Kia: Stinger News
#121
Team Owner
Hyundais/Kias are generally heavier- it's due to their chassis design. Building cars is only a small part of what that global conglomerate does. Because they produce their own steel, they are able to save costs on the overall car by doing so, and they make their cars out of solid steel. It's a double edged sword though. On one hand, you get an exceptionally stiff chassis. On the other hand, you get extra weight holding you back.
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kurtatx (09-18-2017)
#122
Team Owner
The more I see photos of the Stinger, above, the more I love it. I don't doubt the car will have short falls though... they are only starting to nibble at the Germans with this thing. As I've said before, this will not take a bite out of any German sales.. By the 3rd gen? Possible. Now? Nope. It will have growing pains, but it'll show them where they need to focus if they do decide to build subsequent generations. Hmmm... something Acura should try for once
#124
Burning Brakes
iTrader: (5)
Going to be keeping my eyes on this. Excited to test drive it when it hits dealer lots. I was never a big Kia fan, but after driving my girlfriend's Optima regularly and servicing it myself, I gotta I'm pretty impressed. We got some friends that own them too and they've all been pretty rock solid. Going to wait until the MMR comes out though before actually purchasing since this car will be the first of its model generation.
If this ends up being 85% the car the C45 AMG is, we're def taking this over it. Especially at the price point. Badges don't mean anything to me.
If this ends up being 85% the car the C45 AMG is, we're def taking this over it. Especially at the price point. Badges don't mean anything to me.
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TacoBello (09-19-2017)
#125
Moderator
As much as I the C43, I'd be giving a hard look at the Stinger & G70 as well.
#126
It is nice to have more options. Who knew Kia would be in this segment now. If somebody told me 10 years ago that Kia was working on a 3-series fighter, I'd tell them they were on crack.
I never cared much for badges, but I do care about reliability and long-term quality. The Germans still haven't proven to me that is something that they care about yet.
I never cared much for badges, but I do care about reliability and long-term quality. The Germans still haven't proven to me that is something that they care about yet.
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TacoBello (09-21-2017)
#127
Burning Brakes
iTrader: (5)
It is nice to have more options. Who knew Kia would be in this segment now. If somebody told me 10 years ago that Kia was working on a 3-series fighter, I'd tell them they were on crack.
I never cared much for badges, but I do care about reliability and long-term quality. The Germans still haven't proven to me that is something that they care about yet.
I never cared much for badges, but I do care about reliability and long-term quality. The Germans still haven't proven to me that is something that they care about yet.
#129
Azine Jabroni
I know this sounds shallow, but the Stinger should almost have it's own logo like a Mustang.
#130
$32,795
- $31,900 for base Stinger 2.0T
- $37,000 for Stinger Premium 2.0T
- $39,000 for GT 3.3 T
- $43,500 for GT1 3.3T
- $49,500 for GT2 3.3 T
- AWD $2,200 for all models
- Destination $895
Last edited by 2012wagon; 09-26-2017 at 03:46 PM.
#131
Race Director
#132
Team Owner
#133
Moderator
https://www.topgear.com/car-news/fir...specs-revealed
4WD and turbo engines galore on Kia's anticipated GT. Yours from under £32k
Remember the Stinger? Kia’s GT with rear-wheel drive? That’s the one. Kia has now revealed the specs and most importantly, the price, which starts at £31,995 when it goes on sale on January 1 next year.
There will be five different variants, with three trims – GT-Line, GT-Line S and GT-S – with a choice of three turbocharged engines. Top of the range will be the GT-S with a twin-turbo 365bhp 3.3-litre V6 engine, a 0-60mph time of just 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 168mph. This will set you back £40,495.
GT-Line and GT-Line S both get the choice of a 244bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, or a 197bhp 2.2-litre diesel, that latter motor claiming up to 50.4mpg and giving the GT a claimed touring range of more than 600 miles. All models get an eight-speed auto ‘box with flappy paddles plus rear-wheel drive.
Details inside include an eight-inch touchscreen, Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, and a nine-speaker premium sound system.
Some context. A BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe starts from £33k (the 420i Sport with just over 180bhp) against the Kia’s sub-£32k starting price. Move up to the top of the range Stinger GT-S (at £40k), and an equivalent BMW 4 GC (the 440i M Sport) costs over £45k.
“It’s not razor-sharp (nor’s a 4 Series unless it’s an M4, and they don’t do an M4 in the GC body) but it’s game and dignified,” explained TG’s Paul Horrell on the first drive of the Stinger. “Doesn’t feel out of its depth…”
You can read the rest of our first drive review here.
So, BMW or Kia - which gets your online vote?
Remember the Stinger? Kia’s GT with rear-wheel drive? That’s the one. Kia has now revealed the specs and most importantly, the price, which starts at £31,995 when it goes on sale on January 1 next year.
There will be five different variants, with three trims – GT-Line, GT-Line S and GT-S – with a choice of three turbocharged engines. Top of the range will be the GT-S with a twin-turbo 365bhp 3.3-litre V6 engine, a 0-60mph time of just 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 168mph. This will set you back £40,495.
GT-Line and GT-Line S both get the choice of a 244bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, or a 197bhp 2.2-litre diesel, that latter motor claiming up to 50.4mpg and giving the GT a claimed touring range of more than 600 miles. All models get an eight-speed auto ‘box with flappy paddles plus rear-wheel drive.
Details inside include an eight-inch touchscreen, Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, and a nine-speaker premium sound system.
Some context. A BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe starts from £33k (the 420i Sport with just over 180bhp) against the Kia’s sub-£32k starting price. Move up to the top of the range Stinger GT-S (at £40k), and an equivalent BMW 4 GC (the 440i M Sport) costs over £45k.
“It’s not razor-sharp (nor’s a 4 Series unless it’s an M4, and they don’t do an M4 in the GC body) but it’s game and dignified,” explained TG’s Paul Horrell on the first drive of the Stinger. “Doesn’t feel out of its depth…”
You can read the rest of our first drive review here.
So, BMW or Kia - which gets your online vote?
#134
Ex-OEM King
While it's not much cheaper in terms of base prices, I'm guessing the big wins will be on the options list. The Kia comes in at ~$50k fully decked out while the 440i comes in at $50k base price plus options...
Where this car will really be a win is in lease deals. They will offer tons of money on the hood to move these from the get go because of the reason above and I'd expect the G70 to be a similar situation.
Where this car will really be a win is in lease deals. They will offer tons of money on the hood to move these from the get go because of the reason above and I'd expect the G70 to be a similar situation.
#135
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The 340i with the premium pkg and Executive pkg is $55.5k including destination. That's about $5k over the Stinger 3.3T GT2 with destination.
You can still add things like driver assistance pkg, blind spot detection, active cruise control, and apple car play to the 340i which would take it up to $59k.
Likewise, a well equipped MB C43 AMG is at $64k.
My understanding is that in the US, BMW offers some pretty competitive lease deals on the 3 series. I'm not sure how it would compare with the Stinger though.
My concern for the Stinger is that it's pretty darn heavy at 4000lb for a 3.3T RWD model. An AWD C43 AMG is 3900lb. All that weight does take a toll on the performance. While the Stinger can do 0-60mph in high 4's and 1/4 mile in mid 13's at 106mph, the C43 AMG does 0-60mph in low 4's and 1/4 mile in the 12's, trapping at 110mph.
You can still add things like driver assistance pkg, blind spot detection, active cruise control, and apple car play to the 340i which would take it up to $59k.
Likewise, a well equipped MB C43 AMG is at $64k.
My understanding is that in the US, BMW offers some pretty competitive lease deals on the 3 series. I'm not sure how it would compare with the Stinger though.
My concern for the Stinger is that it's pretty darn heavy at 4000lb for a 3.3T RWD model. An AWD C43 AMG is 3900lb. All that weight does take a toll on the performance. While the Stinger can do 0-60mph in high 4's and 1/4 mile in mid 13's at 106mph, the C43 AMG does 0-60mph in low 4's and 1/4 mile in the 12's, trapping at 110mph.
#137
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Yea. But I think the same can be said with most cars in this segment eh - 340i, C43 AMG, Q50 Red Sport - none of these are track monsters.
With that said, are we really suppsoed to compare the Stinger to those cars? I thought that's what the G70 is for?
With that said, are we really suppsoed to compare the Stinger to those cars? I thought that's what the G70 is for?
#138
Team Owner
While it's not much cheaper in terms of base prices, I'm guessing the big wins will be on the options list. The Kia comes in at ~$50k fully decked out while the 440i comes in at $50k base price plus options...
Where this car will really be a win is in lease deals. They will offer tons of money on the hood to move these from the get go because of the reason above and I'd expect the G70 to be a similar situation.
Where this car will really be a win is in lease deals. They will offer tons of money on the hood to move these from the get go because of the reason above and I'd expect the G70 to be a similar situation.
#140
Ex-OEM King
The 340i with the premium pkg and Executive pkg is $55.5k including destination. That's about $5k over the Stinger 3.3T GT2 with destination.
You can still add things like driver assistance pkg, blind spot detection, active cruise control, and apple car play to the 340i which would take it up to $59k.
Likewise, a well equipped MB C43 AMG is at $64k.
My understanding is that in the US, BMW offers some pretty competitive lease deals on the 3 series. I'm not sure how it would compare with the Stinger though.
My concern for the Stinger is that it's pretty darn heavy at 4000lb for a 3.3T RWD model. An AWD C43 AMG is 3900lb. All that weight does take a toll on the performance. While the Stinger can do 0-60mph in high 4's and 1/4 mile in mid 13's at 106mph, the C43 AMG does 0-60mph in low 4's and 1/4 mile in the 12's, trapping at 110mph.
You can still add things like driver assistance pkg, blind spot detection, active cruise control, and apple car play to the 340i which would take it up to $59k.
Likewise, a well equipped MB C43 AMG is at $64k.
My understanding is that in the US, BMW offers some pretty competitive lease deals on the 3 series. I'm not sure how it would compare with the Stinger though.
My concern for the Stinger is that it's pretty darn heavy at 4000lb for a 3.3T RWD model. An AWD C43 AMG is 3900lb. All that weight does take a toll on the performance. While the Stinger can do 0-60mph in high 4's and 1/4 mile in mid 13's at 106mph, the C43 AMG does 0-60mph in low 4's and 1/4 mile in the 12's, trapping at 110mph.
You can lease a 2017 Genny G80 ($50k car) for $359/mo. Hard numbers like residuals and such are for cars without manufacturer specials. When Kia tosses a few grand on the hood to move the units and/or subsidizes the residual/MF, the lease prices come down fast.
#141
Ex-OEM King
double post.
#142
Team Owner
BMW lease deals are some of the best around. Way better than Audi but MB is close behind. I've been looking...
You can lease a 2017 Genny G80 ($50k car) for $359/mo. Hard numbers like residuals and such are for cars without manufacturer specials. When Kia tosses a few grand on the hood to move the units and/or subsidizes the residual/MF, the lease prices come down fast.
You can lease a 2017 Genny G80 ($50k car) for $359/mo. Hard numbers like residuals and such are for cars without manufacturer specials. When Kia tosses a few grand on the hood to move the units and/or subsidizes the residual/MF, the lease prices come down fast.
I am not gonna argue with you on the G80 leasing price since i don't know. Maybe that is true. But with 54% residual for 36/12k lease. Before tax and fees, buyer will have to pay about $23k in 36 months. $359/month is only $13000, Hyundai would have to discount at least 10k off MSRP in order to get anywhere close to $359/month before tax and fees. Realistically about $13000 off MSRP if we take money factor into consideration.
If that is how much Hyundai is discounting their cars, then yah it makes sense.
#143
Ex-OEM King
I am not gonna argue with you on the G80 leasing price since i don't know. Maybe that is true. But with 54% residual for 36/12k lease. Before tax and fees, buyer will have to pay about $23k in 36 months. $359/month is only $13000, Hyundai would have to discount at least 10k off MSRP in order to get anywhere close to $359/month before tax and fees. Realistically about $13000 off MSRP if we take money factor into consideration.
If that is how much Hyundai is discounting their cars, then yah it makes sense.
If that is how much Hyundai is discounting their cars, then yah it makes sense.
#144
2017 GENESIS G80
Starting MSRP $41,400*Lease starting at $399/month for 36 months with $2,999 due at signing9/6/2017 ~ 10/2/2017Low APR 0.9% financing for up to 60 months, 1.9% for 72 months PLUS $500 GF Bonus Cash
9/6/2017 ~ 10/2/2017$1,000 Value Owner
9/6/2017 ~ 10/2/2017$1,000 Competitive Owner
2018 GENESIS G80
Starting MSRP $41,750*Lease starting at $419/month for 36 months with $3,999 due at signing9/6/2017 ~ 10/2/2017Low APR 0.9% financing for up to 60 months, 1.9% for 72 months
9/6/2017 ~ 10/2/2017$1,000 Competitive Owner
9/6/2017 ~ 10/2/2017
#145
Ex-OEM King
2017 GENESIS G80
Starting MSRP $41,400*Lease starting at $399/month for 36 months with $2,999 due at signing9/6/2017 ~ 10/2/2017Low APR 0.9% financing for up to 60 months, 1.9% for 72 months PLUS $500 GF Bonus Cash
9/6/2017 ~ 10/2/2017$1,000 Value Owner
9/6/2017 ~ 10/2/2017$1,000 Competitive Owner
2018 GENESIS G80
Starting MSRP $41,750*Lease starting at $419/month for 36 months with $3,999 due at signing9/6/2017 ~ 10/2/2017Low APR 0.9% financing for up to 60 months, 1.9% for 72 months
9/6/2017 ~ 10/2/2017$1,000 Competitive Owner
9/6/2017 ~ 10/2/2017
2017 GENESIS G80Starting MSRP $41,400*
Lease starting at $359/month for 36 months with $3,999 due at signing
9/6/2017 ~ 10/2/2017Low APR 0.9% financing for up to 60 months, 1.9% for 72 months PLUS $500 GF Bonus Cash
9/6/2017 ~ 10/2/2017$1,000 Conquest Lease
9/6/2017 ~ 10/2/2017
2018 GENESIS G80Starting MSRP $41,750*
Lease starting at $429/month for 36 months with $3,999 due at signing
9/6/2017 ~ 10/2/2017Low APR 0.9% financing for up to 60 months, 1.9% for 72 months
9/6/2017 ~ 10/2/2017
#146
Might be different for different areas, this is what I'm seeing:
2017 GENESIS G80Starting MSRP $41,400*
Lease starting at $359/month for 36 months with $3,999 due at signing
9/6/2017 ~ 10/2/2017Low APR 0.9% financing for up to 60 months, 1.9% for 72 months PLUS $500 GF Bonus Cash
9/6/2017 ~ 10/2/2017$1,000 Conquest Lease
9/6/2017 ~ 10/2/2017
2018 GENESIS G80Starting MSRP $41,750*
Lease starting at $429/month for 36 months with $3,999 due at signing
9/6/2017 ~ 10/2/2017Low APR 0.9% financing for up to 60 months, 1.9% for 72 months
9/6/2017 ~ 10/2/2017
2017 GENESIS G80Starting MSRP $41,400*
Lease starting at $359/month for 36 months with $3,999 due at signing
9/6/2017 ~ 10/2/2017Low APR 0.9% financing for up to 60 months, 1.9% for 72 months PLUS $500 GF Bonus Cash
9/6/2017 ~ 10/2/2017$1,000 Conquest Lease
9/6/2017 ~ 10/2/2017
2018 GENESIS G80Starting MSRP $41,750*
Lease starting at $429/month for 36 months with $3,999 due at signing
9/6/2017 ~ 10/2/2017Low APR 0.9% financing for up to 60 months, 1.9% for 72 months
9/6/2017 ~ 10/2/2017
the one I posted is $2999 downpayment
none are 50k msrp with 359 payment as previously stipulated
oooooonoooooowindoooooo math is correct as always
#147
Team Owner
Might be different for different areas, this is what I'm seeing:
2017 GENESIS G80Starting MSRP $41,400*
Lease starting at $359/month for 36 months with $3,999 due at signing
9/6/2017 ~ 10/2/2017Low APR 0.9% financing for up to 60 months, 1.9% for 72 months PLUS $500 GF Bonus Cash
9/6/2017 ~ 10/2/2017$1,000 Conquest Lease
9/6/2017 ~ 10/2/2017
2018 GENESIS G80Starting MSRP $41,750*
Lease starting at $429/month for 36 months with $3,999 due at signing
9/6/2017 ~ 10/2/2017Low APR 0.9% financing for up to 60 months, 1.9% for 72 months
9/6/2017 ~ 10/2/2017
2017 GENESIS G80Starting MSRP $41,400*
Lease starting at $359/month for 36 months with $3,999 due at signing
9/6/2017 ~ 10/2/2017Low APR 0.9% financing for up to 60 months, 1.9% for 72 months PLUS $500 GF Bonus Cash
9/6/2017 ~ 10/2/2017$1,000 Conquest Lease
9/6/2017 ~ 10/2/2017
2018 GENESIS G80Starting MSRP $41,750*
Lease starting at $429/month for 36 months with $3,999 due at signing
9/6/2017 ~ 10/2/2017Low APR 0.9% financing for up to 60 months, 1.9% for 72 months
9/6/2017 ~ 10/2/2017
Just trying to make sense how you can get $359 a month on a 50k. Because if it was true, that is very very attractive lease program.
This is what you said:
You can lease a 2017 Genny G80 ($50k car) for $359/mo. Hard numbers like residuals and such are for cars without manufacturer specials. When Kia tosses a few grand on the hood to move the units and/or subsidizes the residual/MF, the lease prices come down fast.
FYI. i got my 2013 F30 335i for 510 a month tax included with 1000 drive off, 36/12k miles a year, MSRP $53,000
So if you compare apple to apple, the $41k is only about $30 cheaper a month than a 53k BMW... and i dont even know if that G80 lease program is 10k a year or 12k.
Anyways, those are just marketing BS, unless they are giving HUUUUUUGe discounts, otherwise you are paying one way or the other.
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2012wagon (10-03-2017)
#149
You'll Never Walk Alone
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Yea. The entry price is also low enough to match the higher trims of mid-size family sedans. So perhaps for those looking for something like an Accord 2.0T EX-L or Touring, may be they will be tempted to go with the base RWD Stinger and give up a bunch of features and straight line performance.
#150
Ex-OEM King
Just trying to make sense how you can get $359 a month on a 50k. Because if it was true, that is very very attractive lease program.
This is what you said:
On a 41k, that is a little more possible since there is 9000 difference in MSRP already. But $4000 drive off is a huge chunk on a lease... never advised.
FYI. i got my 2013 F30 335i for 510 a month tax included with 1000 drive off, 36/12k miles a year, MSRP $53,000
So if you compare apple to apple, the $41k is only about $30 cheaper a month than a 53k BMW... and i dont even know if that G80 lease program is 10k a year or 12k.
Anyways, those are just marketing BS, unless they are giving HUUUUUUGe discounts, otherwise you are paying one way or the other.
This is what you said:
On a 41k, that is a little more possible since there is 9000 difference in MSRP already. But $4000 drive off is a huge chunk on a lease... never advised.
FYI. i got my 2013 F30 335i for 510 a month tax included with 1000 drive off, 36/12k miles a year, MSRP $53,000
So if you compare apple to apple, the $41k is only about $30 cheaper a month than a 53k BMW... and i dont even know if that G80 lease program is 10k a year or 12k.
Anyways, those are just marketing BS, unless they are giving HUUUUUUGe discounts, otherwise you are paying one way or the other.
Either way, $450ish/mo is pretty attractive to those people looking for a luxury car in comparison to something like a BMW or otherwise.
#151
Team Owner
Fair enough, I've never leased a car so thank you for the education. I wouldn't put down $4k for a lease anyway, I know at least that much. $510 incl taxes for a $53k MSRP car seems like an awesome deal. How'd you swing that?
Either way, $450ish/mo is pretty attractive to those people looking for a luxury car in comparison to something like a BMW or otherwise.
Either way, $450ish/mo is pretty attractive to those people looking for a luxury car in comparison to something like a BMW or otherwise.
I dont know about now, but for BMW 3/4 series, the residual was over 60% for 36 months lease. So that helps significantly. On top of that, BMW's money factor is usually pretty good (APR), then with the combination of BMW driving event $1000 credit towards your lease and another $5k off MSRP, that is how i could get $500 a month on a 53k msrp car and currently low $6XX on a car with $60k+ MSRP.
#152
Moderator
https://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/...to/first-drive
I can actually buy a Kia Stinger GT S now, right?
You can, for the sum of £40,495. For that you get an enormous amount of equipment, and a 365bhp bi-turbo V6 engine. So it’s more powerful and £5,000 cheaper than the current sports saloon bridesmaids. We’re talking Audi S5 Sportback, BMW 440i Gran Coupe (both of which were Kia’s performance and handling benchmarks). In the same ballpark, you’ve got the best V6-powered sporty saloon car out there too: the 375bhp Jaguar XE S.
There are four-cylinder petrol and diesel Stingers too, but ‘S’ means V6. It’s the one you’re most interested in, isn’t it?
Last time we were presented with a Stinger GT S, it was confined to that racetrack in Germany, wasn’t available for order, and was a pre-production car. This time, we’ve got a right-hand drive UK-spec Stinger, (albeit in Mallorca), in showroom trim, and the virtual order books are open.
Our early drive already explained the interior is fundamentally sorted (spot on driving position, tastefully put together), but now specs have been finalised we know the equipment levels are faintly spectacular. Stinger GT S models get LED lights, Brembo brakes, heated and cooled seats plus a heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control with lane assist, a 7in toushcreen with Apple and Android mirroring, an electric tailgate, adaptive suspension… it’s absolutely loaded. You try getting that much kit on a German car for forty grand.
Okay, I can buy one, and it’ll be good value. Should I buy one?
If I’m permitted to swerve the question like a textbook politician, then bear in mind Kia doesn’t actually think it’ll sell many of these things. Annual sales target for 2018? 1,800 cars in the UK. Europe as a whole will only account for between seven and ten per cent of Stinger sales. The USA and Far East is where the Stinger’s audience awaits.
This is a classic ‘brand-builder’. The Stinger will sell in tiny handfuls, and it’ll be a rarer sight in Europe than a hybrid hypercar. But when you do see one, it’ll probably turn your head, and just having one in the showroom or on the website when you’re browsing for a new supermini or crossover might just tip you towards taking Kia a bit more seriously. Because it’s supposed to have pedigree, see. Which means we should get on with seeing if the most powerful, fastest Kia ever is any good.
Rattle off some numbers then…
Your 365bhp is abetted by 376lb ft of torque, which lasts from a low’n’lazy 1,300rpm right through to 4,500rpm. The 3.3-litre V6 only revs to 6,250rpm, but the redline is cheekily rated at 6,500rpm on the tacho. It’ll crack 0-62mph in a BMW 440i-matching 5.1 seconds, and tops out at 167mph.
The V6 drives via eight automatic gears - there’s no manual option - and even the paddles only override the auto-shifting for ten seconds. Because supposedly, American and Korean buyers only click a paddle once in a blue moon, for a quick overtake perhaps. Only Europeans like to take full control, we’re told. Are we sure? Hmmm.
What’s it actually like on the road?
The Stinger suffers from a phenomenon we shall call Mode Overload. Or maybe OverMode. Kia’s very proud of the many settings you can choose from, but there’s not a massive amount of difference between the five mood swings.
Comfort is the standard default. It’s not very interesting. Eco dulls the throttle and gives the gearbox narcolepsy. ‘Smart’ supposedly adapts to your driving style. If you have a sporty driving style, you might as well twist the knob towards Sport, which adds fake noise, stiffer suspension and slightly heavier steering. Sport Plus keeps all of that on and switches the traction control off.
I spent pretty much all my time in Sport, putting up with the gloopier weight of the steering to have the fizzier powertrain and tighter body control. It’s supposed to be a sports saloon anyway, and the character change between modes is nowhere near as bipolar as, say, a Mercedes-AMG C43.
Settled into Sport Mode, the Stinger sets about pleasantly surprising you. It steers accurately, and the variable ratio set-up isn’t so stupidly quick that the front tyres get caught out every time you pour it into a corner. Looking at you, C43.
There’s a pleasant balance to the chassis, which manages the critical trick of hiding its weight without detaching you from what’s going on at the wheels. It floats a little if you’re bounding over crests, but the suspension tidies up the movements professionally and there’s a lot less body roll than you’d expect for such a sizeable barge. The Brembo brakes aren’t brimming with precision, but they’re abuse-absorbing, and if you’re going to hustle the Stinger, it’s reassuring to know the stoppers aren’t made from the chocolate wafers BMW M Sport discs are.
It looks quite big and lardy.
On the road, the Stinger doesn’t just hide its weight, it also shrinks usefully. It feels no bigger or more cumbersome than a 4 Series. It cruises extremely quietly. And it feels quick too. The V6 is more on the Audi S4 end of the charisma scale than up there with the raucous C43, but it delivers power with a broad, stout linearity, and the eight gear ratios are chosen cleverly. Turbo lag? Not a problem.
The gearbox is less impressive. The changes, manual or automated, just aren’t that quick, and because you’re denied a true manual mode, it’ll get properly flustered if your paddleshift override disagrees with its opinion of what gear to pick next. It always auto upchanges at the (fake) redline, and if you accidentally trigger the lockdown button you might as well stick the hazards on while the transmission fumbles for the shortest gear possible.
But it’s credible? An actual sports saloon, not a cruise liner with red brake calipers?
Yes, albeit one that feels far more at home living up to the ‘GT’ part of its name than trying to ram its Nürburgring honing down your throat. But it’s a sorted road car, on the whole. Not a machine you’d set a 5am Sunday alarm call to thrash, but one you might come off the motorway a junction early in a couple of times a week, just to hustle it cross-country. For a first effort in a mighty competitive class, the Stinger deserves credit. Best of all, it actually manages to feel like a lot of car for £40k.
You can, for the sum of £40,495. For that you get an enormous amount of equipment, and a 365bhp bi-turbo V6 engine. So it’s more powerful and £5,000 cheaper than the current sports saloon bridesmaids. We’re talking Audi S5 Sportback, BMW 440i Gran Coupe (both of which were Kia’s performance and handling benchmarks). In the same ballpark, you’ve got the best V6-powered sporty saloon car out there too: the 375bhp Jaguar XE S.
There are four-cylinder petrol and diesel Stingers too, but ‘S’ means V6. It’s the one you’re most interested in, isn’t it?
Last time we were presented with a Stinger GT S, it was confined to that racetrack in Germany, wasn’t available for order, and was a pre-production car. This time, we’ve got a right-hand drive UK-spec Stinger, (albeit in Mallorca), in showroom trim, and the virtual order books are open.
Our early drive already explained the interior is fundamentally sorted (spot on driving position, tastefully put together), but now specs have been finalised we know the equipment levels are faintly spectacular. Stinger GT S models get LED lights, Brembo brakes, heated and cooled seats plus a heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control with lane assist, a 7in toushcreen with Apple and Android mirroring, an electric tailgate, adaptive suspension… it’s absolutely loaded. You try getting that much kit on a German car for forty grand.
Okay, I can buy one, and it’ll be good value. Should I buy one?
If I’m permitted to swerve the question like a textbook politician, then bear in mind Kia doesn’t actually think it’ll sell many of these things. Annual sales target for 2018? 1,800 cars in the UK. Europe as a whole will only account for between seven and ten per cent of Stinger sales. The USA and Far East is where the Stinger’s audience awaits.
This is a classic ‘brand-builder’. The Stinger will sell in tiny handfuls, and it’ll be a rarer sight in Europe than a hybrid hypercar. But when you do see one, it’ll probably turn your head, and just having one in the showroom or on the website when you’re browsing for a new supermini or crossover might just tip you towards taking Kia a bit more seriously. Because it’s supposed to have pedigree, see. Which means we should get on with seeing if the most powerful, fastest Kia ever is any good.
Rattle off some numbers then…
Your 365bhp is abetted by 376lb ft of torque, which lasts from a low’n’lazy 1,300rpm right through to 4,500rpm. The 3.3-litre V6 only revs to 6,250rpm, but the redline is cheekily rated at 6,500rpm on the tacho. It’ll crack 0-62mph in a BMW 440i-matching 5.1 seconds, and tops out at 167mph.
The V6 drives via eight automatic gears - there’s no manual option - and even the paddles only override the auto-shifting for ten seconds. Because supposedly, American and Korean buyers only click a paddle once in a blue moon, for a quick overtake perhaps. Only Europeans like to take full control, we’re told. Are we sure? Hmmm.
What’s it actually like on the road?
The Stinger suffers from a phenomenon we shall call Mode Overload. Or maybe OverMode. Kia’s very proud of the many settings you can choose from, but there’s not a massive amount of difference between the five mood swings.
Comfort is the standard default. It’s not very interesting. Eco dulls the throttle and gives the gearbox narcolepsy. ‘Smart’ supposedly adapts to your driving style. If you have a sporty driving style, you might as well twist the knob towards Sport, which adds fake noise, stiffer suspension and slightly heavier steering. Sport Plus keeps all of that on and switches the traction control off.
I spent pretty much all my time in Sport, putting up with the gloopier weight of the steering to have the fizzier powertrain and tighter body control. It’s supposed to be a sports saloon anyway, and the character change between modes is nowhere near as bipolar as, say, a Mercedes-AMG C43.
Settled into Sport Mode, the Stinger sets about pleasantly surprising you. It steers accurately, and the variable ratio set-up isn’t so stupidly quick that the front tyres get caught out every time you pour it into a corner. Looking at you, C43.
There’s a pleasant balance to the chassis, which manages the critical trick of hiding its weight without detaching you from what’s going on at the wheels. It floats a little if you’re bounding over crests, but the suspension tidies up the movements professionally and there’s a lot less body roll than you’d expect for such a sizeable barge. The Brembo brakes aren’t brimming with precision, but they’re abuse-absorbing, and if you’re going to hustle the Stinger, it’s reassuring to know the stoppers aren’t made from the chocolate wafers BMW M Sport discs are.
It looks quite big and lardy.
On the road, the Stinger doesn’t just hide its weight, it also shrinks usefully. It feels no bigger or more cumbersome than a 4 Series. It cruises extremely quietly. And it feels quick too. The V6 is more on the Audi S4 end of the charisma scale than up there with the raucous C43, but it delivers power with a broad, stout linearity, and the eight gear ratios are chosen cleverly. Turbo lag? Not a problem.
The gearbox is less impressive. The changes, manual or automated, just aren’t that quick, and because you’re denied a true manual mode, it’ll get properly flustered if your paddleshift override disagrees with its opinion of what gear to pick next. It always auto upchanges at the (fake) redline, and if you accidentally trigger the lockdown button you might as well stick the hazards on while the transmission fumbles for the shortest gear possible.
But it’s credible? An actual sports saloon, not a cruise liner with red brake calipers?
Yes, albeit one that feels far more at home living up to the ‘GT’ part of its name than trying to ram its Nürburgring honing down your throat. But it’s a sorted road car, on the whole. Not a machine you’d set a 5am Sunday alarm call to thrash, but one you might come off the motorway a junction early in a couple of times a week, just to hustle it cross-country. For a first effort in a mighty competitive class, the Stinger deserves credit. Best of all, it actually manages to feel like a lot of car for £40k.
#153
Moderator
#154
Moderator
#155
Senior Moderator
#156
Team Owner
Someone left this comment at the bottom of the C&D review:
Talk about hitting the nail on the head.
Also, the car got twitchy on shit roads when they punch the gas? No fucking shit, Sherlock it's like they're looking for shit to complain about but are coming up dry. Also, have these guys never driven a RWD drive car? Twitchy as fuck on shit roads, with any gas. Isn't the top of the line stinger rear wheel biased AWD? If so, same thing.
Nitpick this car all you want, but the Stinger was never meant to be a sports car. It is a GT car. It is meant to be a comfortable sporty car. Still, I seem to remember more than a few M-B cars having terrible ride quality, BMWs having lifeless steering and Audis having excessive understeer. The Stinger clearly punches above its weight and if you are looking for something with more performance but don't want to spend much more money, the G70 will be smaller, lighter, faster and more dynamic. Mission accomplished for Kia.
Also, the car got twitchy on shit roads when they punch the gas? No fucking shit, Sherlock it's like they're looking for shit to complain about but are coming up dry. Also, have these guys never driven a RWD drive car? Twitchy as fuck on shit roads, with any gas. Isn't the top of the line stinger rear wheel biased AWD? If so, same thing.
#157
You'll Never Walk Alone
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Hmmm, I think that's a legit complaint though. The AP1 S2000 got the same complaint too but that's more of less okay since it's a roadster/sports car. It's supposed to be that way. But for something like the Stinger, Hyundai says it's more of a GT car. Cars in this class more of less feel more stable through corners.
I believe the best in this business is the Cadillac ATS and CTS. Both of these have been highly praised for their handling, driving dynamics, and a reasonably well sorted ride. Here's a quote from C/D about the CTS:
The CTS is RWD, and it's got a decent amount of power.
Dodge also got the suspension tuned right for their Charger:
I thought the C/D article was just stating their observations. The Stinger is a seriously good attempt by Kia to make a GT RWD car that is highly affordable. It's got a strong optional engine, it's loaded with a lot of features, it's got aggressive styling, and for the most part it seems to be reasonably fun to drive.
But it doesn't mean it's flawless. The handling can be nervous if you push it hard, the tranny isn't as responsive as some would've like, and the engine doesn't sound as nice in the higher rev range.
Despite of the shortcomings, I still think it's an excellent effort by Kia. And I'd expect the model will get better during the MMC and FMC. I mean no car is really perfect. Even the C43, the 340i, S4, ATS, etc, they all have some issues. That doesn't mean the are bad cars. I think it's good that C/D are pointing some of the issues out.
I believe the best in this business is the Cadillac ATS and CTS. Both of these have been highly praised for their handling, driving dynamics, and a reasonably well sorted ride. Here's a quote from C/D about the CTS:
The CTS is one of the most dynamic sedans in the mid-size luxury segment. Steering is direct; the front wheels respond immediately to inputs, but some of our editors feel that the steering effort is artificially heavy no matter which driving mode is selected. Nonetheless, turn-in is wonderfully sharp, and the CTS seems to hunker down through corners. Body roll is well controlled, and even in aggressive maneuvers, the CTS remains composed and unruffled.
Dodge also got the suspension tuned right for their Charger:
The performance-tuned suspension doesn’t have the adjustable factor of the Hellcat’s or the SRT 392 Charger’s but is never jouncy in the middle of travel and delivers good body control without beating up its occupants. There’s almost no side-to-side head toss, even on undulating, high-crown roads. The Scat Pack’s electrically boosted steering doesn’t give up much to the Hellcat’s hydraulically boosted setup; turn-in is quick yet nicely weighted with good on-center feel, and the car goes where it’s pointed with precision.
But it doesn't mean it's flawless. The handling can be nervous if you push it hard, the tranny isn't as responsive as some would've like, and the engine doesn't sound as nice in the higher rev range.
Despite of the shortcomings, I still think it's an excellent effort by Kia. And I'd expect the model will get better during the MMC and FMC. I mean no car is really perfect. Even the C43, the 340i, S4, ATS, etc, they all have some issues. That doesn't mean the are bad cars. I think it's good that C/D are pointing some of the issues out.
#158
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Nationally, Kia is offering the 255 hp Stinger 2.0 turbo from $299 for 36 months with $2,999 due at signing. The deal includes an allowance of 12,000 miles per year, which is pretty standard for Kia.
Based on an effective cost of $382/month, we consider this a pretty good deal given the vehicle’s MSRP of $32,800. Program bulletins show the deal includes an impressive $4,800 in factory lease discounts.
This means the base model Stinger is actually cheaper to lease than Chevy Camaro with the 2.0T even though the Kia has a sticker price that is $5000 more. But the news gets better, apparently, the higher up you go on the Stinger trim level, the more money Kia puts on the hood to make the lease competitive.At the top of the range, the all-wheel drive Stinger GT2 benefits from a whopping $6,800 in lease cash, something we consider incredibly surprising. In contrast, buying a Stinger isn’t nearly as attractive, at least for now.
Based on an effective cost of $382/month, we consider this a pretty good deal given the vehicle’s MSRP of $32,800. Program bulletins show the deal includes an impressive $4,800 in factory lease discounts.
This means the base model Stinger is actually cheaper to lease than Chevy Camaro with the 2.0T even though the Kia has a sticker price that is $5000 more. But the news gets better, apparently, the higher up you go on the Stinger trim level, the more money Kia puts on the hood to make the lease competitive.At the top of the range, the all-wheel drive Stinger GT2 benefits from a whopping $6,800 in lease cash, something we consider incredibly surprising. In contrast, buying a Stinger isn’t nearly as attractive, at least for now.
#159
Team Owner
that is rare. usually manuf. refuses to give out huge discounts or programs on new cars...