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Road Test: KIA Stinger GT 2018

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KIA has been known for affordable and quality cars. When other companies were charging an arm and a leg for their vehicles, KIA chose to go with sensibly priced vehicles. My very first car was a KIA Cerato, and I was mighty happy with the overall performance and features that came as standard.

KIA has proven time and again that it stands for quality products and the latest to roll out of its factory floor is something that you wouldn’t probably associate the brand with. The company announced the new Stinger, one of its most ambitious projects, and it looks like KIA has pulled that stunt off with aplomb.

The KIA Stinger GT is a beautiful car. During my time with the car, I came across at least five people who were amazed at what KIA had managed to produce. “Is that really a KIA? It’s a beauty!” exclaimed one. The Stinger is available in three variants.

The top model is the GT S version, which comes with a 3.3-litre, 365bhp twin-turbocharged V6 under its bonnet. Then there is 197bhp 2.2-litre option also available, along with a third variant that comes with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged engine.

The one we drove was the Stinger GT ‘S’ trim, which comes with a set of 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, Brembo brakes, and electronic driving aids. It also comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The KIA Stinger GT S, as mentioned before, comes with a 3.3-litre twin-turbocharged V6, which makes 365bhp @ 6000rpm and 510Nm of torque from as low as 1300rpm.

During my tests, I went from 0 to 100km/h in about 4.8 seconds. While the Stinger GT is a five-door fastback, it also offers 406 litres of cargo capacity. The rear seat-backs also split and fold 60:40, thus giving you several options for accommodating longer items.

Design cues on the KIA Stinger GT include dark chrome finished outside mirrors, read LED combination lamps, dual oval exhaust pipes, dark chrome finished trim, 18-inch disc brakes, full LED headlamps and a lots more. As good as it looks on the outside, the interior looks fantastic, too.

From the low-slung driver’s seat to the details such as the circular, aircraft-inspired air vents, the Stinger GT’s cockpit design draws heavily on classic sport sedans. I like how KIA has designed the supervision cluster, which is flanked by the tachometer and speedometer. You also get a Head-Up Display on the windshield.

With the Stinger GT, you get driver and passenger power seats, a wide sunroof, 3-zone climate control, electronic parking brake, integrated memory system, and a lots more. The entertainment system in the Stinger GT comes from Harman/Kardon – it’s a 15-speaker setup. You also get paddle shift levers, wireless smartphone charges, and ventilated front seats. You also get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Another win for the Stinger GT is its comprehensive driver assistance suite. You get full speed adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, a backup camera with parking grid lines, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot warning with lane change assist, forward collision avoidance with pedestrian protection, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and a driver attention monitor.

Driving the KIA Stinger GT, especially in Sport mode, will make you giggle like a child. I did and so will you. The Stinger GT handles the drive pretty well and we did not find any drawback in terms of performance. I am seriously surprised by what KIA has been able to achieve with the Stinger GT. It is probably one of the best cars I have driven this year.

The KIA Stinger GT is more powerful, more beautiful, and more affordable when you compare it with its closest competitors. It thus walks away with the Gadget Voize Editors’ Choice award!

Price: AED 149,000 onwards

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JETOUR’s T1 and T2 i-DM Highlighted at Jeddah International Motor Show

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On October 29th, the 2024 Jeddah International Motor Show (JIMS) took place at the Superdome in Jeddah. JETOUR Auto showcased its top-tier models from both the off-road and family series. Among the highlights were the urban light off-road SUV JETOUR T1 and the super hybrid SUV JETOUR T2 i-DM, making their debut. This event underscored JETOUR’s confidence in its strategic glocalization efforts and its increasing investment in the Middle East as part of the “Travel+” strategy.

At the JETOUR booth, the T1, a new addition to the off-road series, made its international debut. As an urban lite off-road SUV, the T1 boasts a premium interior and a rugged boxy design, which earned the Red Dot Design Concept Award 2024. It comes equipped with the TOUR OS 2.0 system, ensuring advanced technology, a quiet cabin, and comfortable seating for a futuristic feel. The T1 features a 2.0TD+8AT powertrain and XWD intelligent four-wheel drive. It also supports official modifications, appealing to those seeking individuality and a high-quality lifestyle.

JETOUR’s ambition to become “The World’s Leading Brand in Hybrid Off-road Vehicles” is embodied in the T2 i-DM, which employs JETOUR’s Super Hybrid i-DM technology. This technology includes a high-efficiency hybrid engine, a hybrid transmission, and a Battery Safety System, characterized by high energy efficiency, performance, safety, and intelligence. The T2 i-DM achieves a maximum combined power of 280kW and a maximum combined torque of 610N·m, offering an exhilarating driving experience. Notably, the T2, the internal combustion engine (ICE) version of the T2 i-DM, has become the best-selling boxy SUV in Saudi Arabia since its launch in the first quarter of 2024. The introduction of the T2 i-DM is expected to further boost JETOUR’s popularity in the Saudi market.

As Ke Chuandeng, Vice President of JETOUR AUTO, said at the Jeddah Motor Show, “Since its establishment, JETOUR has already covered over 2000 sales and service networks in more than 60 countries and regions and has achieved a total of 1.4 million+ customers globally in just 74 months. JETOUR’s ‘acceleration’ has been created. In Saudi Arabia, JETOUR aims to continue this momentum of accelerated growth. To better serve customers in Saudi Arabia, JETOUR will upgrade its channels and services through the establishment of more exclusive showrooms, authorized dealerships and cooperation with FIX AUTO, creating a convenient and worry-free service experience.”

The T1, which debuted at JIMS, is set to officially launch in the Saudi market early next year. Once launched, the T1 will join forces with the T2 to form a premium product lineup, further enriching the off-road series. The rapid expansion of JETOUR’s family and off-road series, including models like the X70, X90, and DASHING, is anticipated to drive sales in the Saudi market to exceed 20,000 units next year.

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VinFast Officially Launches in the Middle East

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VinFast Auto has officially entered the Middle Eastern market. The company, together with its partner Al Tayer Motors, officially opened its first dealership in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), located in the downtown area of Dubai. With a total area of over 1,000 square meters, the store is designed with a modern and luxurious style, integrated with a service workshop, providing customers the opportunity to directly experience VinFast’s smart electric vehicles, including the VF 6, VF 7, VF 8, and VF 9 models.

With modern design, advanced technology, and impressive performance, VinFast’s electric vehicles promise to bring entirely new driving experiences to customers in the UAE as well as the Middle East region. Previously, on October 17, 2024, VinFast signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Charge&Go to promote the installation and operation of a network of public charging stations and related services in the UAE.

According to plans, additional VinFast dealerships in the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain, will be opened later this year. The VinFast VF 8 model is expected to be priced starting from $47,500 (Eco trim) and $51,500 (Plus trim) when it is launched for sale in the Middle East.

Speaking at the event, Ta Xuan Hien, CEO of VinFast Middle East, shared, “Today’s official brand launch in the Middle East marks an important step in VinFast’s journey to expand its presence in the global electric vehicle market. We are proud to partner with Gulf nations in the electrification revolution, offering smart and powerful electric vehicles with exceptional warranties, while gradually realizing our expansion plan in the Middle East and globally.”

As a pioneer in the all-electric vehicle strategy, VinFast has established a strong reputation with its presence in numerous international markets such as the U.S., Canada, Europe, Indonesia, India, and the Philippines. The Middle East is a new advancement in VinFast’s expansion strategy, especially as countries in the region are adopting policies to accelerate the development of electric vehicles.

In the Middle East, VinFast has signed exclusive partnership agreements with three leading regional dealers: Al Tayer Motors (UAE), Al Mana Holdings (Qatar), and Bahwan Automobiles & Trading (Oman). By promoting collaboration with top partners in the Middle East, VinFast is actively participating in realizing green mobility solutions in the region, while affirming the commitment of the Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer to making EVs more accessible to everyone.

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JETOUR T1 to be Unveiled at Jeddah International Motor Show 2024

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From 29 October to 2 November, the 2024 Jeddah International Motor Show, with the theme of “drive the excitement”, will be held at the Jeddah Superdome. JETOUR will bring several flagship models to the show. Among them, the new member of the off-road series, Lite Off-road SUV JETOUR T1, will make its debut at the Jeddah International Motor Show.

It is known that the first model of the JETOUR T series, T2, has been widely recognised by local users since it was launched in Saudi Arabia in the first quarter of this year, and has held the top spot for boxy SUV in sales. The T1 model, which will make its debut in the global market, will further enrich JETOUR’s off-road product matrix. In addition, JETOUR will also showcase the hybrid vehicle of JETOUR T2 i-DM for the first time overseas. In the future, JETOUR will adhere to the “Hybrid product strategy combining ICE and NEV” and increase the R&D and introduction of off-road and new energy vehicles, aiming for the World’s Leading Brand in Hybrid Off-road Vehicles.

As one of the flagship models of JETOUR at this show, JETOUR T1 is positioned as an urban light off-road SUV, specially designed for individuals with distinct personalities and the pursuit of high-quality life. It is the latest masterpiece of JETOUR AUTO after the popular T2. The creative and powerful design of the off-road series has been recognized by professionals, and it was awarded the Red Dot Design Concept at the 2024 Red Dot Design Awards among other unlisted products. Meanwhile, JETOUR T1 is equipped with a TOUR OS 2.0 system, a quiet cabin and comfortable seats, overall enhancing driving comfort. It is also equipped with 2.0TD + 8AT strong power, making more comfortable journeys beyond expectations.

Another important model that will make its debut soon is the JETOUR T2 i-DM, positioned as the adventure hybrid SUV. It is a hybrid product launched by JETOUR in response to the global trend of energy transition. The model adopts JETOUR’s latest super hybrid technology, i-DM, which combines a high-efficiency hybrid-specific engine, hybrid-specific transmission and battery safety system. It features high energy efficiency, strong performance, good safety, and high intelligence. It can achieve a maximum combined power of 280kW, a maximum combined torque of 610N·m, a maximum pure electric range of 139KM, and a combined range of 1,000KM+ with a full tank of fuel and a full charge. T2 i-DM is the first new energy vehicle launched by JETOUR AUTO overseas and is believed to continue T2’s popularity and gain the attention and favour of users in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East region.

In addition, it is known that JETOUR will also bring the X50 from the family series, as well as the Dashing Black Edition and T2 Black Warrior to this Jeddah International Motor Show. From family to off-road series, from traditional fuel vehicles to hybrid models and modified models, JETOUR continuously improves and enriches its products. JETOUR enters a new stage of market development with the Jeddah International Motor Show as a starting point.

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