The fastest Kia ever made, the Stinger GT, is due to hit South African shores very soon and pricing has also been revealed.
What is interesting about this model is that due to the limited numbers available, you will not be able to purchase this vehicle via the standard dealer network. Instead you will need to make use of their dedicated website at www.kiastinger.co.za in order to get your hands on one of these fire breathing Koreans.
The Kia Stinger GT is powered by a brutal twin-turbo 3.3 V6 engine delivering a whopping 272kW to the rear wheels. Yes, the rear wheels. Those rear wheels also have to deal with the hefty 510Nm of torque available launching the Stinger to a respectable 100km/h in under 5 seconds via an 8-speed auto transmission. Braking is provided by the all powerful and trusted Brembo system.
Expect just about every feature as standard with a “comprehensive standard specification list” as mentioned by Kia themselves. 19” wheels fill the arches while you sit comfortably in fully electrically adjustable seats that warm and cool your butt. While enjoying the seating comfort, you can connect to the 8” touch screen infotainment system with your iPhone via CarPlay or Android via Android Auto. Add to the mix dual climate control and wireless charging for compatible mobile phones, you’re in the winning seat.
The price you ask? Well, along with the price you get Kia’s briliant Unlimited Kilometre, 5-year warranty, as well as five years’ worth of roadside assistance and a 5-year/90,000km maintenance plan for just R859,995.
It’s closest rival in my mind would be the BMW 440i Gran Coupe which shares similar geometry and power.
Will it bring the fight to the German premiums? Probably not as the Germans seem to pip it on interior quality, but not by much to be honest. While I haven’t driven the vehicle yet, initial reports show that the all-round ride quality is better than the Germans and will handle well through spiralling roads whilst not damaging any kidneys in the process.
If you want something different to the typical German premium buying brigade and you can overlook the not-as-great-as-the-Germans interior quality, then you’ve found what you’re looking for.