A roof-level spoiler and the diffuser maximize airflow efficiency around the rear of the car. Twin tailpipes within the diffuser echo the polygon shape of the tail lamps. A vertically oriented fog lamp is integrated centrally in the diffuser.
Interior design
The interior is a cosseting and refined space for four passengers, bathed in natural light thanks to panoramic glazing running the entire length of the roof.
“The Sportspace has to be purposeful and for me, that means a very black interior with the focus on control and function,” says Guillaume. “But the ambiance of the passenger compartment must also be refined, relaxed and a welcoming place to be.
“The sense of space was essential, and whether the car is being used during the working week or on that getaway, it has to convey quality and adaptability by providing occupants with a practical personal environment that delivers individual needs and preferences.”
The cabin is simple and pure, adorned with a delicate balance of luxurious leather and contemporary technical materials such as carbon fiber and milled, anodized aluminum.
“The cockpit is defined by clean and simple volumes, ‘grand gestures’ and detailing that doesn’t detract from the whole,” says Guillaume. “The floating instrument panel is extremely horizontal and its width is accentuated by the anodized aluminum bar below it that links the side air vents. There are no central air vents in the instrument panel — instead they are set into the center tunnel below.”
The inner surfacing of the door panels runs as one whole architectural sweep from the instrument panel rearwards into the tailgate. The center console runs through the interior, enhancing the perception of space and length.
Handwoven ‘cuoio intrecciato’ seats — trimmed with black-polished leather backed with carbon fiber shells — provide modern and comfortable sport seating for each of the occupants. The freestanding metal door pulls are shaped to the hand while a switch is ergonomically set within them to allow the side windows to be ‘thumbed’ up or down.
Anodized aluminum in ‘Endurance Graphite’ is used elsewhere: on the flat-bottomed steering wheel, paddle shifters, sport pedals, barrel-shaped auto transmission shift and tunnel-mounted switches. These elements represent a strong technical contrast with the black leather and distinctive silver brushed aluminum-look fabric covering the instrument panel and the center console.
Ahead of the driver is a configurable digital instrument cluster paired with a fully operational infotainment system. The large screen — which sits clearly within the driver’s view — can be operated in single or split-screen modes. Operation is via the anodized aluminum in-car infotainment controller located behind the gearshift, flanked by four shortcut buttons that enable fast and intuitive interaction. Additional functions can be operated via a row of fast access buttons integrated below the center screen.
Where the rear view mirror would usually be located, a slim screen replaces it, fed by images from the rear view camera. Other driver information is also fed into this screen.
“We were able to integrate very technical detailing into the car and this helps to intensify driver involvement,” explains Guillaume. “The car, in the sense of its grand touring practical sports role should be a serene and comfortable place. It shouldn’t be distracting in any sense. As a driver, all of the controls and the things you need are directly around you and easily to hand and extremely positive and technical.”
A prerequisite for the Sportspace brief was that it had to accommodate skis. As such, skis can be stored between the rear seats, with a padded leather armrest doubling up as a ski rest. Slide it back and two recesses are revealed which accommodate two tablet PCs, one for each passenger. Rear seat occupants also have the option to utilize a unique tablet PC clamping system located on the back of the front seats, allowing them to view video and other multimedia content at eye level.
The rear section of central tunnel seamlessly connects to the luggage area. An innovative loading system comprising 28 rolling balls is set within the matte leather trunk floor. In combination with the low tailgate, these allow the easy loading of heavy suitcases and sport equipment. When the concept’s ignition is switched on, each of the stainless steel balls lowers into its recess by 3mm, ensuring cargo doesn’t slide around when the journey begins.
The Kia Sportspace is a very well resolved take on the contemporary wagon, which is still a very appealing proposition for new car shoppers wanting a bit more space than a conventional sedan can offer. We applaud Kia for its well-executed vision for the future of the segment.
