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.
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
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