Kia has confirmed European specifications for its new Stinger sports
sedan. The big news here is the addition of a diesel powertrain on top of the
two petrol units shared with the North American specification model.
The entry-level engine is a 2.2-liter turbodiesel
capable of delivering 200 PS at 3,800 rpm and peak torque of 440 Nm available between 1,750 and 2,750 rpm. With the diesel, the 2017 Stinger
accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 8.5 sec and tops out at 225 km/h.
If you prefer to fill up with petrol, the Stinger
can be had with either a 2.0-liter turbocharged four producing 255 PS and 353 Nm, or a range-topping 3.3-liter turbo V6 punching out 370 PS and 510 Nm. While no straight-line performance figures have
been released for the 2.0L model, it will sit between the diesel and the V6,
which can hit 100 km/h in 5.1 sec and reach 270 km/h.
Kia will offer both rear- and all-wheel drive
versions of the Stinger in Europe, with all models fitted with the brand’s
second-generation, electronic eight-speed automatic transmission as standard.
While closer in dimensions to mid-size luxury cars
at 4,830 mm long and 1,870 mm wide with a 2,905 mm wheelbase, the Stinger is
actually positioned against both regular premium compact sedans like the BMW
3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and four-door coupe flavored models such as
the BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe and Audi A5 Sportback.
The Koreans have yet to announce pricing for the
Stinger which will enter production in the second half of 2017, and go on sale
across Europe during the fourth quarter of the year.