23 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

I found it quite comical that the GTS 3.3 was immediately compared to the S5 Sportback when it was launched and people critiqued the Kia for not being as 'polished' or 'complete' as the Audi.  FFS, Audi have been doing this for how long and the GTS is a first stab into the performance market.  Given that Kia were still developing tuk tuks when Audi were releasing the R8, their rate of development and improvement shouldn't be just respected, it should be feared by the established European marques.  At this rate of improvement they will be class leaders very soon.  I think the reasons why many people first turned to Skoda will be the reasons why many will start considering Hyundai/Kia very soon.   

 

Some exciting times ahead.  I'm looking forward to seeing what this new Hyundai N performance car is going to be, apparently bespoke platform and just the one variant.  

More interest on here about Dunc's new car than who the new Lib Dem leader will be. At least on Briskoda we have our priorities in the right order.

13 minutes ago, penguin17 said:

I found it quite comical that the GTS 3.3 was immediately compared to the S5 Sportback when it was launched and people critiqued the Kia for not being as 'polished' or 'complete' as the Audi.  FFS, Audi have been doing this for how long and the GTS is a first stab into the performance market.  Given that Kia were still developing tuk tuks when Audi were releasing the R8, their rate of development and improvement shouldn't be just respected, it should be feared by the established European marques.  At this rate of improvement they will be class leaders very soon.  I think the reasons why many people first turned to Skoda will be the reasons why many will start considering Hyundai/Kia very soon.   

 

Some exciting times ahead.  I'm looking forward to seeing what this new Hyundai N performance car is going to be, apparently bespoke platform and just the one variant.  

 

The S5 is massively competent in all area and obviously very quick.

 

But down some favourite B road pushing on there's little driving excitement just speed. The GTS 3.3 RWD chassis may not be as quick and certainly not as quick on poorer surface or on low traction surfaces but it's more entertaining.

 

In todays world of speed cameras and 50/60mph limits the norm the GTS 3.3 is the more exciting drive.  On a wet German Autobahn at 155mph then yes I'd take the S5.

Well, I’m just home......

 

Clucking Bell. I’m waaaaay more impressed after a properly decent 2 1/2 drive than I thought I would be. 

 

Just sorting the mini-duncs with their tea and will go into more detail later this evening. 

 

In short, WOW!  

 

First teaser pic at home. 

Edited 22 July, 20196 yr by dunc69

18 minutes ago, dunc69 said:

Well, I’m just home......

 

Clucking Bell. I’m waaaaay more impressed after a properly decent 2 1/2 drive than I thought I would be. 

 

Just sorting the mini-duncs with their tea and will go into more detail later this evening. 

 

In short, WOW!  

 

First teaser pic at home. 

Wow even in primer it looks like it's just rolled off a Motorshow stand as Kia latest Concept car. Think the styling will last the test of time too.

Welcome to the quad club!

Looks awesome, love the colour too.

So this might have to be in stages as family duties dictate tonight! 

 

Firstly, I realise that I’m a very, very lucky chap. I have been following Stinger GTS, Audi S5 Sportback and Superb 3 prices for a while. 

 

I had only intended spending about £25k max (less the £10k plus, hopefully, for the vRS privately - although haven’t assessed vRS prices properly). 

 

But, the Superb is just too similar (to look at at least) to the vRS.  I did explain to the family that it was a totally different wagon, much faster (280) and much more refined, but they said the Stinger looked waaaay cooler. Great, I’m thinking!

 

I dismissed the Audi quite quickly.  Too bland looking and too many of them about.  Too expensive too, and not enough about with all the toys the Stinger has.  

 

I dallied with the 280 Arteon for a while. But quickly decide if I was going to have that engine, the Superb looked better and was cheaper.  

 

So Stinger-time - and a little more money 🙄

 

Firstly, I was was worried about the early reviews of the ‘box. Manual mode only lasted 5-7 seconds before the car reverted to auto. I have enjoyed the manual mode on the DSG with the vRS so was keen to wait until this was resolved. The ‘19 (MY20?) has this software updated for Sport and Sport+ Modes, and allows full manual mode. 

 

Secondly, the details of the graphics on the infotainment screen were criticised.  A new screen has addressed this too - it was gorgeous to look at today and so intuitive. Columbus is great, but I now now I won’t miss it.  

 

Thirdly, the exhaust of the ‘17 was described as too quiet.  I had heard this has also been addressed.  I’m not sure if this has been upgraded or not, but when I first turned it on today, it was a cultured and smooth V6 burble, like a 350 or 370Z, but at 6 or 7 out of 10. Perfect for me.  

 

I’m pretty sure the sound actuator has been turned off in comfort and sport (will find out tmw), but the exhaust sounded just right when I finally booted it (well 7/10th) in Sport on the top of the Mendips after getting home. 

 

So, when I established all my concerns had been sorted by Kia (clearly and quickly responding to motoring press criticism) and then managed to get over 21% off list on a 5-month-old car with 2k miles and (crucially) 6 1/2 years warranty left, I managed to talk Mrs Dunc round.  The trigger was pulled. 

 

A few pics, more on driving impressions, Harmon Kardon (!) and comparison with vRS later!

Edited 22 July, 20196 yr by dunc69

Note the vRS reflection in Pic 2 

Front chin!! 

Congratulations on your purchase, I admire the quantity and detail of your research and got a good price too.

 

Most (all?) Hyundai/Kia/Genesis imported into Australia (from Korea, Europe and USA) are given a local suspension tune by a specialist Aussie based teams for our 'unique' road conditions ie generally considered poor and our many dirt roads outside metropolitan areas. The US and Koreans suspension is generally considered far too comfort based although the European sourced vehicles were always a much better balance.

Our local car manufacturing industry only recently collapsed so there was a lot of expertise available and the teams seem to be respected enough by the home companies to influence the initial suspension design and for their results to be used in other markets, so your Stinger may well have the Aus suspension tune.

 

Quite a few of our States have selected Stingers for their Police highway patrols and it will be interesting to see how that plays out.

 

 

Edited 23 July, 20196 yr by Gerrycan

Stunning @dunc69 

 

Sounds like you’re pleased! Enjoy! 

This morning a guy I know, but not well, spotted me (unbeknownst to me) driving into the work car park. He just walked up to me and said, “Nice car mate!”  

 

On the M5 this afternoon, with a client sitting next to me, middle lane at 60-odd (it was quite busy), a young guy in a new Camaro, so LHD, pulls up alongside me in the outside lane, winds down his window and shouts, “Great car!” with a huge 👍. He then absolutely floors it with the V8 showcased by what must have been an aftermarket exhaust. Awesome! 

 

Twice in one day one!! I think I’m going to rather like this car 😉

Initial driving thoughts later tonight. But, very impressed.  

 

Will be back in the vRS tomorrow (getting it washed and photographed) so will have more comparison thoughts tomorrow night. 

 

Three pics - exhausts, side view and splitter. 

22 hours ago, dunc69 said:

 

 

 

A few pics, more on driving impressions, Harmon Kardon (!) 

 

 

What's your thought on the Harmon Kardon?

16 hours ago, Gerrycan said:

Congratulations on your purchase, I admire the quantity and detail of your research and got a good price too.

 

Most (all?) Hyundai/Kia/Genesis imported into Australia (from Korea, Europe and USA) are given a local suspension tune by a specialist Aussie based teams for our 'unique' road conditions ie generally considered poor and our many dirt roads outside metropolitan areas. The US and Koreans suspension is generally considered far too comfort based although the European sourced vehicles were always a much better balance.

Our local car manufacturing industry only recently collapsed so there was a lot of expertise available and the teams seem to be respected enough by the home companies to influence the initial suspension design and for their results to be used in other markets, so your Stinger may well have the Aus suspension tune.

 

Quite a few of our States have selected Stingers for their Police highway patrols and it will be interesting to see how that plays out.

 

 

Thanks @Gerrycan

Yes, I certainly researched long and hard!

 

Really interesting about the suspension - didn’t know that and I wonder. Certainly feels nicely judged - have only really used Comfort (aka Normal) and Sport so far.  

 

Comfort is pretty relaxed and way quieter than the vRS, unless I give it some beans.  Then the exhaust wakes up.  Haven’t delved deep into all the menus yet, but pretty sure the sound actuator is off.  Will confirm later. 

 

Sport tightens things up a little.  Not as much difference as there is between Normal and Sport in the vRS, but enough to notice and, wow, does it fly. Have only really tried half-throttle so far.  

 

Appreciate your thoughts buddy.  

1 minute ago, logiclee said:

 

 

What's your thought on the Harmon Kardon?

With the DAB on, amazing!   Deeeeeep, but clear bass, very powerful indeed.  600W or so I think.  

 

Spotify via BT streaming is clearly better than a non-Canton vRS, but not overly special. 

 

Haven’t tried Spotify or Amazon music via Apple CarPlay yet.  Hopefully will be better. 

 

I’m not an audio expert, but appreciate clear, bassy music from my Marantz separates / Heybrook HB1 days - if that means anything to anyone!! 🤣

24 minutes ago, dunc69 said:

With the DAB on, amazing!   Deeeeeep, but clear bass, very powerful indeed.  600W or so I think.  

 

Spotify via BT streaming is clearly better than a non-Canton vRS, but not overly special. 

 

Haven’t tried Spotify or Amazon music via Apple CarPlay yet.  Hopefully will be better. 

 

I’m not an audio expert, but appreciate clear, bassy music from my Marantz separates / Heybrook HB1 days - if that means anything to anyone!! 🤣

 

720W 15 speakers according to HK.

 

I had the HK upgrade on our BMW with similar speaker placement and power. I thought it was well worth the money as BMW's standard system is a rival to the Octavia's and is very thin sounding.

I currently have the 17 speaker, 1200W B&W system in my XF, it's unbelievable, especially with DTS and DD surround material.

I notice BMW have now swapped from HK to B&W but the 16 speaker, 1400W system is around £3500 depending on model and I doubt many will tick that box.

 

These systems really thrive on lossless audio though, not DAB or streaming.

 

I've had lots of VAG models and the audio has always been "OK" but I've commented on many threads that the Mk3's audio in my opinion sounds thin compared to the Mk2 and there's very little bass. The Canton improves things but not massively and the other noise in the cabin masks most of the improvement.

 

But great you are enjoying the car. I really like the Stinger.

Edited 23 July, 20196 yr by logiclee

Don't forget to update your car info @dunc69 🚘

11 minutes ago, logiclee said:

 

720W 15 speakers according to HK.

 

I had the HK upgrade on our BMW with similar speaker placement and power. I thought it was well worth the money as BMW's standard system is a rival to the Octavia's and is very thin sounding.

I currently have the 17 speaker, 1200W B&W system in my XF, it's unbelievable, especially with DTS and DD surround material.

I notice BMW have now swapped from HK to B&W but the 16 speaker, 1400W system is around £3500 depending on model and I doubt many will tick that box.

 

These systems really thrive on lossless audio though, not DAB or streaming.

 

I've had lots of VAG models and the audio has always been "OK" but I've commented on many threads that the Mk3's audio in my opinion sounds thin compared to the Mk2 and there's very little bass. The Canton improves things but not massively and the other noise in the cabin masks most of the improvement.

 

But great you are enjoying the car. I really like the Stinger.

Thanks @logiclee!

 

720 is what I read weeks ago but had forgotten. Will Apple CarPlay (i.e. plugged in rather than via BT) give me lossless / better audio?  

 

And why does DAB sound so good if you say it shouldn’t be?  

 

Would appreciate any advice as the kids also LOVE music and I want it to be as good as possible! Cheers!

 

The B&W system in your XF sounds amazing! 

23 minutes ago, dunc69 said:

Thanks @logiclee!

 

720 is what I read weeks ago but had forgotten. Will Apple CarPlay (i.e. plugged in rather than via BT) give me lossless / better audio?  

 

And why does DAB sound so good if you say it shouldn’t be?  

 

Would appreciate any advice as the kids also LOVE music and I want it to be as good as possible! Cheers!

 

The B&W system in your XF sounds amazing! 

 

Some DAB stations are better than others but DAB stations use heavy compression. Some of the most popular stations are actually Mono.

 

For streaming apps on your phone you are streaming compressed audio over a mobile data connection, then converting that into another compressed format bluetooth to be played on the audio system.

 

The best audio is going to be from a lossless source so either CD/DVD on cars that have player or lossless FLAC or similar files on memory cards/ usb drives/ phones etc connected directly to the car.

Edited 23 July, 20196 yr by logiclee

2 hours ago, logiclee said:

 

Some DAB stations are better than others but DAB stations use heavy compression. Some of the most popular stations are actually Mono.

 

For streaming apps on your phone you are streaming compressed audio over a mobile data connection, then converting that into another compressed format bluetooth to be played on the audio system.

 

The best audio is going to be from a lossless source so either CD/DVD on cars that have player or lossless FLAC or similar files on memory cards/ usb drives/ phones etc connected directly to the car.

Thanks very much.  Will see how I get on! 

 

Cheers. 

21 hours ago, john999boy said:

Don't forget to update your car info @dunc69 🚘

Cheers John, all done now! 

Dunc what fuel do they recommend? Guess it's super unleaded 97/99 ron.

9 minutes ago, shyVRS245 said:

Dunc what fuel do they recommend? Guess it's super unleaded 97/99 ron.

 

I'm sure the one I drove said 95Ron