Wagons are back in style again, and the Kia Sportspace Concept is the latest long-roof model to steal my heart. Designed in Kia’s Frankfurt design studio, giving it that distinctly European flair, the Korean automaker isn’t saying whether this concept is a promise of things to come, or a sensual tease meant to arouse our loins.
“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,” said European Chief Designer Gregory Guillaume. Kia doesn’t give any hints as to what may be under the hood, though I would expect either a high-output turbo or possibly even a zesty hybrid system.
The design influence is distinctly Kia, with strong hints of Optima mixed into the Sportspace Concept. So do we here in America stand a chance of ever actually buying one? That depends entirely on if Kia builds it (which they absolutely should), and even if they do, whether or not the suits think Americans will buy it. We’ve been loving us some crossovers lately, and among the automotive press wagons are totally in vogue. Unfortunately, sexy European wagons have a habit of staying in Europe (lookin at you, Mazda6).
But is the buying public ready to relieve the glory days of National Lampoon’s epic roadtrips? Or are we too brainwashed by SUVs to give wagons another go? We’ll find out more at the Geneva Auto Show in March.
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