The Kia Stinger, which arrived in Finland at the end of last year, is already making its mark with its looks. Its sporty and personal styling does not try to hide its good handling.
In principle, the Kia brand cannot be seen as a brand whose production focuses on quality and sporty handling. Indeed, the Stinger is currently the only model in the Kia range that is moving up into the ranks of premium German models.
A major factor in the Stinger’s excellent handling is the work of Albert Biermann, who spent decades working on the BMW M-series. Biermann was responsible for the chassis design of the Stinger.
The chassis provides the driver with sensitive feedback on road contours.
In addition to the chassis, the eight-speed automatic gearbox, which comes as standard on every Stinger, deserves praise for its performance. The gearbox shifts efficiently and smoothly. The standard equipment list also includes gear selectors on the steering wheel.
The test car’s 2.2-litre CRDi diesel engine produces a maximum power output of 200 horsepower and 440 Nm of maximum torque. Four-wheel drive was selected for the test drive, but with the diesel the car is also available in rear-wheel drive only.
In Finnish winter conditions, the combination of diesel and four-wheel drive makes the car move briskly forward. However, the four-wheel drive comes with a hefty price tag of five thousand euros.
As a second ‘small engine’, the Stinger is available with a two-litre petrol engine. On paper at least, the engine is intriguing, with a maximum power output of 255 horsepower, the car is promised to accelerate from zero to 60 km/h in six seconds.
At the top of the range, the 370 horsepower 3.3-litre V6 Stinger has attracted a lot of interest in the car world. The acceleration time is claimed to be 4.9 seconds.
The standard equipment list is unusually comprehensive
It is rare to find a car model with such a comprehensive range of standard equipment that even the most frugal car buyer can enjoy equipment as standard that would cost a competitor a fortune.
When the starting prices model comes standard with a navigation system, remote control, keyless entry, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors and leather upholstery, there is little to choose from.
The starting price of the Stinger is EUR 49 990, with the model name 2.2 CRDi RWD Business Premium A/T.
The choice of options has been made easy for the Stinger buyer, as the car comes with a choice of option packages on top of the equipment level.
The option packages offer a very wide range of equipment, from a 360-degree camera system to air-conditioned seats, panoramic sunroof and windscreen display.
Business Premium, Gt-Line or GT – will the appearance change?
The trim levels are partly determined by the engine you choose for your car. For the power version, the trim level is always GT. Business Premium and GT-Line are available with both lower power engines.
The buyer has little control over the appearance. Of course, there are slight differences whether the car is equipped with Business Premium or the GT model with the larger engine.
The GT version is best identified by Brembo’s large red brake calipers and slightly sportier bumpers, but there are very few differences in appearance.
This means that every Stinger rider will be able to enjoy sporty looks alongside good driveability.
The best bits:
- Drivability
- Appearance
- Standard equipment, technology and equipment performance
