The current Kia Optima scores with looks and a favorable price, but in everything else, it lags behind the mainly German competition . As the Sportspace concept debuted at the Geneva Motor Show suggests, German dominance may not last forever.
The bright red concept with a practical station wagon body scores, of course, with its design. This is the responsibility of the Frankfurt design team under the leadership of Gregory Guillaume, which further develops the idea of a radiator grille in the shape of a tiger's nose, here in addition with active louvres for the air intake. It is followed by headlights with LED diodes , and practically the entire front part does not deny its kinship with the current Optima. The correct concept includes 20-inch carbon wheels and a bit of futurism, provided by a robust rear end with a distinctive carbon fiber diffuser and twin tailpipes.
Inside, the 2840mm wheelbase Sportspace should provide comfortable, stylish and undisturbed transport for four passengers with the bonus of a large glass roof and exemplary rear knee room. Passengers sit in individual seats upholstered in polished black leather with carbon fiber construction. Contrast with the upholstery is created by anodized aluminum decors on the distinctively shaped steering wheel, gear shift paddles, pedals, gear selector or control elements on the center console. The instrument panel, as well as part of the center console, forms a display with the option of a separate or split control mode. The infotainment is controlled by a special circular controller behind the gear selector, four buttons for abbreviated entry of commands or a series of quick access buttons built under the central screen. In addition to the classic instrument panel, the normal interior rear-view mirrors probably also rang – Kia replaced it with a thin display that projects images from the reversing camera .
As a proper station wagon, the Sportspace must be able to carry skis. These can be stored between the rear seats , where the leather-upholstered armrest is also used to place them. When pushed back, two free tablet storage compartments are revealed for each of the rear passengers. They can also attach them to the back of the front seats, so they can watch multimedia content at a comfortable eye level. An interesting detail is the rear part of the central tunnel, smoothly transitioning into the luggage compartment. 28 rotating stainless steel balls are built into the floor of the trunk, upholstered in matte leather, which form an innovative solution for cargo handling. After starting, all the balls drop by 3 mm into the corresponding cavity and the luggage does not travel back and forth. A low loading edge is also an advantage.
Under the hood of the 4855 mm long , 1870 mm wide and 1425 mm high station wagon is the T-Hybrid powertrain , identical to last year's concept of the same name based on the Optima sedan . The compact and light 17-litre diesel engine is equipped with double turbocharging – the traditional turbocharger with variable geometry is enhanced by the electric motor. Electric turbocharging with a working voltage of 48 V increases the torque of the combustion engine at very low engine speeds, but also during acceleration, when it ensures smooth and safe overtaking. Thanks to completely independent actuation, this component is able to respond faster than a traditional exhaust-driven turbocharger. The chassis has an active rear axle with multi-link type suspension, which also provides short-term all-wheel drive
Source: Kia
