Kia's new Stinger grand tourer goes on sale in the UK

Kia's new Stinger GT has gone on sale, the halo car the Korean manufacturer calls its 'most adventurous model' yet. The car will cost from £31,995 in the UK. 

It represents a number of firsts for the brand in the UK – its first rear-wheel drive model, and also its fastest ever in range-topping twin-turbo V6 guise, where it accelerates to 62mph in 4.2 seconds. The car was extensively tested at the Nürburgring to try and produce a car that is engaging to drive, says Kia. 

The Stinger is certainly well equipped – its gets eight-way power adjustable seats in the front with four-way power lumbar adjustment as well as heated seats and steering wheel. In GT-Line S and GT S guise the front seats are also ventilated, while the outer rear seats are heated.

The interior comes with a range of leather and aluminium-effect accents, a head-up display, DAB radio, Bluetooth, and all cars get front and rear USB ports, while GT-Line S and GT S models get a wireless phone charger.

Engine-wise, the Stinger range offers something for everyone, with the speedy option represented in the form of the 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 T-GDi – the fastest-accelerating Kia ever – and its top speed of 168mph, while the 2.2-litre CRDi diesel offers 50.4mpg fuel consumption and 600 miles from a full tank of fuel. The Stinger range gets two petrol units – the 3.3 V6 and a 2-litre T-GDI turbo petrol – and the one diesel engine. 

All versions drive the rear wheels through an electronic eight-speed automatic transmission that offers five different shift and throttle programmes using the electronic Drive Mode Selector. Drivers can leave the car to shift for itself, or change gears with steering wheel-mounted paddles. A limited slip differential is fitted to all models so that torque is transferred to the rear wheel with most grip. Stop-start also features as standard on all cars. 

The Stinger gets variable-ratio power steering, full independent suspension and on the GT S models adjustable dampers, all of which are aimed at improving the driving experience. There are 18-inch wheels as standard on the GT-Line and GT-Line S, while the GT S car gets 19-inch alloys as standard. 

Inside, the car gets an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard. This gets full European mapping and a Traffic Messaging Channel, as well as Kia Connected Services with TomTom, giving access to traffic, speed camera and weather information plus local search details in a number of categories. The Stinger also gets Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity which links the car to maps, music, podcasts and texts through voice commands using your phone.

All Stinger GTs get Autonomous Emergency Braking, which automatically intervenes to stop the car if the driver fails to respond to a potential accident, Lane Keep Assist to prevent a driver straying into an adjoining lane by accident, High Beam Assist to adjust the headlights according to other traffic and local lighting, Driver Attention Warning that alerts a tired driver when it is time to take a break and a Speed Limit Information system.

GT-Line S and GT S models also get Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert – these systems warn about vehicles approaching out of their view when changing lanes or exiting parallel parking spaces. 

The standard paint finish with the new Stinger is Sunset Yellow, while Pearl White, Midnight Black, Ceramic Grey, HiChroma Red and Panthera Metal are £645 extras. The Stinger also comes with three interior colour options – black leather, grey leather or red leather.