pace. That is why some car-makers such as Alfa Romeo or Jaguar didn't offer station wagons for their cars. But Kia knew that if a cee'd Sportswagon had its customers, a larger Optima will have the same appeal.

Up to the B-pillars, the Optima Sportswagon was the same. It was the first D-segment station-wagon made by Kia and the designers tried to make it right. The sloped roof to the rear and the raised beltline behind the C-pillar made the car look sportier. Last, but not least, the raked tailgate and the roof-spoiler visually enhanced the car's dynamic design.

Inside, there was the same dashboard as for the regular Optima. The seats were wide and flat to ensure a comfortable ride. In the back, the bench was still flat but it could have been folded in 40:20:40 ratios. That was good for four adults who wanted to go skiing. The very big trunk was a relief for everyone who was going to travel long and take a tent inside.

The Optima Sportswagon was fitted with the same engine options as the sedan and the same transmission choices as well.

full description and technical specifications