Nick reviews the newest player in the performance RWD market, the Kia Stinger GT.
**View our Kia Stinger GT promo video here**
It was the unmistakable sound of a legendary Aussie guitar riff, blasted through 15 Harmon/Kardon speakers and two under seat subwoofers. The sound was ‘Chapel Street’ worthy, but it just didn’t feel right, after all, we know that AC/DC’s Thunderstruck is reserved for Aussie V8 Utes. After a quick search through the DAB stations for some K-Pop, acknowledging the Stingers Korean roots, proved fruitless, we turned to Spotify via Apple CarPlay on the 8.0” infotainment head unit for a sound that was just right.
The Kia Stinger comes in a number of variants, 200S, GT Line, 330S & GT with 2 special editions of later (Night Sky & Carbon). The 200S & GT Line are equipped with a 4-cylinder turbo, 2 litre engine giving you 182kW & 353Nm of torque. However, our week with the Stinger was spent in the GT variant, boasting 272kW & 510Nm of torque and an 8-speed auto, dressed with body hugging, heated leather seats, heated steering wheel (perfect for Melbourne’s cold winter mornings), dual zone climate control and finished in metallic ‘Ceramic Silver’ with red leather interior.
If I’m honest, the only reason a muscle car lover like myself gets behind the wheel of the Stinger in the first place is down to the hype around its “muscle car” credibility. First impressions… it feels fast, probably because it is, with the Stinger GT sprinting from 0 – 100 in just under 5 seconds (4.9). With impressive features like Launch Control, Dynamic Stability Control, Brembo Brakes, a Limited Slip Diff, and sporty 19” alloys, it’s clear Korea means business when it comes to performance, braking and handling. Paddles at the steering wheel let you flick through the gears like a race car driver and you can choose from ECO, Comfort, Smart or Sport modes which all do what they claim to. For me the pick of the bunch was Smart Mode.
Exterior looks aside, the interior was very functional with plenty of room for a family of four and just a little snugger with a fifth passenger. The lift back design is a taste of SUV practicality with a ‘smart open’ tailgate/boot to make light work of loading 406 litres of goodies (or 1114 litres with the second row folded flat). Smart Cruise not only gives the driver confidence there won’t be any surprises in the mail it also assists in not only achieving, but bettering, the claimed fuel usage of 10.2l/100km (combined), all using 91RON Unleaded.
Originally launched to compete with the high powered, locally manufactured family sedans, (Holden SS, Falcon XR8 & XR6 Turbo) it was always going to be a big ask for the Stinger to take a chunk of market share. Especially with purists wanting to get their hands on the ‘last of’ local favourites and departing models. But in today’s scene where you can’t drive a new, locally made, mid to large performance family car off the showroom floor, the Kia Stinger now has plenty of cred to fill that void.
Pulling up beside one, you could be forgiven if you didn’t realise it was a Kia, with its low slung, sporty and aggressive looks, until you noticed the badge on the back. But if you are like me, there’s one thing that will leave you scratching your head and asking, how didn’t anybody in the history of car manufacturing think of the name Stinger before?
Kia Stinger GT Price and Specifications (as tested)
Price: From $60,790 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 3.3-litre twin turbo V6 petrol
Power: 272kW at 6000rpm
Torque: 510Nm at 1300 – 4500rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed
Fuel use: 10.2L/100km (combined)
Comfort & Ride: 
Economy:
Performance:
Like the look of the Kia Stinger GT or any of it's variants? Get a quote today by using our Novated Lease Calculator or contact one of our vehicle Consultants on 1800 932 394.
AUTHOR
Nick Kotsonis | Corporate Relations
T 03 8768 5777
E nickk@eziway.net.au