Although it is not completely new, I was very much looking forward to the Kia Stinger test. Even more joy was provided by the information that it will be a GT version with a top engine. Moreover, in a beautiful, presentational red color.
The Stinger is proof that the Korean Hyundai-Kia concern is ready to develop and produce high-performance cars competitive with the German premium three. The combination of famous development names (Albert Biermann) and strong capital of the manufacturer managed to produce a vehicle that is very close to perfection.
From the outside
I don't encounter a Stinger on the road every day. I can even state that I have only seen a few of them in recent months. Blue, yellow, red… it looks great in any of these colors. The exterior design of this car makes it exceptional and unique. I hope that the individual elements will be transferred to other models of the brand in the future.
This is what a GT car should look like. A long hood with a low nose, a properly lowered windshield, a gradually falling roof ending in a high rear part. Aggressive accessories indicating the power of the car, such as distinctive exhaust tips, large low-profile wheels, excessive openings ensuring the cooling of the brake system, this is all a must-have for every manufacturer. Kia does not bring the first-plan "wow" effect, but it immediately impresses as a whole. The car has a balanced impression, it is low, wide and gives the impression of expanding even more towards the rear. This is due to the muscular rear fenders protruding into the space, which are perfectly filled with 19" wheels shod in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires with a size of 255/35 (225/40 in the front).
From the front, it impresses with a radiator grille proudly bearing the Kia brand. The sporty shaped bumper blends beautifully with the large, fully LED lights and flows into the long hood with unobtrusively soft moldings. It's a shame that the design elements on it indicating the openings for cooling the engine compartment are blinded and only serve for effect. Similarly, there are black cavities on the sides of the front bumper.
The side shows the full length of the car with a very short front overhang. The front fender hides a functional, chrome-covered opening for heat dissipation from the brakes, tastefully connected to the lower molding on the door. The side windows tapering towards the rear emphasize the vehicle's low silhouette.
The rear part of the car is probably the most interesting. The long rear window is finished with a discreet spoiler and suggests a liftback body. Narrow rear lights with a line extending far into the rear fender are an unusual and new design element for Kia. The majesty of the rear part is underlined by four distinctive exhaust tips set in a discreet diffuser.
I noticed that the rear fender is a separate part of the body and is not connected to the roof like other manufacturers. This means that when it is replaced, it will not be necessary to cut off this part and weld a new one, for which I praise the manufacturer.
Inside
After opening the doors, I was impressed by the honest seals around their perimeter, which are important in soundproofing the cabin from aerodynamic noise. The door upholstery is made of premium quality leather, metal and its imitation. Looking inside, I notice the dashboard not too far out into the space. It consists of high-quality materials with the delicacy and taste typical of premium brands. Circular vents dominate the central part of the dashboard. Someone may argue that Kia was inspired by the competition from Stuttgart, but nowadays it is difficult to come up with something completely new. In any case, the dashboard looks very good, there are no dead spots or too many free surfaces. Fortunately, the manufacturer has preserved the control of the basic functions of the audio system and ventilation using buttons and circular controls. At the same time, it did not succumb to the current trend of "pre-displaying" every free area of the interior. The shape and layout of the instrument panel resembles the cheaper models of the brand, but the display in its center is larger and shows more information (stopwatches, overloads, torque values, oil temperature, etc.). It took me a while to get used to the somewhat confusing speedometer dialing, where the value of 100 starts only after its half.
I really liked the shape and development of the central tunnel, the material of which is a good imitation of aluminum. Fortunately, my "favorite" piano paint is only used in a small area around the automatic transmission control lever, which resembles a small joystick with a massive head. A box with a smoothly sliding lid under the ventilation controls hides space for wireless charging of a mobile phone and, among other things, a USB slot for connecting it to infotainment. The rotary switch is used to switch driving modes, while returning to the basic position after switching.
The 8" infotainment display is modernly placed in the center of the dashboard above the ventilation vents. It is widely criticized for its outdated graphics. I agree with this criticism, but on the other hand, I have to highlight its quick reactions and full integration with Android Auto and Apple Car Play. It must be added that their use requires activation hidden in the menu.
The sporty and at the same time luxurious feel of the interior was completed by the soft plush covered ceiling and side pillars.
Even the Stinger isn't quite perfect in the interior. The upper part of the dashboard is made of soft plastic, which is supposed to resemble leather with its appearance and double stitching, but it does not succeed very well. There are two possibilities: either the manufacturer will really work the leather there, or on the contrary, he will remove the stitching and everything will be fine. Furthermore, I am not satisfied with the material on the surface of the steering wheel. I have no reservations about the shape, size and thickness of the leather-stitched wreath. However, I do not like the material of its middle part, which gives me a cheap impression.
Except for minor flaws, the interior is extremely successful and looks better in person than in the photos. It manages to combine luxury and sporty elegance in a way that leaves only the best feelings in the crew. I must also highlight the durability of the interior, which survived 24,000 km in the hands of journalists without damage.
Driving
Putting it on requires a little practice, because the car is quite low and the seats are anchored just as low. My first feeling after getting into the car was: "Where do I put my cell phone?". After a short introduction to the interior, it was of course no problem and I found a suitable place. I delved into the perfect seats where, in addition to the normal adjustment, I could electrically extend the seat, adjust the stiffness and thus also the width of the sidewalls, and adjust my favorite lumbar support 100%. In addition, the seats are heated and cooled. But I have the feeling that the cooling is provided by blowing cold air on the back, similar to the recently tested Kie Ceed , which I don't think is the best solution.
The range of electric steering wheel adjustment is traditionally wide at Kia. The combination of the position of the seats, the steering wheel and the distance between the pedals form, at least in my case, an exemplary sitting position. Legs stretched forward, steering wheel pulled close to the body, whole back supported, absolute satisfaction for me.
In the beginning, I was a bit bothered by the greater distance between the brake pedal and the gas pedal, which forced me to lift my heel and move my entire foot to the left when braking, but it was just a matter of habit.
In the car, I feel sporty cramped in a good sense of the word, I am surrounded by the interior, but I don't feel a lack of space. At a height of 185 cm, there is a few cm of reserve above my head, the door panels are far enough away from my shoulders, and I can adjust the seat without having to open the door.
Due to the slope of the front window and the height of the vehicle, there is a logical problem with the view, mainly forward and up. At intersections, I oriented myself more by the reactions of other cars than traffic lights. The side windows, although narrow, were not a problem for me, nor were the averagely thick A-pillars. I had a bit of a strange feeling about the design of the rear-view mirrors, since in addition to their mirror part, their inner cover is also visible. The rear "tank visor" is a tribute to the successful exterior design.
It can be seen that the interior designers paid strict attention to ergonomics when designing it, as all commonly used control elements are within perfect reach of the driver. The only complaint is the armrest between the seats, which is a bit difficult to open. On the other hand, it is large enough, comfortable and placed in the right position. I consider the Head up display showing data on the windshield to be excellent, it is adjustable and can be turned off.
The location of the USB slot intended for connecting a mobile phone to infotainment is unfortunate, but quite common with exceptions. It is possible to place the phone in the space for its wireless charging, but there is still a problem with the connecting cable, which lies unsightly or hangs in the space. In addition, the phone got too hot in this space, which could be due to the overall interior heat management, which in my opinion did not work properly in this car, but more on that later.
On the road
Driving the Stinger is an experience. If I described sitting behind the wheel as perfect, I would describe the feeling of controlling the car in the same way.
The car is powered by a six-cylinder engine with a volume of 3.3 liters, which is supercharged by two turbochargers. The maximum power is 272 kW at 6,000 revolutions and a torque of 510 Nm in the range of 1,300-4,000 revolutions. With this engine alone, the Stinger surpasses the usual middle class and makes room in the premium class with its "wide elbows". The unit is connected exclusively to an eight-speed automatic transmission of our own production and drives both axles.
Already after the first hundred meters I appreciated the excellent stiff steering with some feedback. It does not pull the steering wheel in turns or during strong acceleration, and it is not necessary to "fight" with it. You can also feel that the rear axle is preferred when driving. The car reacts immediately even to the most gentle turn of the steering wheel. In Comfort mode, the reactions of the automatic transmission are gentle and the speed can be increased gradually. Changing gears is fast and almost imperceptible, while the revolutions are kept just above 1000.
When you need a normal sharp acceleration, just press the gas pedal without pushing the "kickdown" position. After overcoming it, the acceleration is enormous and it is necessary to reckon with it, e.g. when overtaking a vehicle driving in front of you. Driving around with this car will be fun to the point that you will look forward to every car you overtake and always overtake. You'll look forward to every slowdown on the road because you'll finally be able to accelerate. You will also enjoy every village on your route, because you will enjoy the exit from its end. You will enjoy the acceleration again and again…
You'll want to go faster and faster through corners, and you'll find that the Stinger's limits are very far in the dry, despite its heavy weight (around 1800kg). The car hardly tilts at all and thanks to the 4×4 drive it is neutral and stable for a long time even on uneven surfaces. The excellent Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires also contribute to this.
I turn on the Sport mode. Straight line, full throttle, strong brakes, entering the corner, holding the gas, exiting, adding gas vigorously. I feel the front wheels lose grip, I ease off the gas pedal gently, the wheels grab and pull the car out of the turn. I'm looking forward to the next one… this way you can play with the car endlessly, or as long as the rapidly disappearing gasoline from the tank allows.
The Brembo brakes have a slower onset, but after pressing the pedal harder, I appreciated their even but strong effect and especially after many repetitions the effect does not fade.
I did not drive in Sport+ mode, but I did test the car in normal traffic. Even in "ordinary sports" mode, however, driving is extremely fun and safe up to high speed. The transmission holds higher revs and shifts quickly enough. The engine reacts to pressing the accelerator almost immediately, and the lag of the turbo is very small. This is due to the double supercharging and certainly also the large volume of the unit. The steering in this mode stiffens even more, but still provides enough information from the front wheels. I was positively surprised by the chassis, even in sports mode it is not too hard and still provides enough comfort even when driving aggressively.
I was surprised by the roar of the eight-cylinder engine during strong acceleration, because it was not so loud from the outside. I found the culprit in the infotainment menu. The generated sound cannot be turned off completely, but it can be limited. After some time I returned to him again…
Despite its length and weight, the car is surprisingly nimble even in sharp turns, and it's a joy to drive on county roads. The emotions it provides compel its driver to abuse the power of the engine wherever possible. Of course, this affects his appetite. The Stinger is the first car with which I achieved higher consumption in the districts than on the highway. During brisk but not extreme driving up to 110 km/h, I could not get below 12 liters. Športová has already generated over 20 numbers.
Yes, this car can be driven more slowly, use its long list of assistants, be guided by adaptive cruise control, automatically keep in the lane. All systems work as a unit, but I only lasted a few miles.
The Stinger is also at home on the highway. It is excellently soundproofed from the chassis, it could be even less so from the engine. Aerodynamic noise could be heard somewhere from the front window and roof in windy weather. The engine provides brutal power even at high speeds, just forget about it when overtaking and suddenly you are well over the legal limit. Consumption could be maintained at a value of 9.5 at a speed of up to 140 km/h. In Comfort mode, the transmission reacts a little slower, tries to use the high torque of the engine and downshifts only when pressing the accelerator harder. At a speed of 100 km/h, the engine rolls at 1500 revolutions, at 130 km/h their value rises to 2000 and at 140 slightly above 2000.
In the city, the situation is no longer so ideal. The car is low and wide, has large front and rear doors. The view from it is not the best and the car is not in narrow streets, or garages of shopping centers most skillfully. I couldn't believe the declared turning diameter of 11.7 m. Cameras that record the entire surroundings of the car help with parking. The chassis perfectly filters the crew from bumps, its ground clearance of only 130 mm can be limiting for urban bumps, retarders and curbs. Depending on the traffic, it is possible to drive in city traffic for 11-15 liters.
The average value of consumption when handing over the car stabilized at a value of 12.1 liters with a minimum of city traffic. At first glance, this value is high, but considering the class of the tested vehicle, its weight, the presence of four-wheel drive, automatic transmission and, last but not least, the power of the six-cylinder engine, it is adequate. However, the owner will also have to put up with more frequent refueling due to the 60 liter fuel tank.
I was surprised how hot the Stinger can get even during normal driving. After getting out of the car, hot air blows from the chassis. Heat emanated from the engine, wheels, exhausts. It wouldn't be such a problem if it didn't show up when driving indoors. Interior cooling, e.g. at 22°C with an outside temperature only 3 degrees higher it shouldn't be a problem. However, when the automatic air conditioning is switched on, the ventilation goes almost to full power and does not let up even after a long time, which forces the crew to tolerate the strong blowing of cold air and the hum of the fans.
Practical side, price
The Kia Stinger is not a typical family vehicle, but the practical side was not completely forgotten when designing it, if only because it is a liftback type body with practical access to the luggage compartment and a high-opening fifth door. It has a volume of 406 liters, is long but shallow. Under it hides the travel wheel. There are some storage spaces in the interior, but they are relatively small. A maximum half-liter bottle can fit in the door.
Thanks to the long wheelbase of 2905 mm, there is enough space in front of the knees on the rear seats, and sitting is comfortable due to the appropriate inclination of the backrests. The problem is that the feet cannot be tucked under the driver's seat. There is room above the head for figures up to approx. 180 cm, taller ones will already touch the ceiling.
Installing a child seat is not the easiest task due to the low ceiling, but it can be done. The back of the front seats is plastic, so child passengers were also thought of.
The price of the Kia Stinger in the tested GT trim is EUR 59,500. The fee for registering a car is a considerable 3900 EUR. At first glance, the price tag is high, but when you look at the competition, it is more than interesting. The similarly equipped VW Arteon TSI 206 kW 4×4 is even slightly more expensive, while offering considerably less power in a four-cylinder package. Looking at the price list of the premium competition (BMW M340i, Mercedes Benz C 450 AMG, Audi S4), we arrive at a price higher by EUR 15,000-20,000. In addition, Kia offers a 7-year warranty and free service for 7 years or 100,000 km.
Verdict
For me personally, the Stinger is almost the perfect car. It looks beautiful, I feel great in it, it drives great, it's full of emotions and with the blink of an eye it can be used as a family car. It attracts well-deserved attention, but due to the brand, it does not cause envy. Perhaps this combination will interest and convince someone who wants a similar car, doesn't want to swim with the crowd and has no prejudices against the brand. I am convinced that he will not be disappointed and will be extremely satisfied with the car.
