KIA Stinger 3.3 T-GDI GT-S

Now that it's an established mainstream car maker, the Kia Stinger has been introduced to give Kia a flagship model in the European market that sets new standards for performance and handling for the Korean company.

The Stinger is a front-engined, rear-wheel drive, five-door coupe, so it competes directly with models such as the Audi A5 Sportback and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, but could also be considered as an alternative to other premium models, such as the Jaguar XE, Alfa Romeo Giulia, VW Arteon and Mercedes C-Class, or coupes such as the Lexus RC, Infiniti Q60 and two-door versions of the A5, 4 Series and C-Class.

As it's an all-new platform, the Stinger is a unique proposition in the Kia line-up. Power comes from three engines: a 244hp 2.0-litre turbo petrol, a 197hp 2.2 CRDi diesel and a 365hp 3.3-litre turbo petrol V6. All models feature an eight-speed auto gearbox as standard, which sends power to the rear wheels (there's no 4WD option).

Three trims are offered, starting with GT-Line. This is available with the four-cylinder engines, and the standard kit list includes 18-inch alloys, heated leather seats, an eight-inch touchscreen with sat-nav, a head-up display, parking sensors, active cruise control and selectable driving modes. Prices start at around £32,000, with the diesel version commanding a premium of around £2,200.

For an extra £3,500, you can upgrade to GT-Line S trim. This adds dynamic LED headlamps, a 15-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system, heated rear seats, a powered tailgate, 360-degree surround view cameras, a sunroof and wireless phone charging.

t the top of the range, the Stinger GT S is the flagship of the entire Kia line-up. As well as getting a powerful V6 engine, it features 19-inch alloys, active adaptive damping and uprated Brembo brakes. Inside you get Nappa leather upholstery, plus the rest of the lavish spec from the GT-Line S. Prices for the GT S creep over the £40k mark, so road tax will be £450 for the first five years of ownership, but considering the performance and kit you get, the Stinger GT S is a comparative bargain when compared to the similar Audi S5 Sportback.

The Kia Stinger is a bold challenge to the European establishment; a sporty rear-wheel-drive executive model from a company best known for mainstream value. Surprisingly – or not, depending on your preconceptions – the Stinger makes a convincing case for itself. The aggressively-styled five-door coupe offers strong performance, entertaining handling, and a decent level of luxury and refinement.

An eye-catching design means the Kia Stinger looks the part. However, what’s really impressive about the brand’s first attempt at a sports saloon for the European market is that it delivers competitive performance and a genuinely enjoyable drive.

The chassis – even on GT-Line and GT-Line S versions – feels nimble and agile on the road, and grip is good. The steering is a bit light, and while switching between drive modes weights things up a little and alters engine and throttle response, it doesn’t affect the chassis set-up. Still, the car rides decently and has a supple feel, which encourages you to push on and enjoy the drive.

A high-end Kia sports saloon with 365bhp will be a surprise to many, but the flagship GT S is well worth a look. While the performance figures show that the Stinger GT S has the measure of the Audi S5 Sportback, in the real world both cars feel very quick and the performance is so close that you wouldn’t really notice a difference on the road.