Kia has showcased its popular Stinger sports sedan for the first time in India ahead of Auto Expo 2018. The Korean carmaker will also unveil the SP Concept at the Auto Expo 2018 tomorrow.
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.
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 will 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.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Suraj Viswanathan
