The new Kia Stinger has finally arrived in Europe, so it’s time to find out what it feels like on the roads of the old Continent, and more specifically those of the UK.
The impressive four-door coupe has made quite a noise since its debut, lifting Kia up from the mainstream and placing them straight into the premium portion of the market.
The range-topping version of the new Stinger gets a twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6 that produces 365hp. An eight-speed automatic transmission is the only powertrain option. Power is sent to the rear axle, which also employs a limited-slip differential, while four-wheel drive is an option.
0-60mph (0-96 km/h) comes in 4.7 seconds and if you keep your right foot pinned down, the Stinger will hit 167mph (268 km/h) flat out. So straight line performance is not just impressive for a Kia, it’s impressive full stop.
Since this is the range-topping V6 model that’s being tested, it also comes with an electronically controlled suspension with active dampers. Kia has made bold claims about the handling of the new Stinger, and from what we’ve been hearing, they sure have created a talented four-door GT.
However, the Stinger’s ability to lure buyers away from the usual premium brands in the badge-sensitive Europe is something that needs time to work. Especially in countries like the United Kingdom, where its pricing brings a little too close to established models like the Audi S5 Sportback.
Carwow reviews the range-topping Stinger GT on the video linked below and, frankly, they don’t seem as enamored with it as the rest of the reviews we’ve seen so far.