Although appearing identical to its US cousin, the Euro Stinger adds a revised version of the 2.2-litre CRDI turbodiesel engine used in the Sorento and Sedona, to complement the existing four and six cylinder petrol options.
Connected to a eight-speed automatic gearbox, the sole option on all models, the 2.2-litre mill produces 147 kW and 440 N.m of torque, with Kia claiming a 0-100 km/h sprint of 8.5 secs and top speed of 225 km/h.
As in the US, the base petrol powered Stinger uses a 2.0-litre turbo developing 188 kW and 353 N.m of torque, while the flagship GT boast a twin-turbo 3.3-litre V6 with 272 kW and 510 N.m. While no performance figures for the former were disclosed, Kia claims the GT will hit 100 km/h from standstill in 5.1 secs before topping out at 270 km/h.
A choice of rear or all-wheel drive will be offered with the GT also being the first European market Kia to gain Adaptive Damping with a series of modes to suit driver preference.
Expected to rival the likes of the BMW 4-series Gran Coupe and Audi A5 / S5 Sportback, the Stinger will debut in Europe around September with UK weekly Auto Express anticipating pricing to start around £43 000 (R716 688). It however remains unknown if Kia Motors South Africa will bring to Stinger to South Africa this year.
