By Autoreviewman
The 2019 Kia Stinger 4-door coupe looks fantastic. Surely one of the best looking sedans on the road, with its long, low hood, short-deck, and sleek fastback roof
Only introduced in 2018, changes for 2019’ include the new 2.0 liter Stinger GT-Line offering a four cylinder 255 hp engine and 260 Lb-Ft of torque. New features also add: Blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic detection and new 18-inch alloy wheels for base models. The GT model gains Kia’s Advanced Driver Assist System, wireless phone charging and ventilated front seats, while the base Stinger gets a limited-slip rear differential.
The pricing is also amazingly attractive at around $39.995 for the base-model Stinger GT line, as tested with the 2.0L four cylinder, matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drivetrain. This model also arrives with 18-inch alloy wheels,, a 10-way power driver’s seat, leather upholstery, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and the infotainment system with UVO intelligence and a seven-inch touchscreen.
The $49,995 top-spec GT is powered by a 3.3-litre V6 engine with twin turbochargers and 365 horsepower 376 lb.-ft. of torque. Sorry – no manual transmission, instead there is an eight-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters linked to All Wheel Drive.
The interior of the Stinger features a wide, roomy, sporty themed cabin. There is clean, look to the interior design with a lot of black, accented by metal and satin chrome trim. On the road, the Stinger offers terrific performance. There are driver selectable modes for more performance and driver preference. Normal is the default mode, while “Sport” mode tightens up the steering a few shades up from normal and gives more road feel and feedback on corners. Note the All-Wheel Drive system is more biased to the rear, and the Torque vectoring effect makes for delightfully carving up corners faster with more control.
To sum up it matches anything in its class with BMW, Audi and Mercedes performance, at thousands of dollars less in price. Wonderful to drive, with an engaging personality, the Stinger easily beats the pricier competition with its plethora of standard features. It is amazing value for money, no matter which model you choose. Downsides are few, no manual transmission is available- that about it. A toxically good looking car! Very impressive and highly recommended.
2019 Kia Stinger GT-Line from $39,995 – $49,995
More info at www.kia.ca
