After less than two years on the Australian market, price updates, extra equipment and a streamlined model line-up feature in a refreshed 2020 Kia Stinger performance liftback range.
In March 2018, automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist were added as standard equipment to the entry-spec Stinger 200S and 330S, resulting from a poor three-star ANCAP safety rating. The upgrade means a five-star rating now applies to the whole Stinger range.
Kia Australia deleted the mid-spec Stinger Si grade from the range in July for the 2020 model year, leaving just the entry-level S, GT-Line and GT. A mid-life facelift is expected to arrive next year, which should see further improvements to chassis and suspension tune.
The least expensive S models come with cloth seats and 18-inch alloy wheels, plus 7-inch infotainment screen. Upgrades to GT-Line and GT include bigger 19-inch alloy wheels that are wider at the back than those on the front, with lower-profile tyres for a sportier look and improved handling.
Queensland Police has ordered more than 50 Stingers to replace both Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon pursuit cars. Unlike the previous local police cars, the imported police-spec Stinger is almost the same as the every-day model, except for a special wiring loom for police electronics.
That means it’s a twin turbocharged V6 producing 272 kW of power and 510 Nm of torque, with the same factory brakes and suspension tune.
This Stinger 3.3 V6 330S automatic, which sells for $50,190, plus on-roads, was the test car.
STYLING
The Stinger calls on cues from the modern European sports sedan courtesy of Kia design chief Peter Schreyer, who once held a key design post at German automobile maker Audi, and Gregory Guillaume, Kia Europe’s chief designer, through his passion for the gran turismo cars he admired as a child.
Designers opted for an elegant, athletic look as opposed to aggressive and brutal proportions, which together with its rear-drive set-up, delivers a spacious passenger cabin and large boot.
Distinctive touches include Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille, LED headlamps and a rear valance incorporating two twin oval exhaust pipes, while front air curtains, wheel-arch vents, smooth underbody and rear diffuser take care of optimum aerodynamics.
INTERIOR
The long wheelbase, four-doors and fastback leave generous front and rear leg room and the low seating position provides ample head room for all passengers and a performance-oriented position for the driver.
Contoured seats are available with leather look trim, while the driver’s seat can be had with four-way air-cell lumbar support in the seatback and side bolsters for added comfort.
INFOTAINMENT
With the latest technology, the Stinger boasts a head-up display allowing the driver to view key driving information on the windscreen close to eye level, including speed, turn-by-turn navigation guidance, audio, cruise control and blind spot detection information.
Bluetooth is standard across the Stinger range, while smartphones can be charged via a pad in the centre console. Stingers have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as built-in at nav with 10 years of updates. Audio is delivered through a six-speaker system with 8-inch screen.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
The Stinger is available with a choice of two petrol engines – a single turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder producing 182 kW and 353 Nm, or a twin-turbo 3.3-litre V6, which stumps up 272 kW and 510 Nm.
Mated with Kia’s own-design eight-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels via a mechanical limited-slip differential, the latter gives the car its high-performance pedigree with a claimed sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds.
SAFETY
Advanced driver assistance technology includes autonomous emergency braking with forward collision warning system, front parking sensors, a lane keeping assist and driver attention alert.
Standard safety equipment includes stability control and seven airbags. There are airbags directly in front of the driver and front passenger; two outside the driver and front passenger to protect their upper bodies from side impacts; a knee airbag to protect the driver’s knees and curtain airbags that protect the heads of front and rear occupants from side impacts. A reversing camera is also standard.
DRIVING
Forget the 2.0L ‘four’. The reason for choosing the 3.3L V6 is its promise of a fun drive. The latter has more sting, accelerates faster and is far more engaging to drive. Obviously, it’s a bit more expensive to run, with official combined urban / highway fuel consumption of 10.2 litres per 100 kilometres. The test car came up with an on-target 13.5 in town and 5.3 on a motorway run.
However, the V6 engine’s muted engine and exhaust note when the test foot was flattened was something of a disappointment. There is an optional sports exhaust, which I assume supplies the desired forte.
All Stingers have an eight-speed automatic transmission transferring power to the rear wheels. Sadly, it often switches to a higher gear too soon. Using the steering wheel-mounted paddles brings shifts to a more satisfying, slicker response. Brembo brakes are up to the task of taming the sporty action.
Advertised as a sports sedan, the Stinger is more of a hatchback, with a steeply raked rear window presenting a limited view for the driver. Uncharacteristically, it misses out on a rear wiper, which just about wipes out a clear view behind in wet weather.
Taller passengers must bend double to slot under the low, coupe-style swoopy roofline to get into the rear seats. Best for two, but three will fit at a pinch. Boot space is a saving grace with, despite being short on height, no restrictions to its capability of carrying two full-size pieces of luggage or golf bags, plus space-saver spare.
SUMMING UP
Despite sharing its name with a deadly sea creature, there is much to like about the Stinger 330S – sports sedan looks, long list of specs and generous cabin and boot space – and, of course, the industry-leading seven-year warranty.
AT A GLANCE
MODEL LINE-UP
Kia Stinger 2.0 200S automatic $47,190
Kia Stinger 2.0 GT-Line automatic $56,290
Kia Stinger 3.3 V6 330S automatic $50,190
Kia Stinger 3.3 V6 GT automatic $60,790
Note: These prices do not include dealer or government charges. Contact your local Kia dealer for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS
(Kia Stinger 330S 3.3-litre twin turbo V6 petrol engine, 8sp automatic)
Capacity: 3342 cc
Configuration: V6
Maximum Power: 272 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 510 Nm @ 1300 and 4500 rpm
Fuel type: Petrol 91 RON
Combined Cycle (ADR 81/01): 10.2 litres per 100 km
CO2 emissions: 239 g/km
DRIVELINE:
Drivetrain: 8-speed automatic, mechanical LSD
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4830 mm
Width: 1870 mm
Height: 1400 mm
Wheelbase: 2905 mm
Tare weight: 1780 kg
Turning circle: 11.2
Fuel Tank Capacity: 60 litres
BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Ventilated disc
WARRANTY:
7 years / unlimited kilometres
