What car: ca. £28k; 4 seats; 300+ HP
Discussion
Althalus said:
That seems very strange to me you'd think they'd want the sale! I guess the last few months have been challenging and they're holding out hope. I think it might take another month before pent up demand starts to dry up a bit.
I've just got back from my test drive, I know what you mean about there being a slight lag before the downshift in sport and sport plus. I found if I wanted to floor it manual control was much more satisfying.
The shift wasn't quite as quick as in the Alfa, but it got the job done. The dsg in my old cupra 290 was better than both of them.
Regarding comfort, the seat was a pain to get right, and I'm not sure I quite got it there on the test drive, however, I think that with all that adjustment I'd get it right given a bit more time. Oddly I got out with my right arm aching which I've never experienced before in any car (I think the tracking was, off as the car was pulling left and I spent a bit of time countering it.)
I'm tall and I couldn't see the top part of the HUD with the seat in it's most comfortable position I had to go right back and then the steering wheel wouldn't come close enough to get my arms comfortable. I think there is almost too much variability.
It is a big car, but I had no issue with that on the move, it's comfortable and well insulated, though wind noise starts to intrude at 'cruising' speed on the moterway. The cooling in the seats is lovely! Parking was easy due to the huge number of cameras. The rear visibility is terrible, again overcome by blind-spot warning and cameras.
I thought the interior was on a par with BMW, there is a bit of hard plastic very low down, that's a good thing to prevent scuffs as far as I'm concerned. I thought it seemed nicely premium.
I didn't think it felt that alert if I'm honest, but my benchmark right now is a gt86 and this is a different class of car. From a value for money perspective I'm not sure it can be beaten! Every toy under the sun, it looked stunning in red with cream leather.
I have left undecided mainly due to how much my arm aches at the moment!
Interesting about the arm: is it purely down to the steering wheel being too far away, d’ya reckon?I've just got back from my test drive, I know what you mean about there being a slight lag before the downshift in sport and sport plus. I found if I wanted to floor it manual control was much more satisfying.
The shift wasn't quite as quick as in the Alfa, but it got the job done. The dsg in my old cupra 290 was better than both of them.
Regarding comfort, the seat was a pain to get right, and I'm not sure I quite got it there on the test drive, however, I think that with all that adjustment I'd get it right given a bit more time. Oddly I got out with my right arm aching which I've never experienced before in any car (I think the tracking was, off as the car was pulling left and I spent a bit of time countering it.)
I'm tall and I couldn't see the top part of the HUD with the seat in it's most comfortable position I had to go right back and then the steering wheel wouldn't come close enough to get my arms comfortable. I think there is almost too much variability.
It is a big car, but I had no issue with that on the move, it's comfortable and well insulated, though wind noise starts to intrude at 'cruising' speed on the moterway. The cooling in the seats is lovely! Parking was easy due to the huge number of cameras. The rear visibility is terrible, again overcome by blind-spot warning and cameras.
I thought the interior was on a par with BMW, there is a bit of hard plastic very low down, that's a good thing to prevent scuffs as far as I'm concerned. I thought it seemed nicely premium.
I didn't think it felt that alert if I'm honest, but my benchmark right now is a gt86 and this is a different class of car. From a value for money perspective I'm not sure it can be beaten! Every toy under the sun, it looked stunning in red with cream leather.
I have left undecided mainly due to how much my arm aches at the moment!
I’m afraid I have to respectfully disagree on the comparison with BMW interiors: the 5 series felt leagues ahead of the Stinger to me. It’s certainly the one I’d prefer to be driven around in!
You’re right on the parking though: piece of urine! I’d never used surround view cameras before: quite the revelation!
bobsavage789 said:
Interesting about the arm: is it purely down to the steering wheel being too far away, d’ya reckon?
I’m afraid I have to respectfully disagree on the comparison with BMW interiors: the 5 series felt leagues ahead of the Stinger to me. It’s certainly the one I’d prefer to be driven around in!
You’re right on the parking though: piece of urine! I’d never used surround view cameras before: quite the revelation!
I honestly think my arm is a combination of not being able to get the position quite right and the tracking being off, the pull left was notably worse at speed as well. This resulted in an overextended arm pulling down to keep the line true.I’m afraid I have to respectfully disagree on the comparison with BMW interiors: the 5 series felt leagues ahead of the Stinger to me. It’s certainly the one I’d prefer to be driven around in!
You’re right on the parking though: piece of urine! I’d never used surround view cameras before: quite the revelation!
I'm comparing the interior to the 4 series which is likely a notch below the 5. I really didn't think there was much in it. Again I'm coming from a gt86 though so it all feels luxurious given more time I may feel differently.
One thing I would say is the stinger felt unique in a way a BMW never will. I have a couple more test drives this week and the I'm going to go and have another crack at getting the position right.
dunc69 said:
Interesting to get others’ thoughts on the Stinger.
Like any car, you will get used to it, it certainly took me a while. Pretty sure you will get comfortable, as you say, so much adjustment. I’d hope the achey arm could be avoided with some adjustment and getting the tracking sorted. The tracking was slightly out on mine when I bought it, but it was easily sorted.
I definitely feel very comfortable in mine now. You know that ‘fits like a glove’ feeling? I seem to be able to drive it faster and faster as I get to know it better.
In relation to the gearbox, it isn’t perfect but I find it very, very good and I have tried loads of autos, both torque converter and DSG / DCT / S-tronic.
At parking speeds and cruising it is impeccable. No DSG I have ever driven is totally smooth when manoeuvring. This torque converter naturally is.
At lower speeds it is perfect in auto mode.
When pushing on in Sport it occasionally changes up slightly less smoothly than I would like (DSG is amazing here) but I will accept that for the other benefits.
I’ve never had an issue with kickdown, especially in Sport and Sport +. It just changes down and flies! As a 2019 car, perhaps the software upgrade has helped with this? Certainly it is fun driving hard with the paddles, and it will stay in manual with the upgraded box.
Overall, a good effort by Kia having decided not to buy a gearbox in. Certainly doesn’t spoil the car for me.
I agree that it felt like a car that I'd get more out of as I got used to it. It's very different to the gt86. Which makes me hesitant. I was also being careful as the dealership insurance had a 5k excess!Like any car, you will get used to it, it certainly took me a while. Pretty sure you will get comfortable, as you say, so much adjustment. I’d hope the achey arm could be avoided with some adjustment and getting the tracking sorted. The tracking was slightly out on mine when I bought it, but it was easily sorted.
I definitely feel very comfortable in mine now. You know that ‘fits like a glove’ feeling? I seem to be able to drive it faster and faster as I get to know it better.
In relation to the gearbox, it isn’t perfect but I find it very, very good and I have tried loads of autos, both torque converter and DSG / DCT / S-tronic.
At parking speeds and cruising it is impeccable. No DSG I have ever driven is totally smooth when manoeuvring. This torque converter naturally is.
At lower speeds it is perfect in auto mode.
When pushing on in Sport it occasionally changes up slightly less smoothly than I would like (DSG is amazing here) but I will accept that for the other benefits.
I’ve never had an issue with kickdown, especially in Sport and Sport +. It just changes down and flies! As a 2019 car, perhaps the software upgrade has helped with this? Certainly it is fun driving hard with the paddles, and it will stay in manual with the upgraded box.
Overall, a good effort by Kia having decided not to buy a gearbox in. Certainly doesn’t spoil the car for me.
Edited by dunc69 on Monday 29th June 18:27
The car I tested was a face lift, the gearbox was in no way bad, there was just that slight lag (pretty much any auto) even on quick changes it was smooth. Just like everything else you'd learn to work round it or hit the paddle manually. I agree at low speed on in traffic it was a delight.
It's a car I'd really like to borrow for a day rather than 30min!
I think I'll get my other test-drives done then chat to the dealership again.
On a side not the gt86 has been the cheapest car I've ever run. The depreciation even for trade in is minimal!
steevewright said:
Value for money wise the 6 series' seem to really be providing the best value for performance/spec/comfort in a package at the moment - would definitely be where I went with this. Alternately if you're willing to go SLIGHTLY older; https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
I’d love a 6 series: they look like fantastic GT cars. Unfortunately, they’re another 50% on top of the already-very-expensive 5 series’ insurance, which rules them out...stuart_83 said:
dunc69 said:
Not sure about BMW servicing costs, but the Kia is £1000 for 3 years, or c. £170 per service.
Aren't the Stinger service schedules really short? Like 6k miles or something?On my 440 it's 18k / 2 years which is admittedly too long - for the first two services I think it comes to about £700, or £400 if you buy the service pack when new.
Personal opinion, but I’ve always changed oil and filters at 10k or 12 months anyway. Not a fan of long-life serving.
As I’ve spent a lot of money (for me) on the Stinger, I’m very happy with new oil every 6k miles. Also, keen to keep the 7 year warranty intact.....
Yeah, they're a fantastic car. If I were buying outright in cash they'd be at the top of my list, especially with the 7 years warranty.
Always thought they'd make a bargain at 2-3 years old, but they've held their value a little too well
Wonder if the rumours of the 3.5T are true? Also heard they may not bring out a new model after the next facelift which would be a huge shame.
Always thought they'd make a bargain at 2-3 years old, but they've held their value a little too well
Wonder if the rumours of the 3.5T are true? Also heard they may not bring out a new model after the next facelift which would be a huge shame.
stuart_83 said:
Yeah, they're a fantastic car. If I were buying outright in cash they'd be at the top of my list, especially with the 7 years warranty.
Always thought they'd make a bargain at 2-3 years old, but they've held their value a little too well
Wonder if the rumours of the 3.5T are true? Also heard they may not bring out a new model after the next facelift which would be a huge shame.
I’d heard they weren’t selling enough to make it worthwhile making them still, so I asked the Kia salesman about it.Always thought they'd make a bargain at 2-3 years old, but they've held their value a little too well
Wonder if the rumours of the 3.5T are true? Also heard they may not bring out a new model after the next facelift which would be a huge shame.
He told me they were discontinuing the diesel and the 2 litre Stingers, and keeping going with the 3.3, which is great, because it’s such an under appreciated car.
bobsavage789 said:
stuart_83 said:
Yeah, they're a fantastic car. If I were buying outright in cash they'd be at the top of my list, especially with the 7 years warranty.
Always thought they'd make a bargain at 2-3 years old, but they've held their value a little too well
Wonder if the rumours of the 3.5T are true? Also heard they may not bring out a new model after the next facelift which would be a huge shame.
I’d heard they weren’t selling enough to make it worthwhile making them still, so I asked the Kia salesman about it.Always thought they'd make a bargain at 2-3 years old, but they've held their value a little too well
Wonder if the rumours of the 3.5T are true? Also heard they may not bring out a new model after the next facelift which would be a huge shame.
He told me they were discontinuing the diesel and the 2 litre Stingers, and keeping going with the 3.3, which is great, because it’s such an under appreciated car.
Althalus said:
Having driven it I can't see it being a lot of fun with a 2.0t. I really hope it gets a facelift and then another generation. Kia deserve a lot of praise.
Yep: that 3.3 litre engine is definitely the party piece!I really hope they keep going with it; same for Hyundai and their very well received i30N
bobsavage789 said:
Althalus said:
Having driven it I can't see it being a lot of fun with a 2.0t. I really hope it gets a facelift and then another generation. Kia deserve a lot of praise.
Yep: that 3.3 litre engine is definitely the party piece!I really hope they keep going with it; same for Hyundai and their very well received i30N
My test drive in the C43 is now done. Here are my thoughts:
Pros:
- what a noise that exhaust makes... my word! That’s without the sports exhaust as well.
- the one I tested was very well-optioned (lane keep, adaptive cruise, sunroof to name but a few).
- when in ‘Comfort’, it was surprisingly relaxing and quiet, even at high speed.
- plenty quick enough
- The steering felt nice and sharp
Cons:
- the interior, whilst stylish, feels very dated, especially compared to the 5 series.
- room in the back seats is minimal for what is supposedly a small saloon: my Golf feels bigger in the back.
- the infotainment is noticeably previous-generation, which makes it feel old now, let alone when I move it on. Luckily I’m not hugely bothered about all this modern technology!
- MB servicing is ruinously expensive if I want to keep the MBSH in tact.
Time for some man maths: I’ll report back if/when I make a decision!
Pros:
- what a noise that exhaust makes... my word! That’s without the sports exhaust as well.
- the one I tested was very well-optioned (lane keep, adaptive cruise, sunroof to name but a few).
- when in ‘Comfort’, it was surprisingly relaxing and quiet, even at high speed.
- plenty quick enough
- The steering felt nice and sharp
Cons:
- the interior, whilst stylish, feels very dated, especially compared to the 5 series.
- room in the back seats is minimal for what is supposedly a small saloon: my Golf feels bigger in the back.
- the infotainment is noticeably previous-generation, which makes it feel old now, let alone when I move it on. Luckily I’m not hugely bothered about all this modern technology!
- MB servicing is ruinously expensive if I want to keep the MBSH in tact.
Time for some man maths: I’ll report back if/when I make a decision!
quinny100 said:
bobsavage789 said:
My test drive in the C43 is now done. Here are my thoughts:
- MB servicing is ruinously expensive if I want to keep the MBSH in tact.
It isn't - Service Care on a C43 is £38 a month. I pay more than that for my 2.0 diesel E-Class!- MB servicing is ruinously expensive if I want to keep the MBSH in tact.
Since my last post, I’ve actually done a bit of research and it’s not as ruinous as I originally thought.
quinny100 said:
bobsavage789 said:
My test drive in the C43 is now done. Here are my thoughts:
- MB servicing is ruinously expensive if I want to keep the MBSH in tact.
It isn't - Service Care on a C43 is £38 a month. I pay more than that for my 2.0 diesel E-Class!- MB servicing is ruinously expensive if I want to keep the MBSH in tact.
Bob, how did you find the C43 for size?
I felt a little cramped in a C recently. The E is a better size I think. My brother has had both recently.
There is a new C imminent, which should be bang up to date interior and tech-wise. The latest E is fabulous inside.
Of course, neither available for £28k.......
I felt a little cramped in a C recently. The E is a better size I think. My brother has had both recently.
There is a new C imminent, which should be bang up to date interior and tech-wise. The latest E is fabulous inside.
Of course, neither available for £28k.......
dunc69 said:
Bob, how did you find the C43 for size?
I felt a little cramped in a C recently. The E is a better size I think. My brother has had both recently.
There is a new C imminent, which should be bang up to date interior and tech-wise. The latest E is fabulous inside.
Of course, neither available for £28k.......
The front seats were absolutely fine; maybe a tad higher than I’d like. The rear was very cramped though: I wouldn’t want to spend any length of time in there! I felt a little cramped in a C recently. The E is a better size I think. My brother has had both recently.
There is a new C imminent, which should be bang up to date interior and tech-wise. The latest E is fabulous inside.
Of course, neither available for £28k.......
Boot space actually looked a bit bigger than the Stinger, but the interior was slightly smaller.
There are a couple of E43's for sale but it'll involve a budget creep:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Premium
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
There is an alternative that's in your price bracket & that's the CLS400 this is the same engine as the C/E43 but RWD these will have the older style dash but are a good alternative.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Premium
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
There is an alternative that's in your price bracket & that's the CLS400 this is the same engine as the C/E43 but RWD these will have the older style dash but are a good alternative.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
ZX10R NIN said:
There are a couple of E43's for sale but it'll involve a budget creep:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Premium
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
There is an alternative that's in your price bracket & that's the CLS400 this is the same engine as the C/E43 but RWD these will have the older style dash but are a good alternative.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
The CLS does look lovely on the outside, but I’m afraid I can’t look past that interior which is now 2 generations old...https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Premium
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
There is an alternative that's in your price bracket & that's the CLS400 this is the same engine as the C/E43 but RWD these will have the older style dash but are a good alternative.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Don’t get me wrong: the lack of rear space isn’t a deal breaker: so long as there’s relatively-easily accessible space for a baby seat, I don’t mind.
I’m currently leaning towards the C43 as a final blast before I go electric/hybrid... I plan on beginning the discussion with the dealer this week...
Enjoying reading the reviews and your impressions Bob.
I know it was recommended earlier but I'd suggest looking into the XE S as well. There's 3.0l supercharged V6, produces 335bhp (2015-2017) and revised to produce 375bhp from 2018 onwards.
Good luck with the rest of the list to choose from!
I know it was recommended earlier but I'd suggest looking into the XE S as well. There's 3.0l supercharged V6, produces 335bhp (2015-2017) and revised to produce 375bhp from 2018 onwards.
Good luck with the rest of the list to choose from!
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