Kia Motors has earned two more J.D. Power Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) awards for the stylish Rio and Stinger fastback. The double win helped increase Kia’s overall score by eight points since last year, while also securing the brand’s spot among the top 10 non-premium nameplates. The announcement follows Kia Motors being named the highest ranked mass-market brand in the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study for the fourth consecutive year, with the Rio also capturing a win in the small car segment.
The J.D. Power APEAL study measures new-vehicle owners’ overall satisfaction with their vehicles in the first 90 days of ownership. The results are divided into 10 categories and weighted accordingly: exterior, interior, storage, audio, seats, heating and ventilation, driving dynamics, powertrain, visibility, and fuel economy.
One of the most popular models in the global Kia model line-up, the Kia Rio outshined the competition in the small car segment, being one of the only contenders to score the highest marks in overall performance and design, comfort, features, and style.
The highest performing vehicle in Kia’s history, Stinger bested its more expensive European counterparts in the compact premium car segment. Announced for local introduction in April 2018, Kia Motors South Africa has presold nearly its entire allocation of Stinger for 2018 in a space of three months. The first Stinger customers in South Africa is scheduled to take delivery of their vehicles in September 2018.
Also worth a look: the Kia Seltos and the Kia Sportage.
FAQ
Q: What does the Kia Stinger cost in South Africa?
The Kia Stinger starts from around R599,995 for the base 2.0T model, while the range-topping GT with the twin-turbo V6 will set you back approximately R799,995, making it proper value compared to its German rivals.
Q: Is the Kia Stinger worth buying?
Absolutely, the Stinger delivers German executive car performance and luxury for about R200,000 less than comparable BMW or Audi models, plus you get Kia's excellent warranty and service network.
Q: What engine options are available in the Kia Stinger?
The Stinger comes with two engines: a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder producing 182kW, and a monstrous 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 that pumps out 272kW in the GT model.
Q: How fast is the Kia Stinger GT?
The Stinger GT rockets from 0-100kph in just 4.9 seconds and has a top speed of 270kph, which is properly quick for a family fastback that won't break the bank.
Q: What makes the Kia Stinger different from other executive cars?
The Stinger offers genuine sports car performance in a practical five-door package, with rear-wheel drive, perfect weight distribution, and styling that turns heads without the premium badge price tag.
Should You Buy It?
The best executive sports car under R800,000 in South Africa is definitely the Kia Stinger GT. At R799,995, you're getting 272kW of twin-turbo V6 fury, rear-wheel drive handling that puts a smile on your face, and build quality that matches cars costing R200,000 more. The fact that Kia sold out their entire 2018 allocation in three months tells you everything about how good this car is. If you want German executive car performance without the German price tag, buy the Stinger GT immediately.
