Review of 2021 Kia Stinger GT reveals fun and family can mix
Once the heartbeat of Australian families, a large sedan like the Kia Stinger GT still has plenty to offer for those willing to break the SUV mould.
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When first launched in 2017, this fastback proved a defining moment.
Kia had been a bread-and-butter car company, embracing the mainstream with value and new-found good looks.
The man behind a changing of the guard, Peter Schreyer, was positively chuffed with the Stinger’s worldwide release in Detroit. It was his crowning glory, after the designer had injected cool across the passenger car and SUV range.
At the same time Ford’s Falcon was falling on its sword, while the new German-sourced Holden Commodore soon followed.
Today, the large car domain that once dominated our automotive landscape is a lonely place. Only the Stinger and the Skoda Superb compete in the sub-$70,000 realm.
Our family spent some time in the sporty big Kia that rekindles memories of a bygone era – yet with some contemporary twists.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
KEL: “It looks like a construction worker’s shirt.” That wasn’t the welcome I was expecting at school pick-up.
GRANT: Probably not in the marketing brochure for the Stinger’s colour palette. The orange hue certainly stands out among the mundane horde of SUVs.
KEL: We’re driven plenty of those SUVs this year, and the Stinger feels like you’re riding on the ground in comparison.
GRANT: This is a real driver’s car. You feel like you’re part of the car sitting low and it boasts rear-wheel drive motivated by a potent twin-turbo V6.
KEL: Well it also looks awesome. The amount of comments I got from people thinking it was a BMW was surprising.
GRANT: Prestige cars are the primary players now in the large sedan game. But I can see the 5 Series resemblance, although the Stinger has more of a sporting bent. New 2021 models which came this year have minimal changes, mainly a different LED tail-light design for the GTs and changed alloys.
KEL: Given the looks and the performance I’d estimate it to be above $60k.
GRANT: Yep, that’s nearly spot-on. By the time on-roads are settled you’re looking at just below $68,000 – black or red leather interiors can be optioned at no cost, while only special blue, black or while pearl colours cost an extra $695.
THE LIVING SPACE
KEL: Kia functionally is first-class. The phone connection is easy and I love how I can get in and everything is simple … I’m not the best with technology.
GRANT: Infotainment has take a stride forward with the model 2021 update and it now has a 10.25-inch touchscreen with satnav as well as smartphone apps Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can now also pair multiple phones at the same time – handy when we’re both in the car to access your Spotify while my calls can still come through.
KEL: It’s quite dark inside with the black dash and seats. While there are some silver and chrome highlights I think I’d opt for the red leather to lighten the mood.
GRANT: You can change the interior lighting with a choice of 64 colours via the “mood lamp”. Those electrically adjustable front chairs have heating and cooling functions while other highlights are a 15-speaker Harman Kardon stereo, dual zone aircon, colour head-up display with digital speedo and wireless phone charging.
KEL: I like the sporty touches such as the flat-bottom steering wheel and the alloy pedals as well as those fancy door scuff panels.
GRANT: Plus your coffee is in safe keeping with the console dual cup holders (there are another two in the fold-down armrest in the rear), while there is a bottle holder in each door.
THE COMMUTE
KEL: When you plant your foot there is a nice sound, and it’s fast.
GRANT: This model gets improvements to the exhaust that delivers slightly more power compared with the previous model (two kilowatts), but it’s brimming with old-school muscle with a sub five-second time for
0-100km/h. Certainly up there with FPVs and HSVs from the old days, not quite as brutal – in performance or looks.
KEL: Yeah, while I loved a V8 was never into the big wings and associated body kits. This is much classier.
GRANT: Five driving moods such as comfort, eco and sport offer varying acceleration and gear shift responses, while a multi-mode suspension set-up enables a firmer ride for more accurate cornering and then softer settings for cruising.
KEL: I’m not a hoon and I found it easy to get around. When in traffic I like to use the cruise control system which brakes and accelerates for me, although the lane keeping can be a little aggressive to steer you back into the middle of the road if you get too close to lines.
GRANT: Also new is a blind spot monitor which displays a camera view from the side of the car in the instrument cluster when the driver indicates.
THE SHOPPING
KEL: Keeping a close eye on the front spoiler is important as those concrete stoppers in carparks can be brutal.
GRANT: The 360-degree camera view is really useful for ensuring you’re within the lines and rear cross traffic avoidance assist can step in and brake the Stinger if unseen vehicles are approaching.
KEL: Our weekly grocery shop is sizeable and there were no dramas fitting more than 10 bags.
GRANT: A luggage net is a handy inclusion if you only have a couple of items. The rear seats also fold 60-40 for larger gear.
THE SUNDAY RUN
KEL: Once hitting the open road it’s fun and it has a lovely surge of power when overtaking or tackling a hill.
GRANT: The Stinger is certainly well equipped for fun. Grippy Michelin tyres, big Brembo brakes and a limited-slip differential all adds up to an extremely capable big sedan.
KEL: I liked how stable and confident it felt in town and especially the winding rural roads
GRANT: Those who really enjoy driving will find it more rewarding to use the steering wheel paddle shifters as it’s more involving than relying on the eight-speed self-shifter.
THE FAMILY
KEL: The interior space takes me back to the good old days.
GRANT: Ample legroom for those front and back, four adults will find comfortable accommodation. Anyone who gets the middle of the bench seat has to straddle the transmission tunnel, but five people can still be carried and there are rear aircon vents.
KEL: There is just one USB point in the back so the kids fought over that. Being a performance car, I’d be worried about the fuel cost.
GRANT: Surprisingly the Stinger runs on standard unleaded and we managed just under 10 litres for every 100km. Those undertaking highway runs will see the average dip below seven litres/100km.
THE VERDICT
KEL: Great to drive and with good space, I enjoyed the Stinger. But I’ve moved with the times and feel like an SUV would better suit my daily needs.
GRANT: No, you’ve sold your motoring soul. The Stinger is a cracking big sedan with good looks … but sadly your opinion seems to be shared with many Aussies. It’s the lowest selling Kia, bar the new electric Niro, which is a shame. Keen drivers will find love in a roaring modern dinosaur.
AT A GLANCE
KIA STINGER GT
PRICE $67,890 drive-away (expensive, but awesome kit)
WARRANTY/SERVICING 7-year unlimited km warranty (great); 5 services $2560 (OK)
ENGINE 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 274kW/510Nm rear-wheel drive (super punchy)
SAFETY 5 stars (2017), rear cross traffic assist, AEB for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, parking sensors front and back, adaptive cruise, 360-degree camera view (very good)
THIRST 10.2L/100km (9.9L on test)
SPARE Space-saver (expected)
BOOT 406L/1114L (fine)
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