HERE’S the deal. The Kia Stinger is closely related to the upcoming Genesis G70 sedan, Hyundai’s long-awaited BMW 3 Series rival. Which makes the 200Si as tested a four-pot rear-drive liftback in the mould of the BMW 4 Series.

That’s a huge call for a Kia, but ultimately a red-letter moment for the brand.

And, as a latter-day Holden VF Commodore or Ford Falcon XR6 Turbo, South Korea now owns that space. The Stinger is that accomplished.