The car pitched as a rival to home-grown Aussie V8s has made its competitive debut on the hallowed tarmac of Mount Panorama.

Kia Australia entered its new Stinger GT at Challenge Bathurst on Saturday, an event that gives enthusiasts a chance to test their mettle on the mountain.

Australian rally car champion Cody Crocker took care of driving duties on the first day of a “regularity” competition that sees trophies awarded for consistency.

Heavy rain saw several sessions red-flagged as amateur drivers struggled in difficult conditions.

But Crocker kept his nose clean to record the second-fastest lap time for the day, a remarkable feat in a family sedan with no track preparation.

The champion rally driver outpaced more fancied machinery to top his group, leaving cars such as the Porsche 911 GT3 RS and Cayman GT4, Audi RS3, Lotus Exige and BMW M5 in his spray.

The Stinger’s best lap in its first timed session was more than 11 seconds ahead of 45 other cars in its group. The only competitor to go quicker on the day was Wayne Clarke at the wheel of his all-wheel-drive Nissan GT-R.

Timing equipment positioned before the end of Conrod Straight clocked the Kia’s top speed for the day at 219.8km/h, ranking third behind a pair of race-prepared machines, and ahead of 190 other performance cars including a Ferrari 488GTB and all manner of Australian V8s.

While Crocker and the Kia crew kept a low profile at the event, a sophisticated 360-degree camera setup in the Stinger’s passenger seat suggests the drive will feature in Kia marketing activity in the near future.

The Stinger will be back on track on Sunday for final day of Challenge Bathurst.

Interested in buying Kia Stinger? Visit our Kia showroom for more information.