Things are different on top of the earth. Toilets are said to swirl the other way, it’s hot there when it’s cold here, and most will lay down their hard earned on a 2.0-litre Kia Stinger despite an available twin-turbo 3.3-litre six.

The fact juice is more expensive north of the equator has something to do with it. The four-pot Stinger drinks 2.4 less litres over 100 clicks. However, as we found out after a quick blast in the 183kW/353Nm rear-drive sedan, economy isn’t the only thing the four-pot Stinger has going for it.

The square unit pinched from the Optima range comes with an eight-speed auto and shaves 77kg from the Stinger’s nose, pegging its mass at 1693kg and reeling back the centre of balance. The brakes have shrunk with its waist size, too.

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The S and Si variants ride nicely on their passive suspension setup. But the GT-Line’s adaptive dampers and staggered footprint on 19-inch wheels feel more composed when you’re really hooking in.

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Europeans might disagree. But like we said, things are different up there.

3.5 stars out of five (GT-Line)

Kia Stinger 2.0-litre Specifications:

Engine: 1998cc, DOHC, 16v, turbo Power: 182kW @ 6200rpm Torque: 353Nm @ 1400-4000rpm 0-100km/h: 6.0 seconds Weight: 1693kg (tare) Fuel Consumption: 8.8 litres per 100km (combined cycle)

Price: $45,990 (200S); $52,990 (200Si); $55,990 (GT-Line)