2016 KIA Optima Sportswagon 1.7L CRDi 6MT FWD (141 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Who said that the station-wagon cars were dead in 2016 was dead-wrong. Kia noticed an increase in that type of vehicle and launched the Optima Sportswagon at the Geneva Motor Show.

One of the reasons why station-wagons were not so sought-after was the design. Those cars looked better on paper but not so good on customer’s driveways. Despite their utility and practicality, they were couldn’t match the sales pace. That is why some car-makers such as Alfa Romeo or Jaguar didn’t offer station wagons for their cars. But Kia knew that if a cee’d Sportswagon had its customers, a larger Optima will have the same appeal.

Up to the B-pillars, the Optima Sportswagon was the same. It was the first D-segment station-wagon made by Kia and the designers tried to make it right. The sloped roof to the rear and the raised beltline behind the C-pillar made the car look sportier. Last, but not least, the raked tailgate and the roof-spoiler visually enhanced the car’s dynamic design.

Inside, there was the same dashboard as for the regular Optima. The seats were wide and flat to ensure a comfortable ride. In the back, the bench was still flat but it could have been folded in 40:20:40 ratios. That was good for four adults who wanted to go skiing. The very big trunk was a relief for everyone who was going to travel long and take a tent inside.

The Optima Sportswagon was fitted with the same engine options as the sedan and the same transmission choices as well.