Was chatting to the dealership today and found out

[mev202]

They have sold 5 Kia Stingers since it launched, each dealership in the UK only gets 12 cars.

He also told me that he's had an Audi, a BMW and a Mercedes AMG given in part exchanges.

I've read reviews saying that anyone who's owned a German car wouldn't look twice at the car.

It made me happy that owners of so called premium cars are seeing the Stinger as a serious option.

 

[westcoastGT]

They have sold 5 Kia Stingers since it launched, each dealership in the UK only gets 12 cars.

He also told me that he's had an Audi, a BMW and a Mercedes AMG given in part exchanges.

I've read reviews saying that anyone who's owned a German car wouldn't look twice at the car.

It made me happy that owners of so called premium cars are seeing the Stinger as a serious option.

..............12 years of BMW , it wasn't a hard step to Kia for me , I have this " I know something you dont " feeling with this car ! hahaha

 

[STNGRNV]

Many people in here owned "premium" cars before the Stinger. Reviewers can be car snobs but the Stinger has been reviewed favorably against German brands.

 

[Dark_Knight GT]

..............12 years of BMW , it wasn't a hard step to Kia for me , I have this " I know something you dont " feeling with this car ! hahaha

I felt the exact same. 335i, M3, 340i and an SRT Challenger mixed in. The wife brought home a GT2. I couldn’t trade in the 340i fast enough. This car is indeed a special one.

 

[Berzerker]

Came from a 440i myself. I just don't understand the badge whores. Look at the history and what you're actually getting. If you're considering an S5 Sportback or a 440i GC it's really a no-brainer unless you hate the Stinger ride.

 

[mev202]

Wow, so many former BMW drivers. Just so you all know, the stingers indicators and speedometer work.

I say this because many many BMW and Audi cars seem to have been sold with broken indicators and speedometers.... Lol.

I've only ever owned Kia, 1xRio 2x sportage and now a stinger, from next week hopefully (if the ship it's on ever gets here).

 

[Euljiro1ga]

I can't wait to give my dad a ride in my Stinger, he's been a lifelong BMW driver and believer, something like 30 years of BMWs.

I bet he will no longer be a BMW driver much longer...

 

[MBro]

There is a pretty big marketing push on the Stinger going on in the UK. TV ads (although not UK specifc) etc and even major banners, posters and floor advertising up at Waterloo station. Kia seem to be working hard to convert people. The 12 cars per dealer (my guy says 16 now btw) could be a master stroke in creating desirability or a miscalculation - not sure which yet....

 

[Waynerm002]

I could see that for the UK where most folks want a fuel efficient car. KIA is testing the market with that car as KIAis not known for expensive, sporty cars there. If the demand is high and they sell out, they can bring more over.

 

[benanderson89]

I could see that for the UK where most folks want a fuel efficient car. KIA is testing the market with that car as KIAis not known for expensive, sporty cars there. If the demand is high and they sell out, they can bring more over.

That's what Ford did with the Mustang when it launched in 2015.

They tested the waters with the V8 but kept a boat-load of 4-pots in stock. In a twist of fate, 80% of orders have been for the fire-breathing V8 and there are lots filled to the brim with unsold turbos that they are desperately trying to sell before the MY18 lands.

Looking at government statistics for the UK, not a single 4-cylinder Stinger has been sold yet. They've all been V6s. Whilst the UK typically likes fuel efficient snore-boxes like the VW Golf, its wise never to under-estimate our thirst for speed. We do make Caterham, McLaren, Aston and Jaguar, after all, whilst also sticking V8s into cars made out of wood.

 

[mev202]

What government statistics?

I thought the v4 wouldn't show up as none are registered until march 1st for the 18 plate. The V6 has been available since end of last year.

 

[benanderson89]

What government statistics?

I thought the v4 wouldn't show up as none are registered until march 1st for the 18 plate. The V6 has been available since end of last year.

You can pull statistics from the DVLA. Its a bit of a ball ache but its there.

 

[Beege]

Came from an S3. I love telling people I got a Kia. Their reaction is "A Kia?! ya right... You, in a Kia?! Ha!"

Like from everybody. Family members, close friends, car friends, even the wife...

The wife admits she loves it more and more everyday.

My buddy who dropped me off (in his 5 series) to get it changed his mind when I took him for a test drive.

 

[Waynerm002]

I'm curious what year and model is his 5 series? I have only driven a GT, not the GT2 with the adaptive suspension, from my experience with the 2010 535 with M-Sport Package I had, I felt the GT rode and handled better than that car. I don't abuse my cars so no tire burning or redlining the engine but for driving quick on windy roads and stretching it's legs from time to time, the 200 hp/tq was great! Curious to know if he drove it and what his thoughts were in comparison to his car.

 

[mldavis2]

Most of the "professional" reviewers love the suspension until it reaches the outer limit on cornering and that's when they think it could be firmer, but they also admit that it still sticks like it should. It's more of a "feel" than performance, and the difference between a sports car and a GT in terms of how it was engineered.

 

[Kia Stinger]

they think it could be firmer

Sure, they'd love it - but "most" buyers wouldn't. Ya know? It would get great reviews and every automobile enthusiast would be happy - but I think most owners prefer the way it is. I'm guessing you agree...

 

[Rufus]

Most of the "professional" reviewers love the suspension until it reaches the outer limit on cornering and that's when they think it could be firmer, but they also admit that it still sticks like it should. It's more of a "feel" than performance, and the difference between a sports car and a GT in terms of how it was engineered.

This times ten! It's funny how some folks are bashing the Stinger for not being hard edged enough, and I believe it may be due a lack of knowledge/context as to what a true GT is. Here in America, the designation has long since been diluted, as it has been applied to some ridiculous cars. Most folks only think "sport sedan" in M5 terms not realizing a true Gran Turismo (which I believe is what Schreyer, Biermann, Guillaume, et al intended) is a different bogey, IMO.

 

[gilthanis1]

Most of the naysayers are simply badge whores/snobs who think its incomprehensible how one of "THOSE" cars could come close to their beloved German barges, let alone equal or surpass them, and Kia has done it in astounding fashion.

I've driven/ridden most of the M-series, AMGs, Audi S, and a few Porsches over the last 10-12 years and never felt the urge that I had to run out and buy one, especially when the friends/owners told me about maintenance costs and have to have specific parts, the hell with that. (Air cooled 911 Turbo not-withstanding, I would still take one of those in a minute)

I missed the awesome Japanese sports cars of the 90s when I was in high school, i.e. Toyota Supra RZ, RX7 TT, 3000GT VR-4, etc, so you can see what I gravitated towards. I got tired of the dam 4-bangers and wanted a grown up car, but by the time I could actually afford one of those they were all out of production. BMW, Audi, and MB all use another dam 4-banger in their $50k range 'performance' cars, no thanks.

When Kia announced a true TT V6 w/ AWD, I had only one though "When and where in the hell can I get one?" Badges be dammed......

 

[Rufus]

"BADGES?! We don't need no stinking badges!!"

 

[corradoMR2]

Stinger is the perfect balance of performance, style, tech, and luxury. It's an incredible value proposition. Only thing missing is the badge.

No regrets with my first Kia, coming from luxury cars, latest ones the IS and RC F.