Kia Stinger – What you need to know

The Kia Stinger burst onto the scene late 2017 with its six-model line-up comprising three four-cylinder turbo variants – badged 200S, 200Si and GT-line – and three, twin-turbocharged V6 offerings (330S, 330Si and GT). All models feature an eight-speed automatic transmission and launch control.

Let's wade through the specs and features to help you settle on which Stinger you want in your driveway.

Entry into the Kia Stinger range starts at $45,990 (plus on-road costs) for the 200S four-cylinder model that has the following standard equipment:

Options are limited to paint colours. There are seven to select from, plus two exclusive to the GT-Line and GT. Premium paint attracts a $695 charge.

All Kia Stinger models come with seven airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control, rear parking sensors, hill-start assist, rear-view camera with parking lines, dusk-sensing auto headlights, speed-sensing auto door locks and an auto-dimming rear view mirror.

Moving to the 200Si or 330Si adds front parking sensors, lane keep assist, autonomous emergency braking with forward collision warning and driver attention alert system.

But should you want the entire safety tech package, make a beeline for the GT-Line or GT. They are the only models to offer blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert and a 360-degree camera view that's handy for manoeuvring in tight spots. There are also auto-dimming door mirrors and see-through corner headlights with an auto high-beam function.

Kia Stinger at Australia's Best Drivers Car

Six-speakers and a seven-inch touch screen to access AppleCarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth phone and music streaming, satellite navigation plus DAB+ digital radio, are standard in both the 200S and 330S.

Upgrade to the 200Si or 330Si for an eight-inch screen and your audio comes through nine speakers, with tweeters and woofers and the active sound design.

Carbon-fibre trimming is used on the console and doors of the 200Si and 330 Si, the wipers automatically operate if rain is sensed and there is adaptive cruise control to keep you at the same speed as those around you. The interior has a more sumptuous feel, thanks to the leather sports seats and in the boot is a luggage net to stop items rolling about.

Dig deeper into your pocket for the GT-Line or GT if you want a 15-speaker premium Harmon Kardon audio system with tweeters, two under-seat subwoofers and an external amplifier.

Want leather seats? Tick the GT-Line box and, if soft nappa leather is a must, it's the GT for you. Both models employ suede and aluminium trimmings throughout, and the driver's seat has memory function and easy-access function that moves the seat and steering wheel for easier entry and egress.

Only the GT-Line and GT are standard with powered sports seats that incorporate heating and ventilation functions plus powered lumbar support, bolster adjustment and thigh extender for the added comfort of those with long legs.

Want the convenience of a wireless phone charger? Then stick with the GT-Line or GT. Both score a USB port for rear seat passengers.

How about head-up display and colour TFT-LCD instrument cluster? It's all yours when you tick the GT-Line or GT box. To complete the sporty theme in the cabin, these two models boast alloy sports pedals and alloy door scuff panels.

The swoopy styling of the Kia Stinger attracts loads of looks, but the range variants all differ somewhat in appearance.

While the 200s and 200Si make do with 18-inch alloy wheels, the GT-Line gets 19-inch alloys and is the only four-cylinder model to wear the exclusive Schreyer grille, named after its creator.

Auto levelling LED headlights a sunroof, dark chrome door handles and black gloss bumper treatment and side mouldings are found on the GT-Line only.

If you want 19-inch alloy wheels on your V6 twin-turbo Kia Stinger, you only have to budget for the 330Si, but that means you'll miss out on the sunroof, auto-levelling LED headlights and smart boot release, that are the domain of the GT.

The Stinger range offers a choice of two engines. A 2.0-litre, single turbo four-cylinder, producing 182kW and 353Nm, and a 3.3-litre V6 twin turbo generating 272kW and 510Nm. The eight-speed automatic relays torque to the rear wheels via a limited-slip differential in the case of the V6 variants.

Pricing
200S four cylinder single turbo auto – $45,990
200Si four cylinder single turbo auto – $52,990
GT-Line four cylinder single turbo auto – $55,990

330S V6 twin turbocharged auto – $48,990
330Si V6 twin turbocharged auto – $55,990
GT V6 twin turbocharged auto – $59,990

I normally give two verdicts. One based on the head and one based on the heart. But in this rare case, there's just one model that hits both criteria and it is the 330S for $48,990. It delivers the ideal balance of performance and price. It goes like stink, is entertaining to drive enthusiastically on challenging roads, delivers plenty of comfort and standard gizmos and, to me, that adds up to an irresistible combination.