The new Kia Optima Sportswagon is already available on the national market with prices starting at 31,330 euros.
After the saloon version, the van version of the Kia Optima is now arriving in Portugal. An extremely important model for Kia Portugal, considering that the vans are worth 70% of D-segment sales in Portugal. Peugeot 508, Volkswagen Passat, Ford Mondeo and Renault Talisman are just some of the targets in the sights of the South Korean brand.
But Kia's ambitions don't stop there. João Seabra, General Director of Kia Portugal, wants to reach the so-called premium brands: “the perception we have is that our products are getting better and the premium products are taking the opposite path”. And it is exactly on the overall quality, onboard technologies and design that Kia has been working the most – three of the items most valued by European customers. To ensure the strictest production standards, all production of the Kia Optima Sportswagon will take place in Europe.
To guarantee an immersive driving experience, Kia bet on a lightweight chassis with high rigidity indexes, thanks to the extensive use of Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS). Suspensions, steering and engine feel were also worked to combine comfort with good dynamic behavior.
Design and Interiors
In a segment where versatility and practicality are highly valued, the Korean brand managed to combine function with a distinct and dynamic design. The Sportswagon maintains the same width (1860 mm) and length (4855 mm) as the saloon variant and grows 5 mm in height (rises to 1470 mm) to accommodate the larger luggage compartment.This new model takes up the defined lines and smooth shapes that define the brand's latest models. Although the front of the vehicle remains unchanged from the saloon, the strong lines and the gentle downward slope that surrounds the cabin give a distinct look to the body of this van. The rear projection, on the other hand, increases the apparent volume of the vehicle's rear section, for an athletic look.
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The corners of the body are surrounded by a luminous signature of LED technology. The rear bumper houses an oval tailpipe (two on the GT Line version) and an integrated air diffuser, which contribute to a sporty look.
Inside, available in three tones (black, beige and red), the focus is essentially on the driver, with the usual functionalities and technologies in the segment. The dashboard designed along a horizontal plane helps to create a sense of space and modernity, using the same materials as the saloon variant, with the 7 (or 8) inch touchscreen also standing out. The Optima Sportswagon is equipped with Kia's latest navigation system, as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functions.
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Also available in the GT Line version is Kia's new wireless charger for mobile devices, located at the base of the center console. This equipment, with 5 W of power, allows you to charge a mobile phone without the need for cables. The system displays the charge status of the mobile phone on the instrument panel, in addition to having a safety function to prevent overheating during use.
Further back, the Kia Optima Sportswagon has a load space of 552 liters behind the second row of seats. The 40:20:40 rear seat folding (standard) allows for the transport of larger objects, while the Smart Power Tailgate tailgate – which opens the trunk automatically when the smart key. Optima is located in the immediate vicinity of the door – facilitates storage.
In terms of safety, the Optima Sportswagon is available with a wide range of technologies, including Smart Cruise Control (automatically adjusts speed), Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Maintenance Assistance System, Blind Spot Detection, etc. .
Engine and Suspension
Stability and ride comfort was a top priority for Kia engineers. The independent suspension components of the saloon variant were carried over to the new Sportswagon, and for this the springs, dampers and alignment parameters had to be adapted to the new big family due to its different weight distribution – slightly shifted towards the rear.The 1.7 liter CRDi block will be responsible for the majority of sales in the European markets, it was carried over without changes to the Sportswagon. This diesel engine, with 141 hp and 340 Nm of torque, benefits from a series of changes that allowed for an increase in power and torque without compromising consumption and emissions, and is available with a 6-speed manual transmission or with the new 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
The new Kia Optima Sportswagon is offered on the national market with prices starting at 31,330 euros for the TX version, culminating in the 36,920 euros of the GT Line version, equipped with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Like the rest of the Korean manufacturer's range, this model also benefits from a 7-year or 150,000 km warranty.