2018 Kia Stinger range review

What is it? 

A Kia unlike any other we’ve seen before. Riding on a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive platform, the Kia is positioned as a luxury sports sedan with plenty of driver appeal. Pitched as a rival to the likes of BMW’s 4-Series Gran Coupe in some markets, Australians lined it up against the last of Holden’s Commodore while it was still available, particularly high-performance V8 variants.

With the (Australian-built) Commodore and Ford Falcon gone, the Stinger is the only rear-drive performance sedan on sale for less than $50,000.

How many models can I choose from?

The main choice for Stinger buyers surrounds whether to plump for a 2.0-litre four-cylinder version with 182kW and 353Nm outputs, or dig deeper to find an extra $3000 and splurge on the 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 hero and its 272kW/510Nm thrust.

Beyond that, there are three model lines for each engine variant. 

Stinger “S” models get 18-inch wheels with 225mm-wide tyres front and rear, cloth seats, a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone connectivity, a reversing camera, rear parking sensors and a six-speaker stereo, steering wheel shift paddles, dual-zone climate control and more.

Mid-range “Si” variants add 19-inch wheels, leather trim, an 8-inch touchscreen, 9-speaker stereo, front parking sensors, adaptive cruise control and other niceties. 

At the top of the range, Stinger GT-Line and GT versions add a polished 19-inch wheels with wider rear tyres, multi-mode shock absorbers, a 15-speaker premium stereo,  heated and ventilated front seats with a driver’s memory function, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, he’d-up display system and other luxury touches.

What do they cost? 

2.0-litre models:

Stinger 200S - $45,990

Stinger 200Si - $52,990

Stinger GT-Line - $55,990

3.3-litre models:

Stinger 330S - $48,990

Stinger 330Si - $55,990

Stinger GT - $59,990

(plus on-road and dealer costs) 

Any options that I need to know about? 

Premium paint costs $695, an optional performance exhaust for V6 models is $2659.99 and a tow bar and trailer harness costs $1311.99.

Kia also introduced a limited-edition Rafa Special model paying tribute to tennis legend and brand Ambassador Rafael Nadal earlier in the year. Priced from $47,990 - and limited to 75 examples - the Rafa Special built on the 200S with 19-inch alloys, an 8-inch touchscreen sat nav system and nine-speaker stereo, brown leather, an autographed tennis racquet and more. 

Is it expensive to own? 

Kia backs the Stinger with a seven-year, unlimited kilometre warranty with seven years of roadside assistance and capped-price servicing. Regular maintenance for V6 versions costs an average of $487 per year for the first seven years, though much of that arrives in the last two services - the first will only set you back $252.

Any issues I need to know about? 

The Stinger’s rear-wheel-drive layout makes for a tail-happy driving experience. Some people will love it, while others might feel less secure when driving in slippery conditions.

While it is billed as a track-honed performance car, the Stinger’s Continental tyres aren’t really cut out for circuit work and its standard exhaust note sounds quite flat - hence the performance option. 

Which is the most economical model? 

That has to be the four-cylinder model, which uses a claimed 8.8L/100km of regular unleaded. Twin-turbo models slurp 10.2L/100km, though you’re likely to see higher numbers in the real world. 

Which is the safest model? 

The top-end Stinger GT, which builds on standard autonomous emergency braking with blind spot detection, lane keeping assistance and rear cross traffic alert systems. 

While the Stinger features autonomous braking across the range at present, it’s worth noting that the 200S and 330S only received the tech in May - something worth consideration if you’re looking at dealer demonstrator or second-hand models.

Which is the best model to drive? 

The top-end V6-powered Stinger GT brings variable-mode shocks and wider rubber to help make the most of its prodigious power. It’s probably the pick for keen drivers.

Should I buy one now?

Yep, the hype (and waiting list) for Kia’s flagship have died down since it first arrived in 2017. Kia isn’t offering deals on the Stinger at present, but it never hurts to ask.

What’s the sweet spot?

The Stinger 330Si combines most of the GT’s good stuff - including that mighty engine - in a more affordable package. It’s our pick today.