Exciting and desirable aren't qualities normally associated with this Korean manufacturer, but with the brand new Stinger, Kia has made a car that possesses those qualities, and then some.

It starts with the design. The Stinger, with its stretched proportions and aggressive styling, is a car that will definitely turn heads. Inside, the Stinger exhibits a level of quality and finish that is a clear step up from what we've come to expect from the brand.

Where the car truly reveals itself is the way it drives. The 3.3-litre V6 powerplant, especially, delivers scintillating performance to the tune of 365bhp and 510Nm of torque. This propels the car from 0-100km/h just 4.9 seconds. But it's not just about straight-line speed. Regardless of the engine, the Stinger is exciting and fun to drive, thanks to a tight chassis, sharp steering and great balance.

The Stinger also gets a wealth of equipment as standard, including a head-up display, ventilated seats, a sunroof, an 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, and a wireless phone charger. It also has necessary space and creature comforts to excel as an everyday family car for five people.

The Stinger isn't without its faults. However, we came away impressed by its overall polish and refinement, delivering a level of quality that many did not see coming. With its boldness of intention and thoroughness of execution, the Kia Stinger has exceeded any and all of our expectations about the car.