The Kia Stinger sports car debuted in 2017 and immediately turned the world of premium sedans upside down, presenting itself as a revolutionary option. And, now that it gets a facelift, the Kia Stinger's latest hit reminds us what a great sports car it is. One capable of competing face-to-face with the Porsche Panamera or the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé, but whose prices start at around 38,000 euros. And with almost everything you could ask for as standard.
Precisely the latter is at the root of his most recent achievement. And it is that, in the United States, the 2022 Kia Stinger sports car has once again undergone the demanding tests carried out by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). And it has been awarded the Top Safety Pick+ rating, the highest of all. Thus, improving one step compared to what was achieved in 2017, when it was awarded the Top Safety Pick.
It does so, in fact, thanks to a new standard feature: LED headlights. These are now added to this saloon's critical series of driving assistance systems, such as lane-keeping, high beam, and frontal collision.
Of course, the bottom line is that it scored well in all six crash tests (small overlap on driver's side, frontal overlap on passenger's side, moderate frontal overlap, side, roof, and head restraint) performed. After a restyling, it is common for a car to undergo IIHS testing again. And it is also essential that their results rise since technological improvements are usually added.
With its fastback body, rear-wheel drive, and supercharged 3.3-liter V6 engine, the Stinger was Kia's big bet to turn its image around. And the Korean manufacturer affirms that, in that sense, it has worked like a charm. "It changed the way consumers see the Kia brand," says Kia North America president and CEO Sean Yoon.
Designed by Audi veteran Peter Schreyer and developed by Albert Biermann, responsible for so many BMW M's, no expense was spared to make it as good as its German rivals. But for half or a third of the price. The truth is that this sports car has never been a best seller. So despite the latest success of the Kia Stinger sports car, you have to wonder if there will be a second generation in a few years? Something for which we do not know if there are plans. And we will have to wait for the answer to be yes.
