The way that Kia has evolved in recent years means that a large, well-appointed saloon has every chance of cutting it against the predominantly German opposition.
The way that Kia has evolved in recent years means that a large, well-appointed saloon has every chance of cutting it against the predominantly German opposition. Here’s how it is shaping up.
O ur car: Kia Stinger 2.0 T-GDI GT-Line S List price when new: £36,470 OTR Price as tested: £36,470 Official fuel economy: 35.8mpg (EU Combined)
Read more long-term tests
Fuel economy this week: 25.6mpg
I t just had to happen. Apart from a slightly grazed alloy wheel the sleek Stinger has been unblemished during our tenure – until two days before it was due to be returned to Kia.
The unsuspecting Stinger was parked at a supermarket. The bay to its left appeared wide enough to park a small tank, although perhaps that’s what happened. Anyway, upon my return something solid-looking had driven into the rear three-quarter flank.
It could have been worse, I suppose. The damage didn’t penetrate to bare metal, although its position on the join of the rear wing (metal) and body-coloured bumper (plastic) might cause a slight headache for the bodyshop to match the repair.
At least the fuel consumption is improving all the time, perhaps a result of the engine starting to loosen. In day-to-day use I’ll never match the official consumption, but the 39.9mpg I recorded on a predominantly motorway cruise in France (without even trying to be economical) remains outstanding.
I n summary, the Kia has been a revelation all round – although we shouldn’t be that surprised. I was going to headline this long-term report “a left-field choice on test” but when you stack up buying and running costs, combined with Kia’s seven-year warranty, the Stinger is a deserved front-runner for buyers’ affections.
Nothing against Volkswagen, but I reckon the Stinger is overall a better car than my previous VW Arteon – and more desirable too, I reckon. It’s plenty fast enough, but more pertinently it looks good and is extremely comfortable.
As Kia suggests in its marketing for the Stinger, it’s a grand tourer, not a sports car. One that is a fine car in its own right, but throw in Kia’s generous warranty and generally excellent track record in reliability surveys and you have something that stacks up as a purchase of the heart as well as a purchase of the head.
Fuel economy this week: 25.2mpg
The Stinger has been pressed into service for a fair few airport runs, a task that it’s performed with aplomb.
Firstly, it doesn’t look out of place among the chauffeur-driven Mercedes that litter the VIP parking at Heathrow – who would have thought not so long ago that we’d be saying that of a Kia? It certainly shows how far the company has come in recent years.
T he styling may turn a few heads, then, but the practicality is redolent of the ease of use that has helped more than anything to establish the company. Not only is it easy to drive (I knew I should have made a career move into chauffering) but the rear seating is plush and comfortable, while the boot easily swallows massive suitcases.
O ur GT-Line S model also features heating on the outermost two seats, which has proved appealing now that the mornings are a bit parky.
The rear doors open wide to aid entry and exit and once inside the plush leather seats, suede-effect headlining and alloy touches all provide a premium ambience. Whether on a shortish airport run or serious long distances, it’s comfortable and spacious for all occupants.
That’s not to say that, like a Toyota Avensis or Vauxhall Insignia perhaps, the Stinger is destined to join the ranks of high-mileage private-hire saloons – minicabs, in other words.
Sure, with Kia’s reliability record any Stinger is likely to rack up stellar mileages without issue but it really is a cut above that sort of (ab)use.
Fuel economy this week: 23.8mpg
I ‘ve just been going through some notes relating to my previous long-term test car, a remarkably similar (on paper, at least) Volkswagen Arteon saloon.
I ts 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged engine puts out 187bhp whereas the Kia’s is rated at 244bhp. The Korean car’s engine is slightly more peaky, but that difference in power makes a massive difference in day-to-day driving.
Whereas the Volkswagen proved to be a consummate cruiser and never felt entirely happy being hurried, the Stinger has an “up for it” feel that ultimately makes it more rewarding.
Under the auspice of former BMW ride and handling engineer Albert Biermann, Kia is aiming to make cars that grip well, handle predictably and generally inspire confidence – in drivers of all abilities.
It’s all part of the Korean firm’s master plan to create a range of cars which not only rival the best in class but are desirable in their own right; the sort of thing you might consider for reasons other than Kia’s seven-year warranty.
There’s far more to it than engine power, of course, but my overall opinion of the Arteon was of an opportunity lost whereas with the the Stinger Kia has made further considerable strides.
