3 minutes ago, old newbie2 said:

This could be an age thing, I'm ancient & don't want to be noticed, especially by boy-racers &/or plod.

I like to drive a nippy car that's ignored by the general public & the ancient but slightly tweaked Superb works well for me, as does SWMBO's Grey Golf R Wagon, (when I'm allowed to drive it........).

Are you my fellow AmD fan, will be there on 23rd October getting the un-noticed VRS a mild upgrade to 350bhp, hope that doesn't make me a boy-racer at nearly 54 LOL. Keeping the standard black exhaust tips but hiding behind them will be the rumbling 3" full Milltek exhaust including downpipe.

2 minutes ago, old newbie2 said:

The same size as my Golf, which is still on it's OEM Conti Sport-Contact 5's. They're horribly noisy, seem to have enough grip even it the wet but if they wear-out whilst I still have the car, I'll probably go for the PS4 S.

 

DC

The extra 1" width negates the need for spacers (another boy-racer favourite trick) but really makes the car feel planted without ruining the ride by going for uprated ARB kit (not cheap anyway). A Golf R on 8.5J rims must feel VERY PLANTED. Wet grip excellent on the PS4'S, you really have to try hard to light up the traction control light on the dash.

2 hours ago, shyVRS245 said:

Are you my fellow AmD fan, will be there on 23rd October getting the un-noticed VRS a mild upgrade to 350bhp, hope that doesn't make me a boy-racer at nearly 54 LOL. Keeping the standard black exhaust tips but hiding behind them will be the rumbling 3" full Milltek exhaust including downpipe.

Indeed I am AmD fan, I even get a discount.......  It helps that they're only about 6 miles from home, but they do seem to know their stuff.

 

Only stage 1 remaps so far, in date order, '07 Octy vRS, '07 VW EOS (SWMBO's), '56 Mondeo Ghia x 3.0 V6 wagon, (not really worth the pennies but it was much nicer to drive), '12 Superb Elegance DSG, '11 vRS DSG (SWMBO's) & my '10 EOS DSG. All 2.0 TSi except the Ford.

 

We've not bothered to have the Golf's tweaked, at our age (?) 296 bhp is usually enough to keep up with the traffic........

(Only 53 years old eh,  I'm 71, but 'er indoors is a bit younger)

 

Cheers, DC

 

3 hours ago, shyVRS245 said:

The extra 1" width negates the need for spacers (another boy-racer favourite trick) but really makes the car feel planted without ruining the ride by going for uprated ARB kit (not cheap anyway). A Golf R on 8.5J rims must feel VERY PLANTED. Wet grip excellent on the PS4'S, you really have to try hard to light up the traction control light on the dash.

We would agree with the "very planted" concept, but at the speeds we can get away with on our local roads her R wagon, on 18" rims seems to grip too.

It's on Bridgestone Potenza's, again a bit noisy but not worn enough to justify replacing.

 

As for lighting up the TCS light, 'tis very easy on the Superb, but would probably require mud, snow or ice for the R's.

 

Cheers DC.

58 minutes ago, old newbie2 said:

Indeed I am AmD fan, I even get a discount.......  It helps that they're only about 6 miles from home, but they do seem to know their stuff.

 

Only stage 1 remaps so far, in date order, '07 Octy vRS, '07 VW EOS (SWMBO's), '56 Mondeo Ghia x 3.0 V6 wagon, (not really worth the pennies but it was much nicer to drive), '12 Superb Elegance DSG, '11 vRS DSG (SWMBO's) & my '10 EOS DSG. All 2.0 TSi except the Ford.

 

We've not bothered to have the Golf's tweaked, at our age (?) 296 bhp is usually enough to keep up with the traffic........

(Only 53 years old eh,  I'm 71, but 'er indoors is a bit younger)

 

Cheers, DC

 

Younger wife also keeps me young at heart and I like walking as she does.

The OP obviously has a Stinger itch that needs to be scratched judging by this thread and the number of similar comments he has posted in others and I think he should get one. Might work out to be the best ever for him....or not. You have to live with these things for a while to work out if it is true love or just an infatuation that quickly wears thin.

 

After the cessation of local Australian production of relatively well priced V8 RWD sedans Kia rather expertly fanned the flames of expectations for the Stinger to fill the reasonably priced high-performance void with the bi-turbo V6.

Ford has been  successful with the V8 Mustang, selling over 5000 of them here to date but the local Holden (ex GMC) fans just could not bring themselves to buy a Mustang.

Stinger sales have been steady since its introduction here but not sensational. It seems that the locals who were so enthusiastic about the prospect could not quite bring themselves to buy an 'expensive' Korean brand vehicle.

Reviews have been complimentary overall and a couple of the Aus state Police forces have bought some for pursuit/general use.

As an aside, the Police forces expressed an interest in the Mustang and asked the local crash test authority (ANCAP) to test one for them. ANCAP were unable to secure one and asked Euro NCAP to test it for them. The resulting 2 star rating was a bit of a shock here.

Edited 1 October, 20187 yr by Gerrycan

5 minutes ago, Gerrycan said:

The OP obviously has a Stinger itch that needs to be scratched judging by this thread and the number of similar comments he has posted in others and I think he should get one. Might work out to be the best ever for him....or not. You have to live with these things for a while to work out if it is true love or just an infatuation that quickly wears thin.

 

After the cessation of local Australian production of relatively well priced V8 RWD sedans Kia rather expertly fanned the flames of expectations for the Stinger to fill the reasonably priced high-performance void with the bi-turbo V6.

Ford has been  successful with the V8 Mustang, selling over 5000 of them here to date but the local Holden (ex GMC) fans just could not bring themselves to buy a Mustang.

Stinger sales have been steady since its introduction here but not sensational. It seems that the locals who were so enthusiastic about the prospect could not quite bring themselves to buy an 'expensive' Korean brand vehicle.

Reviews have been complimentary overall and a couple of the Aus state Police forces have bought some for pursuit/general use.

As an aside, the Police forces expressed an interest in the Mustang and asked the local crash test authority (ANCAP) to test one for them. ANCAP were unable to secure one and asked Euro NCAP to test it for them. The resulting 2 star rating was a bit of a shock here.

In the UK I believe the V8 Mustang has outsold the 2.3 Ecoboost version quite comfortably probably due to the better noise it makes. The ecoboost engine has already been detuned by about 30bhp for the UK yet Ford claim it accelerates to 60mph one tenth quicker than before when it more power, now there is a dilema.

4 minutes ago, Gerrycan said:

The OP obviously has a Stinger itch that needs to be scratched judging by this thread and the number of similar comments he has posted in others and I think he should get one. Might work out to be the best ever for him....or not. You have to live with these things for a while to work out if it is true love or just an infatuation that quickly wears thin.

 

Agreed.  I think the OP needs to stop the debate and go for the Stinger or at least have an extended test drive to see if it's going to work for him once the honeymoon period is over. 

 

Both cars are good by all accounts so it all boils down to personal preference and what makes your special place tingle when you turn the key.  

 

With a V6 bi-turbo I just hope petrol prices don't continue to rise  

 

 

Though, could always look at the 244ps 2.0 T-GDI if running costs are going to be an issue.  Still no slouch but then there's the issue of not having the 'range topper'.

1 minute ago, penguin17 said:

Though, could always look at the 244ps 2.0 T-GDI if running costs are going to be an issue.  Still no slouch but then there's the issue of not having the 'range topper'.

You're in danger of upsetting Superb 220Tsi owners now!

14 minutes ago, shyVRS245 said:

You're in danger of upsetting Superb 220Tsi owners now!

 - I actually didn't mean it in that sense.  More of the OP's particular fancy of the Stinger is the V6 Bi-Ti and nothing else will do. 

 

I myself was stuck between 220 vs 280 and I won't lie the thought of someone pulling up besides me with real exhausts made me opt for the 280 (tongue firmly in cheek!).   Having had a few test drives of both, I can honestly say I couldn't detect much difference until getting right up the rev range. Once I experienced that slight uplift in performance I was sold; the 280 has a bit more bark and urgency.  Another consideration was traction and loss thereof; test drives in both cars were in the dry so I never really got to see the advantage.  I've never experienced the front wheels breaking traction in mine, haldex does it's job with no fuss.  Though the 220 apparently does on a wet/greasy road when you're in a rush to pull away.   It was bad enough in my Mk2 Octy vRS with 197bhp, always axle tramping and tyre life never really got into double figures. 

 

Nothing wrong with either of the 2.0 TSI Superb's though, it's a great engine regardless of output. 

Edited 1 October, 20187 yr by penguin17

3 minutes ago, penguin17 said:

 - I actually didn't mean it in that sense.  More of the OP's particular fancy of the Stinger is the V6 Bi-Ti and nothing else will do. 

 

I myself was stuck between 220 vs 280 and I won't lie the thought of someone pulling up besides me with real exhausts made me opt for the 280.   Having had a few test drives of both, I can honestly say I couldn't detect much difference until getting right up the rev range. Once I experienced that slight uplift in performance I was sold; the 280 has a bit more bark and urgency.  Another consideration was traction and loss thereof; test drives in both cars were in the dry so I never really got to see the advantage.  I've never experienced the front wheels breaking traction in mine, haldex does it's job with no fuss.  Though the 220 apparently does on a wet/greasy road when you're in a rush to pull away.   It was bad enough in my Mk2 Octy vRS with 197bhp, always axle tramping and tyre life never really got into double figures. 

 

Nothing wrong with either of the 2.0 TSI Superb's though, it's a great engine regardless of output. 

Went from 148bhp Superb (2016 1.4Tsi) to my 242bhp Octavia because wife was struggling to park the limo without destroying my alloys and parts of the bodywork and the slightly shorter Octy hasn't suffered the same fate yet. The 245 produced it's maximum power at 5,000rpm but now gives an extra 50plus at 5,500rpm. Soon it will another 50bhp at 6,000rpm so it pays to like revving the engine otherwise might as well drive a diesel.

40 minutes ago, penguin17 said:

 - I actually didn't mean it in that sense.  More of the OP's particular fancy of the Stinger is the V6 Bi-Ti and nothing else will do. 

 

I myself was stuck between 220 vs 280 and I won't lie the thought of someone pulling up besides me with real exhausts made me opt for the 280 (tongue firmly in cheek!).   Having had a few test drives of both, I can honestly say I couldn't detect much difference until getting right up the rev range. Once I experienced that slight uplift in performance I was sold; the 280 has a bit more bark and urgency.  Another consideration was traction and loss thereof; test drives in both cars were in the dry so I never really got to see the advantage.  I've never experienced the front wheels breaking traction in mine, haldex does it's job with no fuss.  Though the 220 apparently does on a wet/greasy road when you're in a rush to pull away.   It was bad enough in my Mk2 Octy vRS with 197bhp, always axle tramping and tyre life never really got into double figures. 

 

Nothing wrong with either of the 2.0 TSI Superb's though, it's a great engine regardless of output. 

Axle tramp was always available on my Mk 2 Superb,  but now that the EOS & Mk 2 F/L vRS have been replaced with Haldex equipped Golfs I have to remember to tread lightly 

when I'm driving the "sensible" car, even on a dry road.

Gents, you are quite right. I have asked this question or a similar one elsewhere. 

 

Take it as a compliment in that I value your views. 

 

I have been to see a Stinger twice but haven’t found time to test drive one. You are indeed correct, I should do so. 

 

I’d also need to drive the Superb 280 at the same time. If not the same day, as close together as possible. 

 

Car buying is often heart vs head. Heart says Stinger, head says 280. I can also get a Superb of similar age and mileage to these demo Stingers for £8-10k less. Not to be sniffed at. 

 

The last point is that, as @Gerrycan says, is this an itch / infatuation that will quickly wear off (as in, bu**er, I should have gone for the spacious, family friendly and cheaper 280!), or will the Stinger really stand up to being a day to day family car and remain as exciting as I had hoped! 

 

Thanks all for your views. Really helpful. 

https://www.whichcar.com.au/reviews/holden-commodore-vxr-v-kia-stinger-gt-v-skoda-superb-206-tsi-v-jaguar-xe-25t-comparison-review

48 minutes ago, penguin17 said:

https://www.whichcar.com.au/reviews/holden-commodore-vxr-v-kia-stinger-gt-v-skoda-superb-206-tsi-v-jaguar-xe-25t-comparison-review

Interesting article having read it all, would not have come to their finishing order however.

2 hours ago, penguin17 said:

https://www.whichcar.com.au/reviews/holden-commodore-vxr-v-kia-stinger-gt-v-skoda-superb-206-tsi-v-jaguar-xe-25t-comparison-review

Interesting. Thanks penguin! 

2 hours ago, shyVRS245 said:

Interesting article having read it all, would not have come to their finishing order however.

TBH, I'm not surprised about their final verdict. 

 

Let's face it, the Superb isn't the most exciting of cars, to be fair, it's bordering 'dull' in comparison to the 'hot versions' from other marques  BUT as an overall package and car you have to live with day in day out it's a very capable car and very much the car you chose with your head.  I'm 18 months into Superb 3 ownership (two different Sportlines) and it's the only car(s) I've ever had where I'm not already looking for a replacement or what to line up next.  If it were any more invisible then I'd swear it had a cloaking device.  I love an underdog and a Q car/sleeper; the 280 is just that.

 

The Stinger defo looks the part, the designers have pinched some nice touches from other marques.  It evidently is a nice car to drive too.  The fact it's now getting compared to S5's and M4's is a huge compliment, especiallly for a first attempt.  RWD with a fair amount of grunt is something I'd be dubious of but some good or even seasonal tyres and a conservative right foot should help keep you out of a ditch. 

 

The Jaguar...I wouldn't touch a JLR vehicle.  In fact I'm so shocked by their build quality and reliability, I'd probably consider an Alfa over a Jag and that's saying something (based on first hand accounts from owners I know personally).  I actually find the XE pretty boring, it will age badly and the designers appear to have got bored by the time they got to the C pillar.  Pig ugly back end. 

 

@dunc69 please go and test drive the Stinger.  I'm actually hoping you like it and decide to buy one.  I'm looking forward to hearing your verdict.   

 

Oh and if you have young children who still need child seats/booster seats then try them in the rear, the sloping roof line looked a little tight for the headrest height of our youngest's booster chair. 

 

 

Edited 2 October, 20187 yr by penguin17

I have test driven a Stinger 3.3L. IMO it is a fantastic car, the seats are very comfortable and it has all the tech that exists in cars at the moment. Apart from being a rocket. (it is a very heavy car actually so the 360BHP vs a lighter 280BHP superb might not be such a big difference). The 8 speed auto gear box is fantastic as well.

 

However, it is not big enough for a family. The boot especially.

 

The Superb beats it by miles in that respect and I think for everyday usage I would recommend the Superb

 

 

A couple of Stinger stats that are not performance related:

Boot - 406 litres, rear seats down 1114 litres, fuel tank 50 litres.

 

Fabia Estate is starting to look really big.

My best friend has a Kia Stinger GTS, and in my opinion the build quality of it is on a different (much better) level than the Superb. It’s comparable to a Mercedes CLS. The only downsides to me are that the driver assistance features are nowhere near as good, and (might be relevant to you) the sunroof is just over the front seats like in my L&K. It’s not a full front to back pano like in the Superb estate.

 

Thing is, the build quality and extra features are worth the trade off - you get all round cameras that not only provide top down view for parking but they also look down the sides of the car to make sure you don’t curb your wheels!

 

The power is nice but not as brutal as you’d expect, I’d say a 280 is definitely faster in reality. The sound from the Kia isn’t as nice as you’d expect either but it’s a lovely V6 rather than fake speaker noises. 

 

Either way you’ll probably be happy but thought I’d chip in with a few bits to consider. 

 

21 hours ago, shyVRS245 said:

You're in danger of upsetting Superb 220Tsi owners now!

I’m not upset  I love my 220, it’s very fast but very quiet - proper sleeper lol. And mpg is pretty good, a 280 would ruin my bank balance

37 minutes ago, drewellis said:

The sound from the Kia isn’t as nice as you’d expect either but it’s a lovely V6 rather than fake speaker noises. 

 

Interesting.  I thought it had a either a cabin based sound actuator, or one in the exhausts?  Enabled via Sport mode? 

33 minutes ago, drewellis said:

I’m not upset  I love my 220, it’s very fast but very quiet - proper sleeper lol. And mpg is pretty good, a 280 would ruin my bank balance

To be fair...you've negated the cheaper running costs by spending how much to get visible exhausts x2?   

 

Honestly the 280 ain't too bad.  I've seen low 40's on a few long runs now, long term ave. is 33MPG.  That's with all-season tyres and the engine is barely run in.