Geneva show: Kia reveals Sportspace concept

KIA has released images of a head-turning concept sports wagon, dubbed Sportspace, that is believed to not only provide design pointers to the upcoming new-generation Optima mid-sizer but hint at the possibility of a wagon version.

To be shown at next month’s Geneva motor show, the European-penned Sportspace will be revealed just one month out from the debut of the new Optima at the New York International Auto Show in early April.

The look of Sportspace fits with the promised evolutionary styling previously promised for Optima by the South Korean car-maker.

Sportspace’s front end that picks up from the current Optima range and adds a gloss vent-less grille, dual LED headlights and what Kia calls its 'tiger nose'.

Kia says the Sportspace concept is “designed for fast and efficient travel with maximum comfort and minimal stress”, and targets active people with space for four occupants and their kit.

Its flanks sport air vents behind the large Pirelli P Zero-wrapped front wheels and carbon-fibre sill inserts, while its rump shows off a tidy tail-light arrangement and a pair of trapezoidal exhausts that emerge from more carbon-fibre.

When it arrives, the new Optima will have the performance to match the sporty aesthetics, with a new turbocharged engine set to power at least one variant and a 1.7-litre diesel/electric hybrid also chalked for the new arrival.

Kia has not released any technical details with the Sportspace concept images, but the car’s massive composite brakes, framed by carbon-fibre-trimmed wheels, flush-fit door handles and blade-like door mirrors are unlikely to make it to production.

Its beady LED headlights with complementing running lights, finned bonnet and expansive glass roof are more plausible features for a road version.

Optima/Sportspace side by side comparisons will be possible when the new-look Optima breaks cover at the New York show, which opens on April 1.