Steering pretty loose in sport mode?

[sk1p]

Is this normal? I thought that the sport mode is supposed to stiffen up the steering a bit. I'm going to compare a bit more tomorrow but i'm curious what others experiences are.

 

[WildBill]

I'd never consider my steering loose in any mode. Just heavy and heavier

 

[Waynerm002]

I think this depends on what car you drive before test driving it. My first test drive was after driving my Optima Hybrid to the dealer and the test car was a GT, it felt firm but not heavy. I was expecting it to be heavier but the car was responsive even tough it wasn’t as sporty as I was used to. The car I now have, I drove home with the hybrid, picked up the wife and took her Volvo, I typically set the steering to the firmest setting but she had it on light and I could tell as the Optima is closer to it’s middle setting. When I test drove the GT2 in sport mode, the steering felt really heavy. I drive it mostly in eco or comfort mode but took it out this evening and used sport mode, it seems like the turns are sharper, the feel is quite sporty and heavier. I actually like that feeling and will probably set that in custom.

Which vehicle were you test driving, this will help us provide some more info.

 

[sk1p]

I test drove the GT and got the GT

 

[WildBill]

I'd never consider my steering loose in any mode. Just heavy and heavier

Note: by heavy I don't mean unresponsive, it's just not over powered and numb from the power steering. Like Wanerm002 says, firm is probably a better description.

 

[sk1p]

Note: by heavy I don't mean unresponsive, it's just not over powered and numb from the power steering. Like Wanerm002 says, firm is probably a better description.

I wouldn't say my sport mode steering feels firm

I'll give it a test tomorrow and report back.

 

[MerlintheMad]

Is this normal? I thought that the sport mode is supposed to stiffen up the steering a bit. I'm going to compare a bit more tomorrow but i'm curious what others experiences are.

"Loose" means play in the steering, not ease of steering. The steering feels the same to me in all modes; nice and precise and responsive. And effortless.

 

[Waynerm002]

What are you used to driving? I can tell you my S60 in it’s firmest setting requires some effort to move it. The KIA system is not as heavy as others but it works well for the car.

 

[sk1p]

What are you used to driving? I can tell you my S60 in it’s firmest setting requires some effort to move it. The KIA system is not as heavy as others but it works well for the car.

A toyota corolla lol

 

[MerlintheMad]

What are you used to driving?

Are you asking me? I drive junkers. My main driver was a '94 Voyager. Obviously the Stinger is going to be worlds away from the power steering in an old van! That's why every drive mode in the Stinger feels great to me.

 

[Waynerm002]

A toyota corolla lol

Not you Merlin, you got a Stinger already. Just for fun, drive a premium and a GT2 as well. Keep in mind that only the GT1 and GT2 have suspensions that actually adjusts with the drive mode selector. Let us know after you drive them if they are any different to you.

 

[Dennis]

My personal opinion on the Stinger steering weight in sports feels relatively similar to comfort. To start off comfort is never overassisted in my opinion. Most cars that have driving modes have a very distinct steering suspension and engine response difference between drive modes to give a false impression of “Difference” I actually like the Stinger drive modes as it is relatively minor in difference for suspension and steering except engine respond where it becomes explosive. This setup gives a consistent vehicle behaviour when switching in between modes when pushing in the B roads. I really do not like cars that behave “hey I am in Sports mode” or likewise as it is intentionally program for extremes. A good setup is when a vehicle that has consistent dynamics with just minor difference to enhance the driving experience not cars that behave with a ON and OFF feel! This is where I feel Stinger chassis tuning have done well!

Back to steering the difference for me is more in the center feel where comfort has a slight freeplay to the wheel turning while sports seems to firm it up a tad. To begin with the steering weighti on the Stinger is pretty darn good imo and yet accurate.

 

[sk1p]

I tested it today comparing it against other modes and its actually pretty firm, nevermind LOL

 

[MikeyCanuck]

You may also want to check tire pressures... there have been many reports of dealers not setting tire pressure correctly after receiving them from the factory... apparently they are shipped over-inflated...

 

[MerlintheMad]

My tires were all well above 50 psi. The sales rep said they don't alter a thing and leave the tires as-is. We have to adjust the psi to Kia recommended levels, which for the 19" rims are 36 in the back and 38 in the front.

 

[Dave Miller]

The sales rep said they don't alter a thing and leave the tires as-is.

Part of your vehicle delivery should include your salesperson or someone in service making sure all of the tires are the correct PSI listed in the door jamb.

 

[MerlintheMad]

Part of your vehicle delivery should include your salesperson or someone in service making sure all of the tires are the correct PSI listed in the door jamb.

Yes. But this is a commonly overlooked or ignored item, apparently.

 

[Bear]

Steering in Sport is very responsive and stiff...which I prefer. I would consider my Cobra steering to be much more sloppy and loose compared to Sport mode on the Stinger.

 

[DaJackson]

I tested it today comparing it against other modes and its actually pretty firm, nevermind LOL

Apparently everyone missed this post.

Locking this for now.