The Kia Stinger Gt Car has carved a niche for itself in the competitive sport sedan market, offering a compelling blend of performance, style, and value. While Kia offers a range of engines for the Stinger, including a frugal diesel option, it’s the turbocharged 3.3-litre V6 that truly defines the GT badge, delivering exhilarating pace that will satisfy driving enthusiasts. This review delves into what makes the Stinger GT car a standout choice, particularly for those seeking thrilling performance.
Kia equips the Stinger GT car with a selection of engines, all sending power to the rear wheels via a smooth eight-speed automatic gearbox. This transmission offers a refined experience, avoiding the low-speed jerkiness sometimes found in dual-clutch systems. However, while competent, it doesn’t quite match the lightning-fast responsiveness of the automatic transmissions found in rivals like the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe.
For drivers primarily navigating city streets, the 2.0-litre petrol engine presents a sensible option. It comes with a lower price tag than the diesel and operates more quietly at slower speeds, proving slightly more economical in urban environments.
While the four-cylinder engine may not possess the silky smoothness of the V6, it provides ample power for confidently merging into fast-moving highway traffic. However, achieving the diesel’s fuel efficiency on longer journeys proves challenging. Kia quotes a figure of 35.8mpg, but realistically, exceeding 30mpg requires a very gentle touch on the accelerator pedal.
The 2.2-litre diesel engine emerges as a more suitable choice for those who frequently undertake motorway journeys. Although carrying a higher initial cost of approximately £2,200 compared to the base petrol model, it rewards owners with significantly improved fuel economy, achieving around 45mpg in real-world driving, closer to Kia’s claimed 50.4mpg.
Kia Stinger GT car engine options provide a range of performance and economy choices.
However, this enhanced fuel efficiency comes at a trade-off in performance. The 2.2-litre diesel variant takes about 1.6 seconds longer to reach 60mph from a standstill compared to the entry-level petrol version. Furthermore, its engine note can sound less refined, exhibiting more rattle and growl than comparable Audi or BMW diesel engines when accelerating to overtake.
If a genuinely sporty four-door car is your desire, the 3.3-litre V6 Stinger GT car is the definitive model to choose. Beyond its sportier bumpers, larger alloy wheels, and quad exhausts, lies a twin-turbo V6 engine. This powerhouse propels the Stinger GT car from 0-60mph in under 4.9 seconds – a figure that surpasses even the Porsche Boxster sports car.
The rear of the Kia Stinger GT car showcases its sporty quad exhausts and fastback silhouette.
While fuel economy inevitably suffers compared to the diesel, achieving Kia’s stated 26.6mpg (a somewhat conservative figure in real-world driving) is вполне achievable. However, for those prioritizing fuel costs, it’s worth noting that competitors like the Audi S5 Sportback can achieve around 10mpg better, and the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe M440i boasts a claimed 41.5mpg, all while offering comparable performance to the Kia Stinger GT car.
The Kia Stinger GT car’s low-slung driving position and extended bonnet might initially suggest challenging urban maneuverability. However, thoughtfully designed thin front pillars provide excellent forward visibility. In ‘comfort’ mode, the light steering and responsive controls make navigating tight city streets surprisingly stress-free.
Rear visibility is admittedly limited, but higher-spec GT-Line S and GTS trims compensate with a useful 360-degree surround-view camera system, greatly simplifying parallel parking.
GTS and Blue Edition versions of the Stinger GT car come standard with adaptive suspension. This feature allows drivers to select between ‘Comfort’ and ‘Sport’ settings. ‘Comfort’ mode effectively softens the impact of larger bumps and potholes, while ‘Sport’ mode stiffens the suspension to minimize body roll during spirited cornering.
Despite this advanced suspension technology, the Kia Stinger GT car doesn’t quite achieve the same level of composed handling as a BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. Its rear-wheel-drive configuration, while engaging for driving purists, means it can’t launch out of corners with the same immediacy as a four-wheel-drive Audi S5 Sportback, nor does it offer the same sure-footed stability on slippery winter roads.
For more relaxed cruising at motorway speeds, the standard Stinger performs admirably. However, it exhibits slightly more wind and tyre noise compared to premium German marques like Mercedes-Benz or BMW. Furthermore, models equipped with larger 19-inch alloy wheels, such as the Blue Edition and GTS, can transmit more road imperfections into the cabin.
While perhaps not quite as refined for long journeys as its German rivals, the Kia Stinger GT car provides reassuring levels of safety. It earned a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP in 2017, bolstered by features like an automatic emergency braking system. This system proactively applies the brakes to mitigate low-speed collisions if it detects an obstacle ahead.
In conclusion, the Kia Stinger GT car presents a compelling package for those seeking a sporty and stylish sedan. The V6 engine delivers exhilarating performance, making it a true GT car, while offering a range of features and competitive pricing. While it may not fully match the refinement and handling prowess of established German rivals in every aspect, the Stinger GT car offers a unique and exciting alternative in the sport sedan segment.
