KIA has announced its Stinger GT - the first rear-wheel-drive model from the Korean car maker in the UK - will be priced from £31,995 when it goes on sale next year.

The Stinger line up will include a high performance V6 capable of 0 to 60mph in 4.7 seconds with a top speed of 168mph.

Described as a game changer for the Korean brand, the Stinger will be available in five versions with the entry-level models powered either by a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine or a 2.2-litre diesel.

The diesel, which is rated at 7.3 seconds 0 to 60 with a top end of 143mph, is said to be capable of 50.4mpg giving the Stinger a theoretical range of more than 600 miles.

Emissions are 147g/km for the diesel, 181 for the 2.0-litre petrol and 225 for the V6.

Three trim levels, GT-Line, GT-Line S and GT-S will be offered with the range topper priced from £40,495.

Across the range the Stinger will have an 8.0-inch touchscreen navigation system with European mapping and a Traffic Messaging Channel linked to Kia Connected Services with TomTom, giving traffic, weather and local search information, and even warning of speed cameras.

The Stinger can be connected to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay via a smartphone, has Bluetooth with voice recognition and music streaming and is equipped with a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors and a 7.0-inch Thin Film Transistor cluster in the instrument panel.

A head-up display is also a standard feature, which displays speed and navigation instruction, and is a first for Kia in the UK.

GT-Line S and GT-S models will also have a 360-degree around-view camera system.

Safety features include autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, a driver fatigue monitor and speed sign recognition. GT-Line S and GT-S also have blind spot and rear cross traffic alerts and the GT-S flagship has Brembo brakes.

A limited slip differential is standard on all models with the GT-S sitting on 19-inch alloys. The other models have 18-inch rims.

The GT-S is upholstered in Nappa leather and also has a variable electronic suspension system. All cars include leather trim and power adjustable seating.

The new Stinger is slated for release in the UK on January 1, 2018.