Kia Stinger VS Genesis G70 (2021 minor change)

Two Korean premium midsize sedans, the Kia Stinger and the Genesis G70 gained some minor changes for the 2021 model year and with the former taking a more conservative approach, the latter goes for a more heavy approach to its minor change. What's up with their latest minor change?

2021 Kia Stinger

2021 Kia Stinger

Let's begin with the Kia Stinger. When it was launched three years ago, this sports saloon caught the attention of horsepower-hungry, phone-flipping, speedo boys who can't wait to enjoy its dynamic character and its newfound street cred. Despite its popularity, there were only a few who are buying it, which is rather sad. While the Stinger's fate is in the balance, this minor change feels like it doesn't help because of its same looks, or is it?

On the styling side, the minor change features the same front as the old Stinger but with some new headlamps to differentiate it. Then, there is a new set of wheels to make a clear statement about it. And on the rearview, the Stinger gained new rear lamps, which sums up really well.

2021 Kia Stinger interior

On the inside, you will notice that the sat-nav is now longer than the old one, gained blue accents on the trim, and ambient lighting, and sports new and premium seats to make it look luxurious. These interior updates made the Stinger feel more luxurious, which is somewhat contrasting.

2021 Kia Stinger

The recent minor change made the Stinger look mature but it feels as fun to drive as the previous one especially when there are big changes under the hood. In the list of engines, the 2.0L turbo, and 2.2 diesel have been thrown away for good and while it retains the top-of-the-line 3.3L Turbo V6 engine, now producing up to 373PS of power, the facelift welcomes the Smartstream 2.5L turbo engine first appeared in the latest Genesis G80, producing 304PS of power and 43kg-m of torque. Both of these engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

While it behaves like the old Stinger thanks to its sport-tuned suspension, available AWD with Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control, and Brembo brakes, the facelifted Stinger has a load of safety tech that feels like it's in charge of driving.

Price? 38,530,000 Korean Won, which sounds more costly than the old but amazingly, it's less expensive than the Genesis G70 that I'm showing it to you right now.

2021 Genesis G70

2021 Genesis G70

The 40,350,000 Won Genesis G70 boasts a big minor change, which sounds like a heavy approach compared to the Stinger's because the new model now sports the signature Genesis look first debuted on the GV80 SUV last January. With that new look, the G70 is starting to look and feel like a different car compared to expensive European imports.

2021 Genesis G70 interior

The interior looks the same as the old one except for the sat-nav, which is now longer than the previous one, and now boasts tons of tech stuff including the rather handy built-in dash cam, which is great for spotting sweet potatoes on the road, if you know what I mean, and humiliate them on social media when you come home.

2021 Genesis G70

Unlike the Stinger, the G70 retains most of its engine lineup consisting of the 2.2L CRDi-VGT engine with 202PS of power output, the 2.0L Turbo GDi engine with 255PS of power output, and the 3.3L Turbo V6 engine producing 370PS of power and 52kgf-m of torque. All are mated to an 8-speed AT.

What's surprising is that the new G70 boasts a new "Sports+" drive mode which lets its engine and gearbox loose to get the most out of it and in the high-end 3.3L V6 with Sports Package, it features a flashy Variable Exhaust Valve System which makes it sounds more frisky. Couple that with its sport-tuned suspension and available Dynamic AWD system and the result is a rather enjoyable Korean luxury car that can be driven harder and longer.

On the safety side, the new G70 boasts a wide array of safety techs such as Forward Collision-Avoidance, Blind-spot Collision Avoidance, Safe Exit Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance, Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, Lane Following Assist, Multi Collision Brake, Rear Occupant Alert, and so on.

These updated Korean luxury midsize sedans may feel different but they're worth the try so, which one will you go for?

Photo: Kia Motors/Hyundai Motor Company

Forza Horizon 4: Snow Stinger

It's wintertime in Horizon UK and with so much things to do when all of Britain is covered in snow, I decided to take a break from some usual shenanigans to bring you this Korean hero I'm digging to. It's from Kia and it's called the Stinger.



Most people might think that because I'm driving a Kia, I might get the jeers from the peers because it's Korean but this Kia is different than then might think because despite being made by Kia, the Stinger is a luxury sports saloon that is not afraid to take on the European rivals. It maybe born in Gwangmyeong but it was honed at the Nurburgring to deliver world-class performance that makes it a class apart from the rest.

Under the hood lies a 3.3L Twin Turbo V6 producing 365 horsepower and with the 8-speed AT armed, it does 0-100kph in 4.9 seconds and while this isn't as fast as a BMW M3, it's fast enough to outrun one of Kim Jong-un's wonky northern missiles. (Cue explosion effects)



By default, the Stinger is rear-wheel drive, which is a basic requirement for sports saloons, as well as a limited-slip differential and because of its Nurburgring-honed dynamics, Kia did succeed in making a sports saloon but only just. A rear-wheel drive Stinger, as standard, shows that the Stinger doesn't behave like a Korean car and you can give thanks to the man who used to work at BMW for that matter, but what about an all-wheel drive Stinger? Could that setup turned into an Audi and ruined it? As I read through the info, the Stinger's optional all-wheel drive has Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control, meaning it works pretty much like the Ford Focus RS, but does it work? To find out, I decided to fit the Stinger with AWD drivetrain while making some adjustments to prepare for the worst as well as doing something special since the Stinger showed up.







It's snowing, right? If it's snowing outside, I know exactly what this sign means. What? Don't recognize her anymore? Never mind, that design I made before really fits the Stinger's persona and with the AWD configuration set, the Stinger is ready for some Double Dare in British roads. Don't be scared, Lily-sama. We got this physical challenge under control.


Physical challenges complete!



Rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, whichever your Stinger's going to be, you'll be glad to know that this car exceeds expectations of what a luxury sport saloon should be and it breaks the stereotypes of what Korean cars are. I am glad that I drove one of the best cars made from the Land of the Morning Calm, and also K-POP. Still, with my thoughts about the Stinger done, the journey continues...

Forza Motorsport 7: Live your Dream

For the first time in Forza Motorsport 7, there's a Kia hatchback in town! Yes, with everyone toying around with the new Dell Gaming Car Pack, driving around the best racetracks in a Bugatti, I got a Kia, but it's time to shut up because the Kia hatchback in question turns out to be not as boring as everyone might expect. Need a little hint? It's the one that was used to beat two skateboarders on the twisty roads of Majorca.



This is Kia's first attempt to make a sports saloon that will rival against expensive European imports. It's called the Stinger and yes, that's a cool name for a cool sports saloon made by the Koreans. Wow, looks like the producers are getting the Winter Olympics spirit in there.



Before taking a spin, let's check out what's what about the Stinger. Kia Motors rattled the world with their rear-wheel drive luxury sports fastback called the Stinger when it was showcased to the world at the 2017 North American International Auto Show and then went on sale on the Korean market since May 2017.

Drawing inspiration from the 2011 GT Concept, the Stinger stays true to the concept design while delivering the dynamics and performance equivalent of expensive European imports with thanks to former BMW engineer Albert Biermann, who is head of Kia Motors' Vehicle Test and High Performance Development. Under the hood, it comes with a choice of three engines ranging from a the 2.2L CRDi-VGT engine with 202PS of power output, 2.0L Turbo GDi engine with 255PS of power output, and the fiery 3.3L Turbo V6 engine producing 370PS of power and 52kgf-m of torque, propelling the Stinger to a 0-100kph time of 4.9 seconds. All three engine choices are mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox with Centrifugal Pendulum Absorber torque converter.

The Stinger is rear-wheel drive as standard but the optional AWD system comes with Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control system that promises rear-wheel drive agility with adaptability on any road condition. It even comes with a wide array of active safety systems featuring a driver monitoring system for the first time in a Kia. It starts from 35,000,000 to 48,800,000 Korean Won.



Of course, the Stinger may not be as fast as the BMW M3 but it can outrun one of Kim Jong-Un's wonky northern missiles. Cue the tunnel explosions, please. Although luxurious in spirit, the Stinger really fizzes the drivers into thinking they're driving a Kia and because with all that dynamics and performance inspired from its Euro rivals, the Stinger never fails to impress and I have a feeling this could be my favorite Korean car in the game as I shall now demonstrate with a little lap round the Top Gear Track.





Sure, this car maybe Korean but it has the "Nerf This" expression we all love about and I can picture of me dressing as that Korean girl in a bodysuit riding a mecha from a videogame everybody loves but never mind all that because let's see how good the Stinger is...



Actually, the Stinger is about as fast as the second-generation BMW Z4 or the previous Chevrolet Camaro, but I'm not done yet because it's time to do a proper experiment at something fit for businessmen, something fit for business and leisure, something like...





Yes, it's Long Beach. Little did you know, in most Asian car commercials, the most common places to shoot an Asian car commercial can be either Spain, Australia, or most famously, California, USA. The Golden State, oh yeah, and to demonstrate if the Stinger has the guts to quash the Europeans, I'm picking the ideal candidate for this kind of comparo.





It's a Jaaaaaaaag XE with a supercharged V6 engine on it and because they are cultural opposites, this can make the ideal shootout for this comparo. Think d.Va versus Tracer. Oh, sorry, was that annoying? Now you all know what it feels like when I taste these two luxury saloons on the streets of Long Beach so let's see if the Stinger holds to the promise.



And now the results...

XE -1:48.119
Stinger - 1:47.640

Nerf this, Britain.



The Stinger really is Kia's tour de force against its European rivals but only just because there are some downsides to it. Still, despite its flaws, the Stinger is proof that the Koreans can really make a sports saloon that will challenge the world with pride and prestige so well done, Kia Motors, for the Stinger. Well, now that my talk with the Stinger done, come with me and I'll show you what've done to the Stinger.





A dreaming bird. No words to explain it.

Kia Stinger

For years, Korean cars have been one of the most redundant cars on the road because not only it is cheap but also horrid not by looks but by the performance they wouldn't get their hopes for. Now though, things have changed as Kia's brand new high-performance sports saloon will challenge all your ideas about Korean cars.

2018 Kia Stinger

This is called the Stinger and by some hunch, it could be Korea's answer to the Alfa Romeo Giulia and some well-known European imports known to many with the price that is very reasonable enough to start with. So, why did Kia decided to make a sports car that promises to upset the Europeans and, more importantly, change the Korean car company's image for the better of it? Good question though but let's go to the part why Kia want to change its image with the new Stinger.

You see, Kia Motors are getting bothered by most people who drive Kias hiding the fact that they actually drove one. Cars, mostly the ones in the current Peter Schreyer-design era like the Forte, the K5, the K7, the K3, even the latest Sorento and the Sportage, you name the rest, often get their KIA badges swapped by some unknown and unofficial aftermarket ones so they believe that what they're driving isn't a Kia but the fact is they are. To respond to such atrocity, they've developed the Stinger, which is a new sports car that will change the way they think about Kias without doing the unthinkable.

2018 Kia Stinger

To make sure the Stinger will not go down in the same fate as the other Peter Schreyer-designed Kias, they made a specially-made badge on the front rather than the usual KIA badge on it. See the letter "E" on it? Sounds misleading but it's a warning shot for speedo boys driving Kias saying "Don't change my emblem, bro!" So, job done for Kia but while the design is heavily inspired from the 2011 GT Concept, it looks more like a K5 on steroids with the rear view that looks conspicuously similar to the Dodge Dart. You can almost never tell the difference between yours and the next guy's car.

2018 Kia Stinger interior

The story doesn't stop here as the interior looks like it came from modern-day Mercedes saloons and if your sights are all Mercedes to you, you can get badly confused thinking that you're driving a Mercedes-Benz in case you're wondering. Even though this is a sporty four-door coupe much like Mercedes's CLS or BMW's Gran Coupe offerings, this is surprisingly luxurious at so many levels and accommodating up to five passengers isn't too shabby either with its ample headroom and legroom good enough to be called a proper saloon car.

2018 Kia Stinger

Now for the coup de grace of the Stinger, the performance, and because it runs on a totally new architecture that can accommodate both rear-wheel and (wait for it) all-wheel drive powertrains, the terms comfortable, quiet, rigidity, and lightweight do come to its vocabulary and perhaps no wonder Kia poached an expert from BMW to make sure it handles like a European sports car. In fact, the Stinger is one of the cars that were tested and tuned on the Nurburgring, which is too surprising for a car made from the land of Korean dramas and K-Pop that behaves like a total diva. It is!

As you may think that because it can be offered with an all-wheel drive system, you may have feared that it's going to have some breakneck understeers too struggling to handle in such conditions but fear not because having torn the pages from the latest Ford Focus RS, the Kia Stinger has Dynamic Torque Vectoring Control system that promises rear-wheel drive agility with adaptability on any road condition so not only it's good enough to take on any weather forecast, it's also intoxicating to drive like a total addict.

The Stinger comes with three exciting engine choices ranging from the 2.2L CRDi-VGT engine with 202PS of power output, 2.0L Turbo GDi engine with 255PS of power output, and the fiery 3.3L Turbo V6 engine producing 370PS of power and 52kgf-m of torque, propelling the Stinger to a 0-100kph time of 4.9 seconds. All three engine choices are mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox with Centrifugal Pendulum Absorber torque converter to help reduce torsional vibrations through the drivetrain as well as its four-piston Brembo brakes with ventilated discs to make it stop with a bit more feel.

For safety, the Kia Stinger comes with a wide array of active safety systems such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and for the first time in a Kia, a driver monitoring system that warns the driver when it's time to pull over for a break if it senses drowsiness or other possible scenarios. That sounds like bothersome to us but oh well...

The Kia Stinger is priced from 35,000,000 to 48,800,000 Korean Won, which makes it very affordable to own than any European imports, despite the fact that it is the most costliest Kia to own today, more costly than the K9. So, is this the Kia you've been waiting for? Don't scoff but for a car that promises to be Korea's Giulia to the world, it needs to prove its worth against the competition until its prime time for the challenge. Nevertheless, the Stinger changes the way we think about Kias and despite its misleading "E" badge, it's a forewarning to speedo boys everywhere that warns them that this could be the most promising Korean sports car to enjoy since the deceased Hyundai Genesis Coupe. This is a brave new world for Kia's newest sports saloon that will challenge all your ideas about Korean cars.

Available colors: Snow White Pearl, Silky Silver, Deep Chroma Blue, Panthera Metal, Aurora Black Pearl, and High Chroma Red.

Photo: Kia Motors