Kia builds an all-rounder, the family-size Stinger hatch

Kia takes on new sports hatch territory with a family-size rear-driver, proof that the Korean maker wants to be more than just a bargain basement brand

 

The Kia Stinger is the most surprising newcomer from South Korea. The family-sized hatchback is proof that Kia wants to be more than just a bargain-basement brand, with a sporty look and impressive driving that reminds some people of the Holden Commodore.

THE PICK-UP

ALI: Are you sure this is a Kia? It’s very big.

PAUL: It’s a similar size to the Holden Commodore but I think it’s a mistake just to consider it as a replacement for the big Aussie family car.

ALI: Haven’t they died anyway? Like the dinosaurs. I don’t think a dynamic international brand would want to compete with the Commodore.

2017 Kia Stinger

PAUL: Kia sees it as a big sports hatch. But it’s hedging its bets, because it has a four-cylinder model to hit the $50,000 starting price and also the V6 turbo that we’re driving.

ALI: It seems like they are going after the Europeans with this car.

PAUL: You can pay up to $65,000 for a Stinger — and some dealers are profiteering beyond that — and it’s getting up there. But at the top-end, the bait runs to a twin-turbo V6 with 272kW, rear-wheel drive and 5.1 seconds from 0-100km/h.

THE BAGGAGE

ALI: It might be a sedan but it looks more like a coupe to me. The boot is pretty big and the low loading lip means it will be easy to get prams and things in the back.

PAUL: It reminds me a lot of
a Saab. They were always huge and practical in the back, almost as big as a wagon. But Saab is as dead as the homegrown Commodore.

2017 Kia Stinger

ALI: It looks plush inside, nicely finished. Definitely not your average Kia. This is a benchmark that could even rattle the Europeans.

PAUL: The only thing I find disappointing is some of the instrument readouts, which are generic Kia, and the cupholder that looks like the one in a Sportage I drove a while ago.

THE COMMUTE

ALI: It’s very smooth. Plenty of pick-up. Good steering feel.

PAUL: I really like the seats. They are quite plush, not cheapie at all.

2017 Kia Stinger

ALI: But why do you have to set up your Bluetooth before you start driving? I find that really annoying.

PAUL: It’s a safety thing. You should be concentrating on the road.

ALI: Do they think we’re stupid? That we can’t handle a Bluetooth hook-up on the go? It’s no more complicated than adjusting the radio.

PAUL: I think the V6 is really strong and it’s nicely quiet around the ’burbs.

ALI: No complaints from me on that side of things.

THE SHOPPING

ALI: Good reversing camera. That helps because it’s longer than I expected, so you have to be a bit careful.

PAUL: It was fine for a Bunnings run and I really liked the boot space for some big plastic storage bins I bought. But the view out of the back window is lousy and it has thick rear pillars that also restrict vision.

Ali and Paul Gover.

ALI: The windscreen pillars block my view too much, which I think is a safety thing at roundabouts. Sometimes I struggled to see the other traffic.

SUNDAY RUN

PAUL: I actually went out driving on a Friday night because I was so taken with the Stinger.
I can’t remember the last time I did that. It’s really sporty, responsive and good fun.

ALI: I agree. I don’t know so much that it’s a sports car. For me, it’s still a family coupe that goes well.

PAUL: You get the best of both worlds. That’s another reason some people are comparing it to an SS Commodore, even if the Holden has a V8 on its side. It’s a family car that can get up and go.

ALI: Yes, it definitely had enough zip for me.

2017 Kia Stinger.

PAUL: I think this is the best package, the 330S with the V6 but not all the fruit and not the electronically controlled suspension that’s copped some flak on the GT. It’s about $55,000. Did you notice that it was rear-wheel drive?

ALI: No, I can’t say I did. Is that good or bad?

PAUL: I think it says they’ve done a good job on the chassis and suspension.

 

THE FAMILY

ELI: It’s pretty fast, dad. I like that.

PAUL: So it’s got the fun factor, which is another positive.

ELI: The name is good too. Stinger sounds like a fighter.

ALI: It’s an excellent all-rounder. There aren’t many cars can make you happy for driving and for family stuff.

THE TICK

ALI: Definitely a Tick.

PAUL: Me too. I’m impressed.

 

AT A GLANCE

2017 Kia Stinger.

KIA STINGER 330S

PRICE From $53,583 drive-away (alluring)

SERVICE 7 years/unlimited km, $3377 for 7 years (attractive)

ENGINE 3.3-litre V6 twin-turbo, 272W/510Nm (great)

SAFETY Not tested, 6 airbags (GL is under-equipped)

FUEL 10.2/100km (all right)

SPARE Space-saver (unlike Kia)

BOOT 406L-1114L/ (great)