Kia has expanded its Optima range with the launch of a new estate model, the Optima Sportswagon (SW), at Geneva.

Read our review of the Kia Optima Sportswagon here

Inspired by the Kia Sportspace concept from the 2015 Geneva motor show, the Optima SW is Kia's first rival to the likes of the estate versions of the Ford Mondeo, Vauxhall Insignia and Mazda 6, the latter of which Kia says is the chief rival for the SW.

Kia says the model represents a significant growth opportunity in Europe, as two thirds of all models sold in the class are estates, rising to three quarters when looking purely at fleet sales. In its case, Kia says the estate could outsell the saloon six to one.

The Optima SW was designed and conceived alongside the saloon, both models being led by Kia's European design team.

The Optima SW is based on the latest version of the Optima saloon. The estate has the same 4855mm length and 1860mm width of the saloon, although it grows 5mm in height to 1470mm. Its wheelbase is 2805mm.

Boot capacity is 553 litres with the rear seats up, which is a 48-litre increase over the saloon. Kia has yet to confirm a figure for the maximum capacity with the rear seats folded down. In comparison the Mondeo estate offers 500-1605 litres of space (rear seats up and down), the Insignia estate offers 540-1530 litres and the Mazda 6 estate 506-1648 litres.

The rear seats split 40:20:40 as standard, alongside several convenience features. Included is a pop-up sliding metal luggage rack to secure single items, a powered tailgate that opens automatically when the key is in close proximity to the boot, and a low, flat boot lip.