Kia Motors will launch the Stonic in September and Stinger in October in Europe and expects that the launch will help offset the decline in net profit suffered in the second quarter of 2017 due to weak demand in China and the United States, the company revealed to the Korean newspaper Joongang Daily.
Kia unveiled the Stonic SUV in July 2017 which is expected to be a major sales driver for Kia in Europe. It is built on a lightweight platform that comprises 51% high strength steel. The design of the Stonic features signature Kia elements such as the ‘tiger-nose’ grille along with a ‘Targa’ style roof. On the inside, the Stonic features a touchscreen unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.
Other features include heated front seats, cruise control and keyless entry. It can be coupled with Kia’s DRiVE WISE Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which includes tech like Collision Alert, Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Departure Warning System.
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For Europe, the Kia Stonic will be available with a 1.0 L T-GDI turbocharged petrol, 1.25 L and 1.4 L naturally aspirated petrol engines, as well as a 1.6 L CRDi diesel engine. All engines will come with a manual transmission, and there’s no word on an automatic transmission option yet.
The Kia Stinger was unveiled in January at the 2017 North American International Auto Show, three years after the Kia GT concept on which it is based. The Stinger is aimed primarily at the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe and Audi A5 Sportback. Kia will offer the Stinger with three engine options – 2.2 L R diesel, 2.0 L Theta II petrol and 3.3 L Lambda II V6 petrol. All engines come mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
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The 2.2-litre diesel engine puts out a maximum power of 200 PS and peak torque of 440 Nm while the 2.0-litre petrol engine is good for 255 PS and 353 Nm. The range-topping 3.3-litre V6 engine that will power the Kia Stinger GT develops 370 PS and 510 Nm of torque.
Prices of the Kia Stonic will start at around £15,000 in the UK. Kia will reportedly offer the Stonic with its comprehensive seven year/ 100,000 mile warranty. The Stinger range in the UK is likely to start at around £30,000 for the entry level variants. It could go up to around £50,000 for the range topping Stinger GT.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
