2018 Kia Stinger First Drive Review | A Bold First Attempt From Kia For A Familiar Formula To Aussie Buyers
The timing of Kia’s first rear wheel drive large car couldn’t be more fortuitous. Just as Holden is preparing to switch from its locally-produced rear wheel drive Commodore to an imported front drive hatchback, and previous Ford Falcon owners begin pondering what to renew their leases with the Stinger has emerged.
No, it’s not a direct Aussie large car replacement nor was it intended to be. Instead the Singer was conceived as a lower-priced alternative to European mid-sizers, with Kia’s value-led approach resulting in a five-door liftback that straddles the medium cars the like BMW 3 Series and large sedans like the Holden Commodore for size.
The result is a watershed car for Kia, signaling a new enthusiast appeal thanks to powerful turbocharged engines and rear wheel drive dynamics, and one that will lead the way as the South Korean brand attempts to alter buyer perceptions of what it stands for.
Vehicle Style: Large hatch
Price: $45,990-$59,990 plus on-road costs
Engine/trans: 182kW/353Nm 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo petrol, 272kW/510Nm 3.3-litre 6cyl turbo petrol | 8sp automatic
Fuel Economy Claimed: 8.8-10.2 l/100km
OVERVIEW
In Australia the 2018 Kia Stinger will arrive with a choice of two engines, either a 2.0-litre four-cylinder (badged 200) or a 3.3-litre V6 (badged 330). Both are turbocharged (with twin turbos on the V6), both mate to an eight-speed automatic, and both send power to the rear wheels.
From there buyers can choose three trim levels; entry-level S, mid-spec Si, or flagship GT-Line four-cylinder or GT V6. In typical Kia fashion there’s no options, just a choice of exterior colours.