Should you buy one?

Kia has shown admirable ambition building the Stinger – a car which, while flawed, makes a good alternative to the large premium hatchback stalwarts. While some rivals offer a little more up to date tech, the Stinger feels relatively simple and honest in comparison, free of complexity.

As a result, while the Stinger is far from perfect – there could be a little more rear seat space and the running costs won’t be cheap – the Stinger remains likeable, fun to drive and far from a bad choice to live with.

What we like

The Stinger combines big power and rear-wheel drive handling, in a comfortable, good-looking package that’s different from the obvious rivals. Should be reliable, too.

What we don’t like

Some of the dashboard buttons look cheap and dated, while the positioning of some prove awkward to reach too. There are no cheaper engines to run, even if we’d dream of the 3.3-litre V6.

Which version is best for you?

There’s only one engine and spec, so choosing one is easy. If you seek a cheaper alternative, you’ll have to seek a used model for the diesel or entry-level petrol.

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