Kia Stinger range gets five ANCAP stars

Kia Australia has today confirmed that all Kia Stinger models built from March 2018 onwards are granted a five-star ANCAP rating, courtesy of fitting autonomous emergency braking (AEB) across the range.

When the Kia Stinger launched in Australia in September 2017 it was touted as a spiritual replacement for the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon, given its rear-drive layout.

But some variants in the model range were subject to a three-star safety rating for safety, according to local crash test authority ANCAP, taking some of the shine off the new car's launch.

The lack of AEB on the Kia Stinger 200S and 330S models has been rectified, after the models were awarded that embarrassingly low three-star rating.

Kia Motors Australia COO, Damien Meredith, said: "At no stage was there any suggestion that the physical crash safety of any Stinger model was less than any other grade, however the absence of some technology on the entry-level cars led to a split rating.

"With the inclusion of AEB on both S grade models that situation no longer exists," he said.

The added safety equipment comes at a price, with the Kia Stinger 200S and 330S both rising by $1000, to $46,990 and $49,990 respectively. But the price premium does include lane keep assist, active cruise control with stop and go, driver alert warning and rain sensor wipers.

"As soon as we were made aware of the unusual situation regarding the original ANCAP rating of the Stinger, Kia Motors Australia took steps to rectify and ensure consistency across the model range," stated Meredith.