Kia Stinger – a fastback sedan takes Kia in a new direction

Kia’s new fastback sports sedan named Stinger, had the spotlight for its world debut in Detroit.  This is the all-new 5-seater entering a segment currently dominated by European car makers. 

GT question

From its Kia GT Concept car origins at Frankfurt 2011, work began on a product that is unlike any Kia before it:  Turning a dream-car into a production car.  The GT question became a mantra when development commenced.  A Gran Turismo has to be fast, luxurious and quiet, strike a perfect balance between ride and handling, and offer seating, plus luggage room, for 5 people.

Fast silhouette

Key to its road presence, are the rear-wheel-drive proportions – a long bonnet and short front overhang, extended wheelbase to deliver a spacious cabin (deliberately longer than other cars in the segment), and a long rear overhang with strong haunches.  The Stinger’s stance and visual balance are designed to lend the car an air of elegance and athleticism, rather than boy-racer aggression.

Kia’s “tiger-nose” grille sits between LED headlamps.  Functional elements of the exterior design to aid its aerodynamic efficiency include the front air curtains, wheel arch gills, smooth underbody, and integrated rear diffuser.  The rear valance houses four oval exhaust pipes.

The low-slung cabin (with its steeply raked windshield and rear screen) sits toward the rear of vehicle, creating a “fast” silhouette.

Confident dashboard

According to Kia, a “confident” dashboard creates a strong horizontal plane for the driver to “work”. The centre console is intuitively split into two specific areas – the infotainment controls sit neatly below a large colour touch-screen, while the climate and ventilation controls nestle beneath.

A thick leather-wrapped steering wheel and a single instrument binnacle (with a combination of analogue and digital instrumentation) plus large gauges (ringed in metal and accentuated with sweeping red needles) face the driver.  A colour TFT-screen between the gauges relay vehicle data.

Smart mode

Ride-damping and vehicle-handling traits can be modified by the driver through an electronically-adjustable suspension known as Dynamic Stability Damping Control.  While reacting predictably to the driver’s inputs (depending on road conditions and driving style), the Stinger can be tuned to respond with more agility through corners, as the system softens the front shocks and firms up the rear.  Conversely, improved high-speed stability is achieved when the system stiffens the front shocks and softens the rear.  The system is accessed through 5 drive modes:  Personal, Eco, Sport, Comfort and Smart mode.  


Powertrains

A choice of 2 turbocharged engines are available: a 2.0-litre inline-4, good for around 190kW and 353Nm, or a 3.3 V6 (V6 in this type of car is key for the US market) anticipated to produce about 272kW, with 510Nm from 1300-4500 r/min – this V6 turbo will be the most powerful Kia engine to date.  

8-speed automatic and rear-drive or all-wheel-drive are the layout choices for the Kia Stinger.

Advanced Technology & Convenience

Luxurious amenities and unexpected features have become part of KIA’s DNA, and the Stinger continues that tradition. 

Multiple Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) seamlessly work together to enhance the driving experience.  These include Forward Collision Assistance with integrated Autonomous Emergency Braking, pedestrian detection, Advanced Smart Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Head-Up Display.  The wireless smartphone charging pad is another luxurious feature.

Long-distance music

When long-distance traveling in a GT-car, musical accompaniment becomes a factor.  3 audio systems were developed for the Kia Stinger.  There’s a 15-speaker audio system available, with subwoofers tucked beneath the front seats.

Yes for US

The Kia Stinger is scheduled to go on sale in the US market late in 2017, as a 2018 model year.

At the time of going to press, it is to be decided whether the Kia Stinger will be introduced into the South African market.