That crazy Kia? Now less crazy

GOOD NEWS FOR those who want the looks, speed and novelty factor of the 365bhp Stinger but can’t square spending £40k on a Kia that emits more CO2 than a 911 Turbo – there is an alternative. Step forward the 244bhp 2.0-litre T’GDi Stinger (ignore the D – it burns petrol), otherwise known as the entry-level version.

Despite its lowly status within the range, you never really feel like you’re getting the bargain basement version. Sure, the Brembo brakes and electronic damping are exclusive to the 3.3-litre GT S ˜lagship, but, crucially, the rearwheel-drive layout, limited-slip di™ and vast swathes of standard equipment remain.

As, unfortunately, does the eight-speed automatic gearbox – lifted straight from the Sorento SUV. There’s no option to lock it into manual mode (yet, puzzlingly, there is in the Sorento) and the kickdown never quite arrives when you want it.

Once into its stride, however, the Stinger spreads its poke evenly across the rev range and delivers BMW 430i levels of performance – 0’62mph takes 5.8 seconds (versus 5.1 for the V6) and top speed is 149mph. Sadly, the engine note never graduates from a gru™ rumble, but then it’s barely better in the V6.

The lighter engine means marginally sharper steering, while the reduction in torque (260 versus 376lb ft) reins in the tail-happy antics of the GT S. You can still have fun, though, the taut chassis dealing well with bumpy B-roads and delivering agility levels that belie the car’s 1.7-tonne kerb weight. It’s just a pity, then, that the grand-tourer idea is let down by a ˜idgety ride that lacks the polish of the Stinger’s rivals.

The 3.3-litre GT S is still the pick of the family, but don’t think you’ll be stuck with the poor relation if you opt for the entry-level model.

Muscular looks are the same as the V6 GTS version’s, and performance isn’t far behind