Kia Stinger 2.0 / 2.2 CRDI

£31,995 / £33,895 Engine 2199cc 4cyl turbo, RWD, 197bhp, 325lb ft Performance 0–62mph in 7.3secs, 143mph, 50.4mpg, 154g/km CO Weight 1778kg These are the Stingers people might actually buy. Though we greatly like the V6 version, the simple fact is economics will dictate that most people opt for one of the two 4cyls Kia’s just launched.

But this isn’t bad news. The petrol turbo 2.0-litre has 255bhp and a zingy, revvy character. It still feels decently lively, but the 8spd auto isn’t ideal.

In Eco and Comfort modes, it does its best to muzzle the life out of the engine, but under lightish throttle it changes up well below 2,000rpm, eliciting a dieselly rumble through the bulkhead. But you needn’t put up with that. Use more throttle, or switch to Sport mode, or keep active with the paddles.

The 2.2-litre 197bhp diesel is a decent installation of a fairly undistinguished engine. You’ll more likely leave shift choice up to the transmission’s brain. So there’s less involvement than the petrol. There’s less performance too, though if you stick at middle revs, the diesel feels as strong as the petrol, and the transmission’s shift strategy does the diesel that favour. But there’s never fun from this powerplant, whereas the four-cylinder petrol can make you smile at times.

Obviously, the Stinger’s surprisingly roomy cabin remains, as does the generosity of equipment.

For anyone sensitive to the sticker price, but who still fancies the Stinger’s extroversion, either of these is a good choice. Buy the 2.0 petrol for fun; the diesel for a smart-looking caravan tug.