An excellent first attempt at a Gran Turismo from Kia. The Stinger was first introduced as a concept car back in 2011 at the IAA auto show in Frankfurt. Some may have thought that Kia wouldn't ever actually have brought this to market, but here it is in the flesh. For the moment there is only a 3.3 litre version of the car available to the Irish market. However, we have been told that the 2.2-litre version will be available here come March 2018.
In terms of performance, this car covers the bases quite well - especially for a first generation of this kind of car for the brand. Once again, we only have access to the Kia Stinger GT 3.3 for the moment, but this TwinTurbo V6 engine throws out a whopping 370hp and can get you from 0-100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. Not bad for a Kia, but it's still a pinch off the Audi S5 Sportback's timing of 4.7 seconds.
On the road it does what it should very well. The steering could be better weighted, however, we can't really complain about it. Feedback is excellent from the wheel. Even the suspension is surprising, and while it can be firm in "Sport" mode, nothing less should be expected, this is part of the territory.
One of the few negatives of this car is that it is perhaps a little too refined (a bit of a contradiction to what we'd usually want!). You see, with a GT like this people want to hear a powerful growl from start-up, and while the noise is nice, it could do with being a little louder. Even when the car is revved, it would want to be a little beefier.
Internal quality is excellent, and the GT model comes with leather materials and a nicely laid out dash. The only negative in this department is the infotainment system. While the system is actually pretty good, it just seems a little too like the Optima set-up. This is nit-picking, but it would be nicer had they changed things a bit for this car.
Our test model cam with a head up display, which is always good for ensuring that eyes are on the road. The car is also available with Smart Cruise Control and Driver Attention Warning. Other ADAS technology like Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Warning and High Beam Assist is also available with the car.
Space is excellent within the Kia Stinger. Four adults would easily fit in here and a fifth is a certain possibility, but it would be a little cramped. The only downside to the rear is that the front seat rear is a little low, and we found it a little difficult to get our feet under the seats! The boot offers 406 litres.
Arrange a