Kia is gearing up to bring us an all-new Optima - just as well as, much as we like the current car, it's a slow-seller in Ireland and Europe. Tuned for US tastes, the current Optima is out of step with CO2 emissions and lacks an estate option.
All that looks set to change with the new generation and the Sportspace concept is a shooting brake that gives us a big clue as to the styling of the next Optima and its estate variant. No word on the mechanical package yet but rumour has it the four-wheel drive 1.6-litre hybrid setup from the recent Trail'ster concept lies underneath the Sportspace's Alfa-esque bodywork.
We'll have to wait until Geneva to get full details. However, Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer Europe for Kia, explained: "We set out to design a car that is a totally new breed of grand tourer - one for active people who need reasonable cargo space on the weekend, but don't want to compromise moving around in style, comfort and with an element of sportiness."