Kia Sportage: Baring It All

Kia say the design of the new Optima is evolutionary, and that means a familiar shape with a Tiger-Nose grill, new headlights, new bumpers, defined wheel arches and, according to Kia, it’s both sporty and functional.

The Kia Sportage was supposed to make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show happening next month but we won’t have to wait to see how it will look like as new leaked images of the Kia Sportage was released. It will also offer easier handling for better driving comfort and an improved transmission system for reduced emissions.

Kia said it will launch a plug-in hybrid Optima in 2016, alongside a hybrid and estate version.

The company saw fleet volumes increase by 4.4% last year to 34,575 units, but dropped behind market growth and a place down to 13th in the sales tables behind Skoda, which enjoyed success on the back of a full year of new Octavia sales.

A bit longer, a bit wider and a bit taller than the outgoing model, the new Optima also gets a longer wheelbase meaning more room for passengers and more room for luggage too.

Wireless phone charging will be available, as will connected services such as live traffic updates, speed camera alerts and weather forecasts. However, there are bigger changes inside, where Kia is promising more space, high-class materials and cutting-edge technology. “It truly offers motorists something fresh, in a segment that’s typically among the most conservative”.