KIA Stinger. The newest car on the performance saloon scene

KIA first opened doors in South Africa in 1997 they have lived up to their slogan, “The Power to Surpise” time and time again. In  recent years KIA has promised autonomous cars by 2030 and a performance car by 2017. Well, they’ve kept their promises with the companies first foray into performance sedan territory peppered with autonomous technology. Introducing the KIA Stinger.

The KIA Stinger fastback sports sedan makes its Asian premiere this week at the 2017 Seoul Motor Show. Shown in a new colour and specification specially prepared for the show, the car is displayed alongside the 2011 KIA GT Concept, the vehicle which provided a template and inspiration for the production Stinger’s final design.

KIA’s Stinger will be available with a choice of three engines. These include a 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6, producing 272 kW with a maximum torque output of 510 Nm, giving the Stinger 0 to 100 km/h acceleration of just 4.9 seconds, and making this the fastest-accelerating and most powerful car KIA has ever produced. Also available is a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine (190 kW power output, and 353 Nm maximum torque) and – depending on market – a 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine producing 147 kW and 440 Nm torque.

The flagship numbers are a bit off the M3, C63 and Giulia so the Stinger will more than likely go head to head with the 240kW 340i and AMG C43 which also produces 270kW.

The Stinger will be available with a choice of rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, as well as a range of DRiVE WISE active safety systems and an electronically-adjustable Dynamic Stability Damping Control suspension system.

DRiVE WISE employs advanced camera and sensor technology developed by KIA to aid drivers and help prevent collisions.

So far no news of when Stinger will arrive in South Africa but at SA Car Fan we’re all interested to see if Stinger can deliver on those looks and figures, and provide performance and exhilaration to match.