cars news 10: Kia Optima Sportswagon to get GT Performance Version in Europe

Kia will launch the Optima Sportswagon as well as a GT performance version of the wagon in Europe in September.

But at this time, there are no plans to offer it in the U.S., said Michael Cole, chief operating officer of Kia Motors Europe, following the premiere at the Geneva auto show.

The regular wagon will be powered by a 1.7-liter diesel engine or 2.0-liter gasoline engine. The GT adds a 2.0-liter direct-injected, turbocharged gasoline engine.

And in about a year, the Sportswagon will be offered as a plug-in hybrid with the same powertrain as the Optima sedan plug-in, Cole said.