Kia Optima Sportswagon breaks cover

Kia has released new details and images of its Optima Sportswagon, which will be pitched squarely at European buyers.

Alas, Kia Australia has stated it has no plans to import the sleek mid-size Optima Sportswagon. In fact, the company was even considering axing the Optima altogether in this country, but has since decided to bring the facelifted Optima sedan to Australia within months.

The European-spec Kia Optima Sportswagon is being offered with a new 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that delivers 100kW/320Nm and replaces the older 1.7-litre turbo-diesel unit.

As well as subtle visual changes to the interior and exterior as part of the car's facelift, as we detailed in our 2018 Kia Optima story, European models also get a surround-view 360-degree camera system to make parking easier.

The 2018 Kia Optima is a Mazda6 competitor and now adopts semi-automated steering via lane keeping assist and a driver attention warning system.

However, these features appear unlikely to be offered on the updated Australian-spec Kia Optima sedan coming to Down Under in the second quarter of 2018.

A Kia spokesman said: "Unfortunately all the goodies will remain in Europe for the time being."

However, Australian Kia Optima sedans will get a unique suspension package tuned for local conditions and also the subtle new look which includes new alloy wheels, a new front bumper, grille, LED lights galore and an updated rear bumper with dual oval exhaust outlets.

The interior benefits from LED ambient lights, new trims including quilted leather and lastly an updated steering wheel with more buttons.

Expect the range-topping Kia Optima GT to continue with the potent 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine (180kW/350Nm) and 2.4-litre non-turbo petrol engine (138kW/241Nm), both mated to six-speed automatic transmissions.