The Kia Stinger Gt Car stands out as a compelling option for those seeking a blend of sporty performance and sophisticated design in a four-door package. While a frugal diesel variant exists, the heart of the Stinger GT experience lies in its potent turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 engine, delivering exhilarating pace, albeit with a thirst to match.
Kia equips the Stinger GT range with a selection of engines, including diesel and petrol options, all channeling 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 like the DSG in certain Audi models. However, it might not quite match the lightning-quick responsiveness of the automatic gearbox in rivals such as the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe.
For drivers predominantly navigating city streets, the 2.0-liter petrol Stinger GT car presents an attractive choice. Beyond its more accessible price point compared to the diesel, it offers quieter operation at lower speeds and improved fuel efficiency in urban environments.
While this four-cylinder engine may not possess the silken smoothness of the V6, it still provides ample power for effortless motorway cruising. However, achieving the claimed 35.8mpg fuel economy on longer journeys may require a particularly light foot, with breaking the 30mpg mark proving a challenge in real-world driving.
Consequently, the 2.2-liter diesel Stinger GT car becomes a more sensible proposition for those accumulating significant motorway mileage. Despite a higher initial cost of approximately £2,200 over the base petrol model, it offers superior fuel economy, potentially reaching around 45mpg compared to Kia’s claimed 50.4mpg figure.
This fuel efficiency gain, however, comes at the cost of outright performance. The 2.2-liter diesel Stinger GT car lags behind the petrol version in acceleration, taking around 1.6 seconds longer to reach 60mph from a standstill. Furthermore, its engine note can be less refined, exhibiting more rattle and growl than comparable Audi or BMW diesels when pushed for overtaking maneuvers.
If the pursuit is a genuinely sporty four-door vehicle, the 3.3-liter V6 Stinger GT car, often referred to as the Stinger GTS in higher trims, is the definitive choice. Beyond its more aggressive styling cues – sportier bumpers, larger alloy wheels, and quad exhausts – lies a twin-turbo V6 engine capable of launching the car from 0-60mph in under 4.9 seconds. This level of performance surpasses even that of a Porsche Boxster sports car.
While fuel economy is undeniably sacrificed compared to the diesel variants, achieving Kia’s claimed 26.6mpg figure should be reasonably attainable in mixed driving conditions. However, for those prioritizing fuel efficiency, it’s worth noting that competitors like the Audi S5 Sportback and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe M440i offer significantly better fuel economy figures – around 10mpg and 41.5mpg claimed, respectively – while delivering comparable performance to the Kia Stinger GT car.
Despite its low-slung driving position and elongated bonnet potentially suggesting urban driving challenges, the Kia Stinger GT car proves surprisingly manageable in city environments. Its relatively slender front pillars contribute to good outward visibility, and in comfort mode, the light steering and controls alleviate the stress of navigating tight city streets.
Rear visibility is admittedly compromised, but higher trim levels like GT-Line S and GTS compensate with a helpful 360-degree surround-view camera system, simplifying parallel parking.
These higher-spec GTS models, along with Blue Edition variants, come equipped with adaptive suspension as standard. 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 firms up the suspension to minimize body lean during spirited cornering.
Nevertheless, even with adaptive suspension, the Kia Stinger GT car may not exhibit the same level of poised handling as a BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. Being exclusively rear-wheel drive, it lacks the all-weather traction and corner-exit grip of all-wheel-drive competitors like the Audi A5 Sportback, particularly on slippery roads.
For more relaxed cruising at motorway speeds, the standard Kia Stinger GT car performs admirably. However, it does transmit slightly more wind and tire noise into the cabin compared to premium German rivals like Mercedes-Benz or BMW. Furthermore, models with larger 19-inch alloy wheels, such as Blue Edition and GTS trims, can transmit more road imperfections and vibrations into the cabin.
While it may not quite match the long-distance refinement of some German counterparts, the Kia Stinger GT car prioritizes safety. It earned a commendable five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP in 2017, partly attributed to its automatic emergency braking system. This system proactively applies the brakes to mitigate or prevent low-speed collisions by detecting obstacles ahead.
