Jeremy Clarkson, known for his often blunt and humorous car reviews, once admitted he’d be a terrible airline manager, and perhaps an even worse car company boss. His reasoning? He wouldn’t have greenlit a “forty grand, rear-drive, four-door coupé with a snarly V6” from Kia, a brand he associated with sensible hatchbacks for the “old and muddled.” Yet, this is precisely what Kia delivered with the 2018 Stinger GT, a car that challenges perceptions and offers a compelling alternative in the competitive sports sedan market.
Kia, traditionally known for its value-oriented and reliable vehicles, stepped outside its comfort zone with the Stinger GT. This wasn’t just a minor trim upgrade; it was a bold statement of intent, a declaration that Kia could play in the big leagues of performance and driving pleasure. The 2018 Kia Stinger Gt arrived with a powerful twin-turbocharged V6 engine, rear-wheel drive architecture (with available all-wheel drive), and a sleek, fastback design that turned heads.
Design and Styling: A Departure from the Norm
The Kia Stinger GT marked a significant departure from Kia’s previous design language. Instead of the familiar, practical aesthetics, the Stinger GT boasted a low-slung, athletic stance. The long hood, sloping roofline, and muscular rear haunches gave it the silhouette of a true sports sedan. While Clarkson noted the “grey” interior and perhaps less-than-handsome exterior compared to other Kias, the overall design was undeniably eye-catching and sophisticated. The fastback profile, in particular, lent it an air of European grand touring cars, a far cry from the humdrum image some might associate with the Kia badge. Even details like the (perhaps debated) fake bonnet vents contributed to its aggressive and sporty persona. Rear visibility might be a slight compromise for the sake of style, but the Stinger GT’s design successfully conveyed its performance intentions.
Performance and Handling: Surprising Power and Agility
Under the hood of the 2018 Kia Stinger GT resided a potent 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. This powerplant delivered a robust 365 horsepower, propelling the Stinger GT from 0 to 60 mph in under five seconds. However, as Clarkson pointed out, the Stinger GT’s appeal wasn’t solely about straight-line speed. It was the overall driving experience that truly impressed. The car felt “special” in daily driving, a testament to the engineering and development invested in it.
A key figure in the Stinger GT’s development was Albert Biermann, poached from BMW’s renowned M division. Biermann’s influence was palpable in the Stinger GT’s handling and steering. The steering was described as “heavy” in a positive sense, offering a meaty feel and precise feedback, connecting the driver to the road. This direct steering, combined with the rear-wheel-drive setup, provided a balanced and engaging driving experience, reminiscent of the German sports sedans it aimed to rival. The chassis felt composed and agile, inspiring confidence in corners and delivering a level of driving dynamics unexpected from a Kia.
Ride and Comfort: A Blend of Sport and Refinement
Despite its sporty nature, the 2018 Kia Stinger GT also managed to strike a commendable balance with ride comfort. Even in the more aggressive “Sport+” mode, the ride remained surprisingly composed and smooth, gliding over imperfections rather than crashing over them. In “Comfort” mode, it transformed into a refined and comfortable cruiser, suitable for everyday driving and longer journeys. Clarkson even suggested that Jaguar could learn a thing or two from the Stinger GT’s ride quality, highlighting its impressive blend of sportiness and comfort.
Practicality and Features: Well-Equipped and User-Friendly
Beyond performance and handling, the 2018 Kia Stinger GT also offered a practical and well-equipped package. Fuel economy was surprisingly reasonable for a high-performance V6, and the equipment levels were generous, exceeding expectations for its price point. While Clarkson noted the “grey” interior as a minor drawback, the overall cabin was well-laid-out, user-friendly, and featured comfortable and supportive seats. The Stinger GT offered ample passenger space and a usable trunk, making it a practical choice for those who needed a sports sedan that could also handle daily life.
Market Perception and Conclusion: Challenging Expectations
The biggest hurdle for the 2018 Kia Stinger GT wasn’t its performance or features; it was brand perception. In Western markets, Kia was still largely seen as a budget-friendly brand. Clarkson humorously pointed out the social stigma of choosing a Kia over a BMW M3, Audi, or Mercedes-AMG, wondering “What the hell would the neighbours think?” This brand image challenge was undeniable.
However, the 2018 Kia Stinger GT was a game-changer for the brand. It demonstrated Kia’s capability to produce a world-class sports sedan that could genuinely compete with established premium brands. While image-conscious buyers might still gravitate towards German marques, those willing to look beyond the badge and prioritize driving experience, performance, and value would find the 2018 Kia Stinger GT to be an incredibly compelling option. For car enthusiasts in emerging markets, where Kia’s brand perception might be different, the Stinger GT could be seen as a true luxury and aspirational vehicle. The 2018 Kia Stinger GT was a bold and successful attempt by Kia to redefine itself and challenge expectations in the sports sedan segment, proving that performance and driving pleasure could indeed come from unexpected places.
