If there is one vehicle that is definitely causing a stir right here in St Louis and across the nation, it is Kia's fastback sport sedan that has been hailed for its high performance level, practicality, and sleek design. The stinger is on sale now, and is set to completely redefine the category of the auto market that is populated by some of the most hailed European brands in the business. Roadshow by CNET announced this past week that the Stinger was its 2018 Shift Award Vehicle of the Year, beating out front-line competition from the likes of Audi and Honda.
It was held in the highest of regard by the editorial staff for not just being a class game-changer, but a car that is perpetuating the industry towards a smarter, more entertaining, and dynamic existence in the future. This is the top award category for the Roadshow, which is now entering its third year. All of us here at Jim Butler were closely watching as the categories of Disruptor, Driveline Tech, Cabin Tech, Safety Tech, and the top Vehicle of the Year were doled out respectively. Editor in chief Tim Stevens claimed that by the end of the allotted voting time, it was the Stinger's mix of refinement and power in a practical, attractive, and attainable package that edged it to the top of the pack this year.
Designed in Frankfurt and tested exclusively on the famed Nurburgring track, the Stinger is the cutting-edge addition to a fleet from the brand ranked #1 in initial quality. Sporting low and lean looks and a longer-than-average wheelbase, other very experienced writers from the Chicago Tribune lamented that while sitting still, it appears as if it is already in full motion. There is a bit broader version of the prominent Kia honeycomb handle grille, giving the all-new Stinger a look that is familiar to our brand as soon as you see the car arrive. When the folks from the Tribune took the 6-cylinder model for a test spin, they were rabidly admiring nearly everything about it.
Claiming that it “jumps from the line with a satisfying but not overwhelming warble that can erupt into a growl”, the test drive also provided a 0-60 mph conquer time in roughly 4.7 seconds. When you opt for a test drive of your own, you'll love the quick corner-gracing qualities of Sport mode: it delays the shift points, tightens the suspension, and even provides red lighting to the display to complement the existing interior color.
This is a car that handles curves and corners so amazingly well, that it just makes the urge to drive build up more and more the longer you are behind the wheel. Even in Eco mode on the highway, you'll get a quiet and pleasantly gripping ride, with very direct steering, and a bit of spare time to enjoy the leather seats and interior that has been compared to the likes of Jaguar. A performance sedan that is thrilling as well as it is stylish and practical, the Stinger is eager to etch its mark into your driving regimen: come check out what the most exquisite in engineering and development chops can offer up!
