Having owned 4 Skodas over the last 10 years, the time has come to move on.  

 

I recently swapped our Citigo for a Golf 7 1.4 TSI DSG for Mrs Dunc and, after much and very prolonged thought, I’m about to pay a deposit on a Kia Stinger 3.3 GTS to replace my much loved 2014 vRS 220 Estate with Pano and Columbus.  

 

This feels very strange.  I love Skoda. I think this is the best forum out there (I’ve been on a few, mainly GTI and TVR-based) but I’m thinking I need one properly powerful petrol family car for a few years before the world all goes electric. 

 

So, if you’ll still have me, I’d be very keen to stay on here.  You are the most knowledgeable crew I’ve come across.  

 

There will be an absolutely immaculate vRS for sale soon (on here and on Pistonheads probably) and I’d love to update you all on the Stinger journey and possibly give you a few Golf thoughts too.  

 

So, this is not goodbye, but rather a changing of the guard and hopefully some new info that some of you will find interesting. 

 

(Mods, please move if you deem appropriate, but this is likely to be very much Mk3 vRS vs new replacement fast family car banter) 

 

Cheers all. 

 

8 minutes ago, dunc69 said:

-->but I’m thinking I need one properly powerful petrol family car for a few years before the world all goes electric. The 'proper' electric cars will make even the Stinger look slow!

-->and I’d love to update you all on the Stinger journey and possibly give you a few Golf thoughts too.  Looking forward to that.

-->(Mods, please move if you deem appropriate, but this is likely to be very much Mk3 vRS vs new replacement fast family car banter) It's fine here.

 

 

2 minutes ago, john999boy said:

 

 

Cheers John! 

Congrats Dunc think you have made a wise choice and if I could justify the cost of fuel for my 1,000 mile per month commute I would choose something similar as I like the rarity, styling, interior and engine power of the Stinger GTS. Keep us all posted with your thoughts on the new car as well as Mrs Dunc's Golf and look forward to seeing many photo's in the future. Could you share the colour you have chosen with us? Good luck and I hope you enjoy it as much as the Vrs.

@shyVRS245 thanks for your thoughts, appreciated!

 

Colour choice was obviously the only decision I had to make. All the other options are thrown in. 

 

Went with ceramic grey (often referred to as primer on here!) with black leather.

 

Red was too much for me on what is quite a big car, black doesn’t suit the Stinger IMO, and my vRS is white so needed a change.  The darker grey (Panthera) is also very close to black, so was quickly ruled out. 

 

I originally wanted the red leather seats and, although my boy (10 years-old) was keen, Mrs Dunc and my 13 year-old daughter were less so.  It’s a bright red leather too, so with 6 1/2 years warranty left, and a current plan to keep the car for quite a while, I decided the red leather might be a bit too much over time.  So, very happy with my choice in the end! 

 

The 2019 Stinger also has the upgraded infotainment screen (same tech but improved definition) and, I’m told, the slightly louder exhaust.  We’ll see! 

Something in my gut was telling me you would go with the Grey it is subtle shade and not as shouty as the red. I do like the red leather reminds me of my 1994 E36 BMW 325i Coupe which was white exterior and red leather interior.

Congrats and good luck with the Stinger! A colleague recently bought a GT line S with the 2.0 petrol and it's a pretty impressive machine. The GTS version with the V6 must be even better 😎

Should be banned

1 hour ago, Otto_Octavius said:

Should be banned

You forgot the .

38 minutes ago, shyVRS245 said:

You forgot the .

 

Maybe he wasn't joking 

Great choice @dunc69 and I'd have one the exact same spec in a heartbeat if it was available in 4x4

So, I pick up the Kia Stinger GTS on Monday 22nd. Obviously very excited.  

 

Looking forward to telling you guys about it and comparing it with the Octy. 

 

Pics will follow or, as we say on here, it hasn’t happened!! 

 

I will have the vRS for a few more weeks as we are away in Cornwall early August and all my roofbar and bike gubbins will be needed.

 

Then, a mint condition 2014 white Octy vRS petrol estate with Pano and Columbus will be for sale. I’d love it if a Briskoda member bought it from me. I’d then know the car would be loved and properly looked after! 

 

I’ll post in here when it’s for sale (probably on Pistonheads and Briskoda classifieds). 

 

Cheers all,

Dunc 

Exciting times @dunc69. Thread definitely needs updates next week! 😎

Edited 20 July, 20196 yr by ahenners

Well done @dunc69, not sure I'd go for a Kia but, a lotta AA guys really rate them so, maybe I'm getting a little behind the times.

 

Having my head turned a little too by an Alfa!!! must be a mid-life crisis coming on or something.

 

Anyways good luck with your new car oh & its tomorrow so, enjoy

I was fortunate enough to have a short drive of a 2018 Stinger  3.3 last week.

 

For driving enjoyment it's way ahead of anything Skoda make and possibly most of what Audi make.  While I'd say my S5 would have been quicker what I'd also say is If both sets of keys were on the table for a Sunday drive out I'd take the Kia.

 

Lee

42 minutes ago, logiclee said:

If both sets of keys were on the table

Know what you mean, nudge nudge, wink wink!

5 minutes ago, john999boy said:

Know what you mean, nudge nudge, wink wink!

 

You mean take the young Korean model as apposed to the old overweight German with numb responses?

55 minutes ago, logiclee said:

 

You mean take the young Korean model as apposed to the old overweight German with numb responses?

Let's face it anything would be sexier than Angela Merkel on your lap.

Thanks all.   Tomorrow beckons! 

 

Updates soonest!

 

 

1 minute ago, dunc69 said:

Thanks all.   Tomorrow beckons! 

 

Updates soonest!

 

 

Good luck tomorrow hope it exceeds your expectations.

6 hours ago, logiclee said:

I was fortunate enough to have a short drive of a 2018 Stinger  3.3 last week.

 

For driving enjoyment it's way ahead of anything Skoda make and possibly most of what Audi make.  While I'd say my S5 would have been quicker what I'd also say is If both sets of keys were on the table for a Sunday drive out I'd take the Kia.

 

Lee

Interesting and very welcome feedback Lee!   

 

The S5 Sportback was on the shopping list too, but was just too pricey compared with the Stinger once optioned-up to match the Kia’s loaded spec.  

 

And the suspicion, as you suggest, that the Audi really isn’t quite a driver’s car.   

1 minute ago, shyVRS245 said:

Good luck tomorrow hope it exceeds your expectations.

 

Cheers Shy!  Me too. 

Waiting for the Picture post 😁 enjoy your new toy.

Should be there in half an hour! 

18 minutes ago, dunc69 said:

Should be there in half an hour! 

If anyone asks what GTS stands for tell them Gently Tail Sliding.

Nice one @dunc69, I can't wait to see some pics.  I went to our local Hyundai/Kia franchise and sat in both the Stinger GTS and Hyundai i30N at a promo/launch event and was mightily impressed.  I couldn't drive either as they were already reserved; I did toy with the GTS over ordering a 280 but rear-wheel drive and V6 thirst put me off and without being able to drive one I ordered a 280 instead.  

 

I've seen a few on the roads recently (I think the diesels, looking at the exhausts) and they looked lovely....even in Yellow.  You seem to have picked the fastest colour as the lack of top coat increases power:weight, just like my 280 

 

 I hope you have a good time collecting it and all goes smoothly.  Can't wait for an update.  Enjoy your new car!  

 

P.S - How have you found the dealers?