Kia Optima Sportswagon under evaluation for NZ market
Kia New Zealand is evaluating the new Optima Sportswagon for the local market.
The new model is inspired by the Kia SportsSpace concept vehicle shown at last year's Geneva motor show, and was revealed during this year's show.
Kia NZ general manager Todd McDonald said the suitability of the Sportswagon was being studied for the local market.
The Optima Sportswagon is the first D-segment tourer produced by Kia, building on the distinctive exterior design and quality interior of the new 2016 Optima sedan, now being introduced here.
While the front of the car remains the same as the Optima sedan, its swept-back cabin gives the Sportswagon an athletic stance in a typically conservative segment, says the company.
The rear styling is accentuated by the wide LED tail lights that wrap around the corners of the bodywork, underlined by the rear bumper that houses a single oval exhaust and incorporates an integrated air diffuser for a sporty finish.
The Sportswagon will feature pop-up sliding luggage rails to secure individual items that are likely to slide or roll around the cargo area. A low, flat boot lip and a Smart Power Tailgate that opens the boot automatically when the Optima’s smart key is in close proximity to the tailgate allow owners to load heavy items easily.
A range of advanced technologies will be showcased on the Optima Sportswagon, including the first Kia badged car to feature a two-mode electronic variable suspension system, allowing owners to switch between normal and sport settings.
The Kia Optima Sportswagon will offer a choice of Euro 6 compliant engines, from a 2.0-litre CVVL petrol unit, to a 1.7-litre CRDi diesel and a GT model equipped with Kia’s new high powered 2.0-litre turbocharged gasoline direct injection engine.