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Kia Motors has unveiled the European specification of its new Stinger model at the Geneva motor show.

Scheduled to arrive in UK showrooms in September, the new model is the highest-performance production vehicle Kia has ever produced, achieving 0-62mph dash of 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 167mph.

The Stinger will be available with a choice of three engines: a 2.0-litre turbo petrol with 255PS and 353Nm maximum torque, a 2.2-litre turbodiesel with 200PS and 440Nm and the flagship 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 which produces 370PS and 510Nm.

Albert Biermann, former head of BMW’s M division and now Kia’s engineering chief, oversaw development of the new model.

The Stinger is Kia’s first saloon car available with rear- or All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as part of a system which also features a new Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control system capable of applying power and braking force to the appropriate wheels to maintain course in adverse conditions.

The Stinger’s boot area is also larger than many in its class, with enough space for full-size luggage or golf bags and a power tailgate with smart functionality is available.  

A host of safety tech is also available, including autonomous braking, driver fatigue detection, smart cruise control and lane keep assist.

Connectivity, entertainment and vehicle information can be as important as a dynamic driving experience and the Stinger comes to market with the latest infotainment systems.

A head-up display enables the driver to see key driving information reflected on the windscreen, including speed, turn-by-turn navigation, audio and cruise control settings and Blind Spot Detection information.

Resting within the centre console is a wireless Smartphone charging pad and Bluetooth hands-free operation is standard while many of the vehicle’s subsystems may be accessed through the steering-wheel-mounted controls.

A premium Harman/Kardon audio system which pumps out 720 watts through an external amplifier will be available optionally.