{"id":27476,"date":"2018-07-28T02:24:04","date_gmt":"2018-07-27T23:24:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.fastmates.com\/?p=27476"},"modified":"2019-02-07T23:01:25","modified_gmt":"2019-02-07T20:01:25","slug":"2019-kia-stinger-gt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fastmates.com\/index.php\/2018\/07\/28\/2019-kia-stinger-gt\/","title":{"rendered":"2019 Kia Stinger GT"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.11.1″ background_color=”#ffffff” custom_padding=”0|0px|3px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||0px|” transparent_background=”off” saved_tabs=”all”][et_pb_row custom_padding=”|30px|294px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”20px|30px|90px|” custom_margin=”|||” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.12.1″ background_image=”http:\/\/www.fastmates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Kia-Stinger-GT-FI.jpg”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.11.1″ text_font=”PT Sans||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” text_font_size=”72″ text_font_size_tablet=”52″ text_font_size_phone=”34px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” text_line_height=”1.1em” text_text_shadow_style=”preset3″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”620px” custom_margin=”0px||0px|20px” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]Slam Dunk Straight Off The Bench\u00a0<\/strong>
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.10.2″ custom_padding=”3px|0px|2px|0px|false|false”][et_pb_row custom_padding=”0|0px|0|0px|false|false” _builder_version=”3.10.2″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.11″ text_font=”Open Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”17px”]L<\/span><\/p>\n

et\u2019s first address the glaring question, the one I was asked the most while test-driving Kia\u2019s new Stinger GT. It went something like this: \u201c$80,000 for a Kia?\u201d<\/p>\n

My position is to ignore stupid questions and reply that a car\u2019s price is a reflection of its merits \u2013 and in the case of this Kia, the merits are significant. As a matter of fact, unless you\u2019re still living in the early 1990s when the brand was just finding its feet and establishing itself in the market, you should be aware that Kia has come a long way, proving itself repeatedly in terms of reliability, design language, build quality and a generous roster of standard equipment.<\/p>\n

Besides, let\u2019s be honest, if this were a BMW, you\u2019d be saying. \u201cIsn\u2019t that too much for a car in this country?\u201d And if it were a Lamborghini, the leading question would be, \u201cWhere in Lebanon can you drive a car like this?\u201d See what I mean by stupid questions? So, before I kick off this review, I say to the naysayers: Stop with all the negativity. Don\u2019t dismiss it before you try it.<\/p>\n

Back to the Stinger GT and why it completely stunned me. As I said before, Kia has come a long way, but that doesn\u2019t mean it frequently \u2013 or ever \u2013 drops powerful and high-end sports sedans on the market. The marque has a reputation for manufacturing reliable and economical cars that offer high value for money, something the Lebanese are shrewd enough to recognize, which is why Kia is easily the best-selling brand in Lebanon.<\/p>\n

But a sports sedan with a twin-turbo 3.3-liter V-6 that produces 365 ponies and does the zero-100-kilometers-per-hour sprint in 5.3 seconds with a top speed of 270 kph? This is something from the brand that definitely calls for a proper test drive and review because, man, those are not everyday figures.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s the thing though. One would expect that a company producing its first road-going performance car would make some compromises and come up short in some areas. It\u2019s understandable as no one can be expected to get it perfect the first time. For example, handling might suffer in an initial foray or the transmission might not be quite up to the task. I was prepared for such disappointments.
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.11″][et_pb_row custom_width_px=”830px” use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ custom_padding=”0||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”17px|||” column_padding_mobile=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” parallax_method_1=”off” parallax_method_2=”off” _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off”][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/www.fastmates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Kia-Stinger-GT-Mill.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”on” show_bottom_space=”off” _builder_version=”3.12.1″ animation_style=”fade” animation_duration=”500ms” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation=”fade_in” sticky=”on”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off”][et_pb_divider color=”#aeaeac” _builder_version=”3.11″ custom_margin=”||0px|” custom_css_main_element=”width:130px;” hide_on_mobile=”off”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.11.1″ text_font=”PT Serif||on||” text_text_color=”#363636″ text_font_size=”16″ text_line_height=”1em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”130px” custom_margin=”|||” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]This is something from the brand that definitely calls for a proper test drive and review.
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.11.1″ text_font=”PT Serif||on||” text_text_color=”#363636″ text_font_size=”12″ text_line_height=”1.2em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”130px” custom_margin=”0px||20px|” custom_padding=”0px|||” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”][\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.10.2″ custom_padding=”0|0px|0|0px|false|false”][et_pb_row custom_padding=”0|0px|18.5px|0px|false|false” _builder_version=”3.10.2″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.11.1″ text_font=”PT Serif||||” text_text_color=”#363636″ text_font_size=”48″ text_font_size_tablet=”38″ text_font_size_phone=”24px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” text_line_height=”1.3em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”center” max_width=”900px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”16px||30px|” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]”The Stinger felt like it had a century of racing experience under its belt”
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.10.2″ custom_padding=”0|0px|0|0px|false|false”][et_pb_row custom_padding=”0|0px|0|0px|false|false” _builder_version=”3.10.2″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.10.2″ text_font=”Open Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”17px”]Moreover, the GT faces some serious competition from the likes of BMW\u2019s 4 Series, which has won accolades for its precision handling, or the Audi A5 Sportback, whose legendary all-wheel-drive system is a tough act to follow. And Kia, with next to no track record in performance, has come along trying to take on these giants. It seems like an unfair battle \u2013 until you get behind the wheel of the Stinger and experience what it can do.<\/p>\n

Get ready to grin from ear to ear because what I encountered was a car that felt as if it had a century of racing experience under its belt. Where was Kia hiding all that expertise? Set the drive mode to Sport and the Stinger displays the confidence of a stock market shark and devours the road like a piranha. With practically no perceptible turbo lag, power builds up in a smooth curve that keeps going till the red line while the gear shifts on the eight-speed automatic transmission are solid and smooth.<\/p>\n

As for the paddle shifters, they\u2019re just as precise as the automatic shifts, although the car doesn\u2019t like it when you try to shift at points that are less than optimal during hard driving. Personally, I\u2019d rather not argue with complex algorithms that can manage thousands of bits of information simultaneously and make decisions thousands of times faster than I can.<\/p>\n

In addition, I believe Kia\u2019s figures are a bit on the conservative side because acceleration is quicker than the cited 5.3 seconds. I suspect it\u2019s actually closer to 5.1, possibly 5.<\/p>\n

But where the Stinger truly shines is on curvy roads, especially with the heavier steering and stiffer suspension in Sport mode, because new kid on the block or not, this car handles those corners like a thoroughbred stallion, its electronically assisted rack perfectly weighted and sending plenty of feedback with the GT\u2019s agile chassis and muscular Brembos inspiring confidence.
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.11″ custom_padding=”0|0px|0|0px|false|false”][et_pb_row use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”980″ custom_padding=”50px||0px|” padding_mobile=”on” column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax_method_1=”off” _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off”][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/www.fastmates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Kia-Stinger-GT-Top.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”on” align=”center” _builder_version=”3.12.1″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation=”off” sticky=”off”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.11″ custom_padding=”0|0px|0|0px|false|false”][et_pb_row use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”980px” use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ custom_padding=”30px||34px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”6px|||” column_padding_mobile=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” parallax_method_1=”off” parallax_method_2=”off” parallax_method_3=”off” _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off”][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/www.fastmates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Kia-Stinger-GT-Exterior-1.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”on” _builder_version=”3.12.1″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation=”off” sticky=”off”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off”][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/www.fastmates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Kia-Stinger-GT-Exterior-3.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”on” _builder_version=”3.12.1″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation=”off” sticky=”off”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off”][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/www.fastmates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Kia-Stinger-GT-Exterior-2.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”on” _builder_version=”3.12.1″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation=”off” sticky=”off”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.10.2″ custom_padding=”0|0px|28px|0px|false|false”][et_pb_row custom_padding=”0|0px|0|0px|false|false” _builder_version=”3.10.2″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.10.2″ text_font=”Open Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”17px”]With ridiculously delightful handling, the GT is no pretender; it\u2019s the real deal. It belies both its size and weight, behaving like a much smaller and lighter sedan as it negotiates corners with little effort, its all-wheel-drive system keeping all four tires gripping the asphalt and keeping the car pointed where you want it to go. The car\u2019s low-slung design helps a lot in that, its low center of gravity further cutting down on body roll and keeping the tires planted firmly on the road.<\/p>\n

And if you choose to take a more casual drive, as most of us tend to do most of the time, expect a perfectly relaxed demeanor as the car glides through traffic with the grace of a royal. The cabin is as silent as a cathedral, the suspension filters out all road ruckus and the steering, with the car in Comfort mode, is slick as a Cadillac.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also spacey, seeing as its size falls somewhere between a BMW 3-Series and a 5-Series, with ample storage areas and cubbies in the cabin and a cavernous 406-liter trunk that can be further expanded to more than 1,100 liters by dropping the rear seatbacks. And it\u2019s a fastback, so the entire rear end lifts up for easy access.<\/p>\n

Besides being a joy to drive, the Stinger also holds its own against its European rivals in terms of the quality of materials used. Seats are covered in nappa leather. The interior smells pleasant \u2013 you won\u2019t detect any odd plastic odors, only the smell of supple hide.<\/p>\n

Slip into the driver\u2019s seat and you\u2019ll discover that it can adjust to any position you like and can get really low, affording you a sportier position and lower center of gravity. The very sporty flat-bottomed steering wheel is equally accommodating when it comes to adjustment and features all the basic controls to keep your hands on the wheel while driving.
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.11.1″ custom_padding=”0|0px|0|0px|false|false”][et_pb_row use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”980″ custom_padding=”0||0px||false|false” column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax_method_1=”off” _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off”][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/www.fastmates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Kia-Stinger-GT-grille.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”on” align=”center” _builder_version=”3.12.1″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation=”off” sticky=”off”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.0.74″ background_color=”#f7f7f4″ custom_padding=”36px|0px|37.0156px|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”50px|0|50px|0″ transparent_background=”off”][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ custom_padding=”0||2px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”30px|||” column_padding_mobile=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” parallax_method_1=”off” parallax_method_2=”off” _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off”][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/www.fastmates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Kia-Stinger-GT-taillights.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”on” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”3.12.1″ animation_style=”fade” animation_duration=”500ms” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation=”fade_in” sticky=”off”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/www.fastmates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Kia-Stinger-GT-scoop.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”on” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”3.12.1″ custom_margin=”34px|||” animation_style=”fade” animation_duration=”500ms” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation=”fade_in” sticky=”off”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off”][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/www.fastmates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Kia-Stinger-GT-headlights.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”on” _builder_version=”3.12.1″ animation_style=”fade” animation_duration=”500ms” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation=”fade_in” sticky=”off”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/www.fastmates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Kia-Stinger-GT-Rim.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”on” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”3.12.1″ custom_margin=”34px|||” animation_style=”fade” animation_duration=”500ms” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation=”fade_in” sticky=”off”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.10.2″ custom_padding=”0|0px|2px|0px|false|false”][et_pb_row custom_padding=”0|0px|0|0px|false|false” _builder_version=”3.10.2″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.10.2″ text_font=”Open Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”17px”]Clear dials in the instrument cluster frame a 7.0-inch screen that displays everything from nav directions and temperatures to boost pressure and a G-force meter. It\u2019s pretty thorough. The dashboard itself looks space age and presents a very alluring environment. The 8.0-inch touch screen that sits atop and at the center of the dash displays everything you need from the infotainment system to telecommunications to driver data.\u00a0 It\u2019s certainly nothing new, but then again it also leaves nothing to be desired, so there\u2019s nothing to complain about there either.<\/p>\n

In the version I was driving, the interior was finished in what looked like a subdued carbon-fiber theme. In combination with the aluminum accents, red leather heated and ventilated seats and the red stitching on the steering wheel, it produced the character of a car that was meant to be driven.<\/p>\n

The gear selector was also pretty easy to use, once you got used to the idea of pressing the park button instead of the more traditional \u201cslide into park\u201d at the top. It\u2019s the same idea as the setup in Mercedes-Benz and Rolls-Royce, but those have a stalk coming out of the steering wheel. Personally, I like this much better.<\/p>\n

One thing you need to get accustomed to is people throwing you curious looks because the Stinger\u2019s styling is anything but benign. The car\u2019s design language screams speed, while its angry fascia and myriad scoops and vents underline its sporty demeanor. Moreover, seeing as I was driving what looked like a metallic cherry red example trimmed out with black chrome, boasting a panoramic sunroof and riding on massive 19-inch rims, whoever wasn\u2019t throwing furtive glances must have been blind.<\/p>\n

The front end alone looks feral, with angry-looking, swept-back headlamps on either side of an elongated version of Kia\u2019s bow-tie grille and sitting above a pair of air scoops. You also get a pair of vents on the hood itself, which is sculpted with the same crisp folds and taut graphic lines that adorn the rest of the car. Also, as I mentioned before, the car sits very low and wide, signaling its road-holding prowess even while parked.
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ custom_padding=”31px|0px|0|0px|false|false”][et_pb_row use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”980″ custom_padding=”0||0px||false|false” column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax_method_1=”off” _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off”][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/www.fastmates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Kia-Stinger-GT-Interior.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”on” align=”center” _builder_version=”3.12.1″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation=”off” sticky=”off”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.12.1″ custom_padding=”37.9063px|0px|26px|0px|false|false”][et_pb_row use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”980px” use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ custom_padding=”0||0||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”6px|||” column_padding_mobile=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” parallax_method_1=”off” parallax_method_2=”off” parallax_method_3=”off” _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off”][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/www.fastmates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Kia-Stinger-GT-Interior-1.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”on” _builder_version=”3.12.1″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation=”off” sticky=”off”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off”][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/www.fastmates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Kia-Stinger-GT-Interior-2.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”on” _builder_version=”3.12.1″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation=”off” sticky=”off”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off”][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/www.fastmates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Kia-Stinger-GT-Interior-3.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”on” _builder_version=”3.12.1″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation=”off” sticky=”off”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.10.2″ custom_padding=”0|0px|2px|0px|false|false”][et_pb_row custom_padding=”0|0px|0|0px|false|false” _builder_version=”3.10.2″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.10.2″ text_font=”Open Sans||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”17px”]As for the rear, well the twin pairs of exhaust pipes, in black chrome, emerging from either side of the car and sitting above a black diffuser, definitely lend the tail a menacing look. That\u2019s only further accentuated by the sweeping LED taillights that run below the edge of the fastback lid, presenting a distinctive rear fascia.<\/p>\n

And for the safety conscious among you, which I hope includes everyone, safety appears to have been at the top of Kia\u2019s priorities when building this car. In addition to bestowing the Stinger with a lightweight, strong and remarkably rigid chassis, the manufacturer has equipped it with advanced dual frontal air bags and driver\u2019s knee air bags, as well as front-seat-mounted and side curtain air bags.<\/p>\n

But those, along with the four-wheel anti-lock-braking system, are the basics. The Stinger also features blind-spot monitoring to inform you of what you can\u2019t see coming up from behind, while also warning you of what\u2019s ahead. And if it anticipates a collision, it will hit the brakes for you. I don\u2019t recommend that you try it out, but it\u2019s there for your peace of mind. Moreover, lane-departure warnings will sound you when drift from your lane and the available lane-keeping assist will help keep the car within its designated lane markers. Assuming, of course, that you can find properly marked lanes in this country.<\/p>\n

And finally you get smart cruise control, which is capable of keeping a set distance between you and the car ahead of you, decelerating and accelerating, even from standstill, as the circumstances require.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s actually quite the prize \u2013 a spacey, luxurious, attractive car that also has as much smarts as it\u2019s got brawn and agility. Not an easy feat to pull off, but Kia has managed it, and in its first attempt. Go figure.<\/p>\n

As for the price, it\u2019s not exactly cheap, but I really can\u2019t see in what universe you can get this kind of performance, handling, looks, such a massive roster of equipment and premium materials from any of its European rivals at this price.<\/p>\n

So the next time someone asks, \u201c$80,000 for a Kia?\u201d you should reply, \u201cConsidering everything it offers, you\u2019d think it would be more, wouldn\u2019t you?\u201d
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.11.1″ custom_padding=”31px|0px|32px|0px|false|false”][et_pb_row use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”980″ custom_padding=”0||0px||false|false” column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax_method_1=”off” _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off”][et_pb_image src=”http:\/\/www.fastmates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/Kia-Stinger-GT-Exterior-4.jpg” align=”center” _builder_version=”3.12.1″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” animation=”off” sticky=”off”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Slam Dunk Straight Off The Bench\u00a0 L et\u2019s first address the glaring question, the one I was asked the most while test-driving Kia\u2019s new Stinger GT. It went something like this: \u201c$80,000 for a Kia?\u201d My position is to ignore stupid questions and reply that a car\u2019s price is a reflection of its merits \u2013 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":27484,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[77,23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-27476","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-kia","category-reviews","et-has-post-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fastmates.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27476","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fastmates.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fastmates.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fastmates.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fastmates.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27476"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.fastmates.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27476\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":27506,"href":"https:\/\/www.fastmates.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27476\/revisions\/27506"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fastmates.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/27484"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fastmates.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27476"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fastmates.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27476"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fastmates.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27476"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}