Orange is the new black

– By Marc Sibbald – 

We have already done a review on the Kia Stinger. I’m only driving it because several owners, members of the Kia fleet team and other motoring journos said I had to try it. So I bowed to the pressure (not much arm twisting required) and made some time to take a country drive.

After a week at the wheel I’m glad I did and would recommend it to anyone. It’s a car that will be sought out by car enthusiasts in twenty years to be fitted with 30″ wheels and displayed at auto shows with loud dance music and glamorous models.

Kia are planning for the future described above by releasing the Stinger in Neon Orange which was the colour of the car I picked up. This car had it all. A sports car exhaust to the turn heads, the bright orange colour to keep their attention and STNGR1 number plates to complete the rockstar look.

I can see why the police around the country have chosen it for highway patrol duties. The twin turbo 3.3 litre V6 in the GT has neck snapping acceleration and big Brembo brakes on the front stop it just as fast. When you give it a squirt, the power is deceiving at first. It’s not like a V8 that pulls strong and hard from down low. The Stinger winds up until the turbo kicks in and then it gets quick. Scary quick.

I’m a fan of Grand Tourers that come with four doors, luxurious space combined with a comfortable ride and power to use when you need it, or just because you can. The Stinger fits this description. As a daily drive the GT has all the luxury and safety technology you could want. The ride is quiet with a level of finish found in the European brands.  A premium sound system combined with the serenity of the cabin wash the miles away during a regular commute.

Out on the open road you can really stretch the legs. I mean it literally. Turn on radar cruise with Lane Keeping Assistance (LKA), activate the thigh-extender in the seat and relax. Instead of driving you’ll be monitoring which is a lot less intense and makes longer drives easier. Even the headrest feels like a fluffy pillow.

Would I buy one as a sports car? Yes. Would I buy one as a family car? Yes (maybe not in Neon Orange). Would I take it on a driving holiday with four adults? Yes. Would I turn up to a track day in it? Yes.

If it had another badge baby boomers would be collecting them. The Stinger is the new black.

 What does it look like as a Novated Lease?

** The V6 twin turbo in the GT has 272 kW.

This data is from the 2019 Novated Leasing Guide produced by Fleet Auto News.