Kia Sportspace concept previews next-gen Optima

kia-sportspace-concept

Just over a week ago, Kia dropped us a hint of what the next-generation Kia Optima could look like – and it was stunning. Now, complete shots of the Kia Sportspace concept have been released by the Korean carmaker as the car inches closer to its debut at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show in March.

From the shots, we can see that this particular concept differs from the Optima we’re used to, especially since it’s presented here in wagon form. Designed in Frankfurt, the Kia Sportspace concept could serve as a hint that the D-segment competitor will be offered in such a body style for the first time.

As much as we can hope, the production variant is likely to lose its aggressive front splitter, bulging fenders, stylised rear diffuser and the wildly-designed, darkened alloy wheels. Inside, the show car theme continues with a minimalist interior, interrupted only by the massive centre tunnel that runs along the cabin.

kia-sportspace-concept-5

Further points of interest come in the form of (hopefully) leather seats that do a decent job of mimicking the surface of cheap rubber floor mats and a massive touchscreen system. Elsewhere, a deep-dish steering wheel coupled to what looks like a fully-digital instrument cluster rounds off the concept car theme.

Powering the Kia Sportspace concept is a 1.7 litre T-Hybrid diesel-electric powertrain first seen on the Kia Optima T-Hybrid concept – no prizes for those who make the connection. Using a conventional 1.7 litre turbodiesel engine, the mill is augmented by a small electric motor and a 48 V lead-carbon battery.

The hybrid powertrain is hooked up to a sequential automatic transmission with cylindrical paddle shifters mounted on the steering column. Apart from that, little else is known about the Sportspace. Guess we’ll just have to wait for its public unveiling on March 3.

GALLERY: Next-generation Kia Optima spyshots

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.

10% discount when you renew your car insurance

Compare prices between different insurer providers and use the promo code 'PAULTAN10' when you make your payment to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services.

Car Insurance

Gregory Sze

An “actor” by training, Gregory Sze realised that he has had enough of drama in his life. Following his number one passion (acting was actually number two), he decided to make the jump into the realm of automotive journalism. He appreciates the simple things in life – a simple car with nothing but back-to-basics mechanical engineering and minimal electronics on board.

 

Comments

  • Chyan on Feb 17, 2015 at 5:07 pm

    It’s such a pity Malaysians doesn’t seem to fancy wagon/estate form.

    This is such a beauty. I reckon even with a toned down styling, it’ll still look timeless like the current one.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 28 Thumb down 12
    • steven see on Feb 17, 2015 at 6:01 pm

      Sam loo got to work really hard to change his son proton saga to this car.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 19 Thumb down 11
      • Sam Loo (ori1) on Feb 18, 2015 at 11:25 am

        Most of all, Hyundai has very low trade in values and KIA cannot even be traded in

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 8
    • why buy a Kimchi Kia and Hyundai?

      With huge hidden cost of High Ownership cost such as higher maintenance and Spare Part cost.

      even up to the stage that limited spare part supply at we have to spend more time to wait for the spare part.

      #Hidden Cost and Time to be spend on Kimchi Kia and Hyundai.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 11
  • wow! superb design!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 21 Thumb down 15
  • BLT_Club on Feb 17, 2015 at 5:34 pm

    Nice design. Very aggressive.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 7
  • Looks great. Kia is heading to the right direction as far as their cars design are concerned. They know what they are doing and what they aim to achieve. Slowly but surely they will be able to nail a ‘perfect’ car that is not only good in design but also excel in performance & handling just like what the other big players are doing.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 28 Thumb down 8
  • Sam Loo (ori1) on Feb 17, 2015 at 5:42 pm

    All I can say is, this is scrap metal after 18 months

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 51 Thumb down 56
  • Jimmy on Feb 17, 2015 at 5:47 pm

    We know there are people who like iphones but cannot afford to purchase.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 10
  • Nice!Kimchis they dont really talk too big of themselves.at least not as big.But KIA design is getting better (except,in my opinion,the new Cerato.Lots of gadgets but exterior can do better).

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 8
  • bigboy on Feb 17, 2015 at 6:49 pm

    omg…bewtiful…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 1
  • sudonano (Member) on Feb 17, 2015 at 6:53 pm

    Looks absolutely stunning. Even the new Sonata is not bad, very VAG feel to it. They have arrived.

    Meanwhile Proton…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 2
    • Holofanboi on Feb 17, 2015 at 8:48 pm

      As much as we can hope, the production variant is likely to lose its aggressive front splitter, bulging fenders, stylised rear diffuser and the wildly-designed, darkened alloy wheels. Inside, the show car theme continues with a minimalist interior, interrupted only by the massive centre tunnel that runs along the cabin.

      Read more: http://paultan.org/2015/02/17/kia-sportspace-concept-previews-optima/#ixzz3S0QtcbYx

      Wait what? It sounds as If you dont want the mentioned items @_@

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 2
    • Holofanboi on Feb 18, 2015 at 12:44 am

      Ops meant for that to be a post of its own. No idea why i replied you xD

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • DS5 wannabe…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 2
  • ridemotion on Feb 18, 2015 at 12:21 pm

    Quite an excellent body motion, very calm and progressive. apart from drivers skill, i would say this car will be handling prone and might have some ride comfort issues, given that if their suspension tuning is signed off based on nurburgring track. More of which normal average customers might not favor.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
 

Add a comment

required

required