We drove Stinger at the Australian Launch and reviewed it here.
Is Kia Stinger Worth the money?
We are driving the base grade, and if this one is so brilliant, the top models are fabulous
The Outside
Designed by Peter Schreyer, there is more than a passing resemblance to Audi models, particularly the A5.
5 door fastbacks are of an ilk. The roof is low, and the sides deeply sculptured. The front sports a Schreyer grille and there are 18: wheels.
Stinger sits just 130mm off the ground.
The Cabin
Everything you see and touch is quality except for the odd bit of plastic that feels a bit cheap.
Sports premium seats have a leather-look covering with power controls for the driver. There is no lumbar control, heating, or cooling on the 200S
There is a laid back driving position that is very comfortable regardless of the amount of time in the seat.
There is 10cmsin the back seats, between knees andfront seatback, with the front seats set for a 6 foot driver. There are rear armrests, and 60/40 folding seatbacks to make the boot even bigger.
Boot and petrol cap releases are near the lower edge of the driver’s door.
How about Stinger’s equipment?
Stinger has Apple CarPlay/Android Auto,DAB radio, and Bluetooth streaming. Sound through 6 speakers is decent for the price. The upper models get Harmon Kardon audio.
All Kia stingers have Reversing sensors and a camera viewable on the main screen. That, combined with light power steering means parking is easy.
There a bottle holders in all doors, and cup holders ront and back. All interior Lighting is LED. Likewise for the headlights and tail lamps There are two 12v outlets, and 2 USB sockets.
How safe is Kia Stinger?
ANCAP rating is 5 Star. See what your car gets HERE
Other safety features include: ABS, and lane departure with steering assist. Blind spot monitoring starts on the next trim level up, and all Stingers have AEB (autonomous emergency braking).
There is structural strengthening, and the usual seat belts and airbags. There are also ISOFiX points for baby capsules.
There is an electric parking brake, and “brake hold” function for traffic. Cruise control is radar guided and has a queue function for city traffic
The best safety feature on any car is a driver looking through the windscreen 100% of the time.
The Drive?
Rack mounted electric power steering adjusts depending on speed, and the 8-speed automatic changes, along with the throttle, depending on what drive mode is selected.
Suspension is locally tuned by Graham Gambold in Melbourne, is soft and compliant, yet sporty. Highway travel is particularly smooth.
The 2.0L turbo 4 cylinder has 182kw and 353Nm of torque. The 60L tank do a decent roardtrip, getting 6.5L/100k on the highway and 12.7 around town. Consumption averages at 8.8L/100k, and 150g/k of CO2.
What’s the verdict?
Stinger is certainly worth the money.
The 200S handles superbly. Ride is excellent and handling is sporty, yet comfortable.
Although the 3.3 6 cylinder is brilliant, the 2.0L is a good all-rounder.
If I could change one thing, it would be a full digit LCD readout instead of traditional driver dials.
Also Look At
Model 2019 Kia Stinger 200s 2020 MY
- Model Price From $47,190 MLP*
- Engine 2.0L 4Cyl Turbocharged petrol
- Drivetrain 8 Sp AT RWD
- Power 182 kW @ 6200 rpm
- Torque 353 Nm @ 1400 – 4000 rpm
- Safety 5 StarANCAP
- CO2 201 g/km
- Economy 8.8L/100 km ADR
- Servicing Capped Price Servicing
- 0-100km/h 6.0 secs
- Top Speed TBA km/h
- Warranty 7 Yrs. / Unlimited km / 7 Yrs. Roadside Assist
*Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options
