After having launched the new generation of the Optima in the sedan body on the national market at the beginning of the year, Kia introduced in the autumn the van variant, called the Sportswagon. With a length of 4.85 m and a wheelbase of 2805 mm, the Kia Optima Sportswagon offers exemplary living for a D-segment van, to which is added a luggage compartment with a capacity of 552 liters, which can be extended to 1 686 liters, with the total folding of the rear seat in the ratio 40:20:40.
The Kia Optima Sportswagon's design is made up of sleek, fluid lines, with a slightly descending roof silhouette that belies the true proportions at the rear. The stylized shape of the optics, together with the front air intakes and the rear diffuser with double exhaust, reinforce the athletic look and sophisticated vein of this van, especially in the GT Line version.
Inside, clean surfaces and refined details stand out, which in this more equipped version includes leather upholstery, with seams in different colors, suede-lined roof and aluminum appliqués.
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The GT Line version, the one that KIA submits to competition in the Essilor Car of the Year / Crystal Steering Wheel Trophy, is equipped with a set of driving support technologies, such as autonomous braking, adaptive cruise control, traffic detection in the blind spot, lane maintenance, rear traffic alert, traffic sign reading, high beam assistant, 360° camera and automatic parking system.
In terms of entertainment and convenience, navigation with an 8” touchscreen display as standard, connectivity adapted for Android Auto and Apple Car Play, Harmon Kardan audio, front and rear USB ports, smart luggage compartment, heated seats and ventilated, rear door curtains, electric driver's seat with memory and wireless charger for smartphones.
Since 2015, Razão Automóvel has been part of the panel of judges for the Essilor Car of the Year/Crystal Wheel Trophy award.
The engine of the Kia Optima SW 1.7 CRDi GT Line delivers a power of 141 hp and a maximum torque of 340 Nm, constant between 1 750 and 2 500 rpm. As a top version, this Kia Optima Sportswagon is served by a seven-speed DCT dual-clutch gearbox, which combined with the efficiency of the 1.7 CRDi allows for average consumptions of 4.6 l/100 km and emissions of 120 g/km.
The Kia Optima SW 1.7 CRDi GT Line is offered for €42 920, with a launch campaign running until the beginning of 2017 with a discount of €6,000.
In addition to the Essilor Car of the Year/Crystal Steering Wheel Trophy, the Kia Optima Sportswagon 1.7 CRDi GT Line is also competing in the Van of the Year class, where it will face the Renault Mégane Sport Tourer Energy dCi 130 GT Line and the Volvo V90 D4 Geartronic.
Motor: Diesel, four cylinders, turbo, 1685 cm3
Power: 141 hp/4000 rpm
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 11.1 s
Maximum speed: 200 km/h
Average consumption: 4.6 l/100 km
CO2 emissions: 120 g/km
Price: €42,920 (Launch price €36,920)
Text: Essilor Car of the Year/Crystal Wheel Trophy