finder score: 82.67%
| Website | Rating | Notable quotes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CarAdvice | 90% | "The Kia Stinger is a game-changer for the Korean brand, and it's even better than we thought it would be. " | Read more |
| WhichCar | 80% | "The Stinger 330Si is the sweet spot in the line-up. It’s $4000 cheaper than the range-topping GT, but has the same engine and performance. " | Read more |
| Motoring | 78% | "It’s almost impossible not to like the Kia Stinger." | Read more |
Prices start at $45,990 for the 4-cylinder 182kW Kia Stinger 200 S. The beefed up, top-of-the-line 272kW twin-turbo V6 Stinger GT is yours for $59,990.
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| 200S 2.0L T-GDI Petrol Automatic | 200Si 2.0L T-GDI Petrol Automatic | GT-Line 2.0L T-GDI Petrol Automatic | 330S 3.3L T-GDI Petrol Automatic | 330Si 3.3L T-GDI Petrol Automatic | GT 3.3L T-GDI Petrol Automatic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,496.50 | $57,846.50 | $60,996.50 | $53,646.50 | $60,996.50 | $65,721.50 |
There was a lot of hype around the Kia Stinger. The Korean sports car, released in late 2017, was being touted to take the place of the no-longer-produced Australian-made V8s. And while sales for the Kia Stinger haven’t been as strong as expected, reviewers have found it to be more or less the perfect car for its price point.
If you’re after an impressive performance sedan at a price point much lower than its European competitors, The Kia Stinger is a car you might want to consider.
| Pros | Cons | Notable quote | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CarAdvice |
|
| “That’s more than enough grunt to put a few high-priced German contenders on notice...” |
| WhichCar |
|
| “Kia’s parent company, Hyundai, developed the Stinger’s chassis from the outset to be a fun, enjoyable drive, and local suspension tuning has taken that a step further.” |
| Motoring |
|
| “For disenfranchised old-school Commodore and Falcon buyers, the Kia Stinger will no doubt be on the radar. ” |
The Kia stinger is offered with two different engines across its six variants. There is the 4-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 182kW, and the powerful twin-turbo V6 producing 272kW.
Reviewers found that both engines provided smooth and linear power when accelerating, with smooth gear changes coming through the dual-clutch transmission. However, they also found that the shifts weren’t as smooth when using the paddle shifters.
Obviously fond of the twin-turbo V6, reviewers noted that the engine’s power was sufficient enough that you would need to watch the rear wheels when accelerating sharply as it had a tendency to spin the back wheels.
If you are looking for a sports sedan with an aggressive exhaust note, you may be left disappointed. Reviewers noted that the Stinger’s sound is unremarkable.
If you’re opting for the twin-turbo 6, while the fuel efficiency isn’t too bad, it is worth noting that it isn’t the most fuel-efficient option out there. Some reviewers said that they used around 8.7L/100km, while some heavy footed counterparts were seeing around 10L/100km.
Perhaps surprisingly – given the stated claims of 8.8/100km from Kia – the 4-cylinder engine recorded numbers closer to 10L/100km on highway runs, with numbers spiking to higher than the claimed 12.7L/100km in Urban areas.
With a fuel tank of just 60 litres, you will be using the bowser pretty often, unless you drive conservatively.
The Kia stinger packs a lot of punch through its turbo-charged engines and it’s got the suspension set-ups to allow you to harness it.
Reviewers were more than satisfied with the ride of the Stinger, complimenting the vehicle’s ride compliance and body control even when travelling over bad surfaces with bumps, gravel and potholes of various sizes.
More than just maintaining traction on these surfaces, the steering was said to be quick and responsive. Reviewers also said that the brakes on the V6 variants performed much better than those on their 4-cylinder siblings.
As far as Kias go, the interior of the Stinger is a step in the direction that the brand is moving. There is a slew of technology and plenty of space, all inside a cabin that has a more premium finish than one would expect from a Kia.
Cabin storage space is well thought out, with storage in all four doors, pockets in the back of the front seats, cup holders front and back, as well as a spot for your phone in the front.
The S versions of the Kia Stinger have a 7-inch infotainment system, while owners of any of the other four variants can interact with the system via an 8-inch screen. All variants come with Kia’s Suna satellite navigation system, with traffic information as well as Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto.
If you opt for the GT you will benefit from a 15-speaker sound system, a panoramic roof, Quantum Logic Surround and a 360-degree camera among other features.
| Models/Grades | 200S 2.0L | 200Si 2.0L | GT-Line 2.0L | 330S 3.3L | 330Si 3.3L | GT 3.3L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight (kg) | 1,693 | 1,693 | 1,693 | 1,780 | 1,780 | 1,780 |
| 8 Speed Automatic Tramission | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Front brakes | 320mm ventilated disc | 320mm ventilated disc | 320mm ventilated disc | Brembo® 4-Piston Caliper & 350mm Ventilated Disk | Brembo® 4-Piston Caliper & 350mm Ventilated Disk | Brembo® 4-Piston Caliper & 350mm Ventilated Disk |
| Rear brakes | 314mm solid disc | 314mm solid disc | 314mm solid disc | Brembo® 2-Piston Caliper & 340mm Ventilated Disk | Brembo® 2-Piston Caliper & 340mm Ventilated Disk | Brembo® 2-Piston Caliper & 340mm Ventilated Disk |
| Wheel type | Alloy | Alloy | Alloy (Machine Finish) | Alloy (Machine Finish) | Alloy (Machine Finish) | Alloy (Machine Finish) |
| Wheel size | 18" | 18" | 19" | 19" | 19" | 19" |
| ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rear view camera with in-audio screen display & dynamic parking guidelines | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 360° Camera View | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ |
| Smart key with push button start | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Leather seats | Sports Premium seats | Sports leather appointed~ seats | Sports leather appointed~ seats with GT-Line logo | Sports Premium seats | Sports leather appointed~ seats | Sports Nappa leather appointed~ seats with GT logo |
| Seat capacity | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| LED headlights & auto levelling | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ |
| Speakers | 6 | 9 | 15 | 6 | 9 | 15 |
| Touch screen | 7" | 8" | 8" | 7" | 8" | 8" |
| Satellite navigation multimedia system | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Stainless Steel luggage sill plate | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✔ |
| Dual-zone climate control air-conditioning ventilation | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
There was a lot of hype surrounding the Kia Stinger prior to its launch, but the company has done a fantastic job of delivering on expectations.
The Kia Stinger has enough power to keep up with European rivals at a much lower price point and has entered the Australian market at the perfect time. It also comes with Kia's seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty.
If you’re looking for a performance sedan, it’s worth taking a look at the Stinger.
Pictures: Kia
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