Stylish Kia Stinger tested for its towing capabilities and practicality
•2.0 T-GDi ‘GT-Line’ model tested
•Impressive boot space and engine commended
Kia’s stunning grand turismo, the Stinger 2.0 T-GDi ‘GT-Line’ has been awarded ‘Best Petrol Tow Car’ at The Tow Car Awards 2018. The Tow Car Awards is a joint venture between Practical Caravan, What Car?, and the Camping and Caravanning Club with 44 cars tested this year. Cars are assessed in four categories; Towing, Everyday Driving, Practicality, and Buying and Owning.
Commenting on the award, Steve Hicks, Sales Director of Kia Motor (UK) Limited said: “We are delighted that the Stinger has been recognised for its versatility and practicality, while still being an exciting and dynamic car to drive. The turbo-charged 2.0 litre petrol engine is ideally suited for long-distance touring and has the power and torque required to tow a good range of caravans and trailers. This recognition comes at an exciting time for the brand and for the Stinger as a model, having won multiple other awards and positive feedback from the media and consumers alike.”
David Motton, Tow Car Editor of Practical Caravan said: “The Stinger doesn’t look like a typical tow car. But the Kia proves that you don’t need a practical estate or a tough SUV to go caravanning. The 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine is lively and willing, and once up to speed the Stinger feels secure and stable. Boot space is the real eye-opener, with room to squeeze in more bags than we found in some SUVs. Overall, the Kia is one of the surprise packages of this year’s tests and a worthy winner of the ‘Best Petrol Tow Car’ award.”
The Kia Stinger is Kia’s first grand tourer and first rear-wheel-drive car in the UK. The Stinger 2.0 T-GDi GT-Line has a maximum trailer load of 750kg unbraked and 1,500kg braked. Five versions of the car are available in the UK, all with turbocharged direct-injection engines mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and featuring state-of-the-art electronic driver aids and connectivity systems. The ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’ offer the choice of a 2.0-litre 244bhp T-GDi petrol engine or a 2.2-litre 197bhp CRDi turbodiesel, while the range-topping ‘GT S’ is sold exclusively with a 3.3-litre 365bhp twin-turbo V6. The ‘GT S’, as the fastest and most powerful model in the range, also has electronic suspension damping and Brembo brakes.