Kia has displayed its popular Stinger sports sedan at the Auto Expo 2018. The Korean carmaker has showcased its entire line-up at the event along with the SP Concept, which previews its Creta-rivaling made-for-India SUV, due in 2019.
The Stinger sits at the top of the Kia international product line-up and would have served as a halo model in India; but the automaker decided to not bring it here, following concerns regarding its sales potential in the country.
Considering the sports sedan would have to be brought in as a completely built-up unit and would be subject to a horde of Indian taxes, its price would cross the Rs 70-lakh mark. Finding takers at that price would have been a tough task for the brand. Additionally, Kia wants to concentrate on mass-market cars as its core area of focus, in India.
In international markets, the Kia Stinger is available in rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive forms. It competes with the likes of the Jaguar XE and BMW 3-series. Engine options include a four-cylinder petrol engine; but the centerpiece is the 365hp, 3.3-litre V6 petrol-powered GT version – which has a claimed 0-100kph time of 4.7sec.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Suraj Viswanathan
Hormazd Sorabjee
