The Kia Stinger GT will compete with cars like Audi’s S5 and Mercedes-AMG’s C43. The car’s engine makes 365hp from a 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine that sends power to the rear wheels and Kia claims it can hit 100kph in 4.7sec. The car was on display at the 2018 auto expo and it drew quite a crowd.
The Stinger’s got a lovely fastback shape. At 4.8m long, this car is quite long yet it doesn’t look that bulky. The company’s trademark ‘tiger nose’ grille is flanked by smartly detailed headlights that curve with the body work. The functional ‘gills’ have been incorporated at the sides and the car sits on stylish 19-inch wheels. The thick C-pillar adds muscle to the body, and there’s an element of grace with which the shoulder line leads on to the short rear dec. At the back, you get high-set LED lights, quad exhausts and a diffuser round off the look.
The boot is cavernous and there’s a lot more room in the back than on offer from some of its German rivals. The seat you should be in is the driver’s seat though. It’s easy to get comfy in this car - the driving position is well judged; the view is great, and you get a full suite of driver aids. There’s a blind spot indicator and lane keep assist (you will feel a strong tug at the wheel when you change lanes without flashing the indicator). On the highway, this car cruises quietly and ride quality is quite polished too.
Quality in the cabin is almost up there with the German cars - the surfaces are really well finished, there’s a rich use of soft-touch plastics, and the metal inserts and exposed stitching look upmarket. There’s a high-set floating 7.0-inch touchscreen that makes it easy to view on the go. You get Android Auto (and Apple CarPlay too) so your infotainment and navigation requirements will be met.
Put your foot down and this car comes alive - it’s quick and responsive. The twin-turbos ensure there’s always a strong swell of power at your disposal, plus the car’s engine note sound nice. The V6 snarls, though it’s not as loud or angry as a car from AMG. The Stinger’s eight-speed torque converter auto gearbox isn’t as snappy as it ought to be though.
Should I buy one?
The Stinger, however, might actually not even go on sale in India. Kia’s first model for India – the production-spec SP SUV – will go on sale in 2019, and Kia’s focus will be on the mainstream segments. So, the chances of seeing a Rs 70 lakh (with duties) sports sedan from the brand are low. The carmaker should consider bringing in a few units as a ‘halo’ product though.
