What Kia brings for the very first time to that luxury sports sedan segment is the 2018 Kia Stinger, and this doesn’t disappoint on style or delivery. It has a sleek, fastback profile giving the car an athletic profile while maintaining an aura of sophistication. Even the color options are fitted within the sporting nature, such as with colors that pop, from Panthera Metal to Hichroma Red.
The Stinger will sit right at the heart of the go with a strong 3.3-liter V6 twin-turbo powerhouse that produces 365 horsepower and 510 Nm of torque for its mover from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds. Combining this great acceleration with a top speed of 270 km/h, the Stinger certainly has cut and dried everything necessary to take on the continental Europeans’ premium sedans in the same class. The rear-wheel drive does much to enhance the overall sporty nature of its handling; at the same time, Kia’s sophisticated suspension system—MacPherson Strut up front and a multi-link setup at the rear—ensures a ride that is both smooth and controlled, even at high velocities.
To complement the dynamic performance is an 8-speed automatic transmission that shifts with smooth imperceptibility. Power is supplied precisely when it is needed. Steering is highly responsive, with an electric power-assisted system allowing control and handling to be guided sharply in all directions. Its minimum turning radius is also a lowly 5.7 meters, making it easy to navigate city streets through tight corners.
Inside, the Stinger’s interior will marry luxury and technology to deliver a comfy ride during long drives. The leather appointed seats provide comfort and support for passengers all through. Dual-zone automatic climate control provides comfort to passengers by having personal temperature settings. An electronic handbrake and push-start feature further emphasize the fact that the interior design is super modern and convenient.
The heart of the cabin is 7-inch infotainment system that can be optionally replaced with 8 inch screen on higher trim levels. Advanced fitting includes USB and auxiliary inputs and is supported by crystal-clear audio coming from the front and rear speakers. To keep tech-loving users satisfied, smartphone integration comes in the form of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto allowing for seamless connectivity.
Safety features are always top-of-mind for the Stinger, and its outfit is nothing if not comprehensive. Seven airbags protect passengers from all sides, including a knee airbag to safeguard the driver. Other tricks to reinforce safe driving include Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control, and Vehicle Stability Control, among others. Hill Start Assist Control and Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) just make life easier on the steepest of terrains.
Its fuel efficiency has also been highlighted in the 2018 Kia Stinger. That car is capable of a respectable combined mileage of 25 MPG and 21 MPG in the city, while doing 29 MPG on the highway. The balance between performance and economy makes the Stinger the practical choice for those who want to speed it up yet be economical.
Not just a work of art, but rather a convincing example of functionality, the Stinger’s dimensions give it an aerodynamic lead. Measuring at 4,830 mm in length, 1,870 mm in width, and keeping the height low at 1,400 mm to ensure less drag and better fuel efficiency, this one is really helping enhance the overall grip of performance tires on 19-inch alloy wheels.
But at the heart of the 2018 Kia Stinger is a sports sedan that combines some of the best elements of power, luxury, and technology into a typical striking package. It’s the best in its tier, with an exhilarating drive, advanced safety features, and a comfortable, tech-savvy interior. If you want a car that thrills you on highway rides or impresses you in city center stints, the Kia Stinger should be on your shortlist.