Still need a RWD kick, Damien O’Carroll reckons the Stinger GT is just what the doctor ordered.
The timing couldn’t really have been any better for Kia in this part of the world – just as our favourite big RWD sedan drops out of production, the Korean company launches its big RWD sedan.
Even though it is not quite as big as a Commodore, and neither does it offer a V8, Kia are certainly angling to pick up a few disgruntled Holden customers who still need a RWD fix, with a big, brawny twin-turbo V6 filling in for the V8.
But to be brutally honest – the Stinger GT is a far better car than a V8 Commodore could ever hope to have been. And quite a different one too, as it turns out.
On the outside it has those superbly aggressive looks (that won’t appeal to all, and may age quickly) that nick all the right bits from the Europeans and then adds enough obvious Kia DNA to the mix.
However, that silly strip of reflector that stretches into the rear guard from the taillights does ruin the side profile, although they really had to do that to stop it looking like an Audi A5 from the rear three quarter view.
The inside is where the Stinger shines brighter – and in a far less controversial way – with a superb interior that is easily the best a Korean manufacturer has ever offered in this part of the world. Again, Kia have nicked enough cues from the Euros and added just the right layer of Kia over the whole thing, along with some excellent materials and build quality, as well as some fantastically comfortable and supportive seats.
The oddly tiny touchscreen does look a little anaemic, however, and the generic texture on the dash, door trims and steering wheel boss looks a little down-quality in an interior that is otherwise stunningly good.
Under the bonnet the 272kW/510Nm 3.3-litre twin turbo V6 is a staggeringly good piece of kit – superbly powerful and impressively refined it even emits a pleasingly belligerent bellow in Sport, while the equally excellent transmission is a brilliant match to the strong engine.
The Stinger’s ride quality is deeply convincing around town in Comfort and not overly firm in Sport where the sharp and responsive RWD chassis is a true delight to throw around. Blessed with wonderfully sharp turn in, the Stinger is thoroughly composed, unless you want the rear to misbehave (in a good way, that is).
Power delivery is reminiscent of the last of the turbo Ford Falcons, with a big six response off the line, quickly followed by the excitement of the turbos kicking in and trying to rip the rear sideways. And it never gets old.
While the quality is fantastic and the performance is searing, the Stinger does have its faults. Just not very big ones, and, thankfully, ones that would be easy for Kia too tweak.
The ride tends to get busy and brittle when pushed along over a typical New Zealand chip seal road and while the steering is sharp and accurate, it is also distant and artificial.
But overall the Stinger is a staggeringly good first go at a proper RWD performance sedan that blends the perfect amount of aggro and refinement into a dynamically exciting and great-looking package.
Specifications:
Body type Five door liftback
Drive Rear wheel drive
Engine type V6 twin-turbo petrol
Engine capacity 3342cc
Max power 272kW @ 6000rpm
Max torque 510Nm @ 1300rpm
l/100km (Combined) 10.2
C02 emissions 239g/km
Boot capacity 406/1114 litres
Spare tyre Space saver
ANCAP rating 5 stars
Price $69,990
