2018 Kia Stinger 2.0T-GDI review - verdict
Is the cheapest Kia Stinger still a viable alternative to the more usual premium suspects?...
The chances are, if you’re considering a Stinger with this engine in it, you’re planning to buy privately. Certainly, as a company car the 2.0-litre Stinger makes little sense; high CO2 emissions mean you’ll pay a whopping 35% of the P11D price in benefit-in-kind. The 2.2-litre diesel version would be a better bet if that’s what you’re after – or if petrol is a must, a rival from Audi or BMW, which tend to have lower emissions.
As a private purchase, however, the Stinger in this form does make more sense. It’s aggressively priced, which means it looks like great value next to its German rivals; you get more performance and more toys for less cash, not to mention Kia’s seven-year warranty.
All of which makes this entry-level Stinger an interesting alternative to rivals such as the Audi A5 Sportback and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé. It's perhaps not quite as classy or well-resolved enough in this guise to beat either of those rivals, neither is it entertaining or spirited enough to be our pick of the range ahead of the 3.0-litre V6, but it's certainly still worthy of consideration.
What Car? says...
Rated 4 out of 5
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Kia Stinger 2.0T-GDi
Price £32,025 Engine 4cyl, 1998cc, petrol Power 244bhp at 6200rpm Torque 260lb ft at 1400-3500rpm Gearbox 8-spd automatic 0-62mph 5.8sec Top speed 149mph Official economy 35.8mpg CO2, tax band 181g/km, 37%
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