BEAUTY DEEPER THAN THE METAL

Performance matches the looks. Slick and sharp, the Stinger is the best performer ever to wear the Kia badge.

Quick off the mark with strong cornering capabilities it possesses all the hallmarks of a fun rear-wheel drive offering, combined with the comfort of a true grand tourer.

Much of that is courtesy of former BMW M division legend Albert Biermann, who is now on the Kia payroll.

The two engine options offer vastly different personalities. Opt for the V6, which about 75% of owners are expected to do, and you get a hairy-chested brute. More linear and lighter, the 2.0-litre turbo is still swift (it takes just over a second longer to reach 100kmh), yet manages the task with less fanfare.

Pure muscle motivates the V6, whereas the little sibling has finesse.

The V6 variants get some vital mechanical upgrades including Brembo brakes with the stand-out red calipers, a limited slip differential which delivers torque to both wheels equally for better traction when driving quickly, while variable gear steering ratio enables improved feedback for keen steerers.

Range-topping GTs also have dynamic dampers, which alter the suspension feel when changing between sport, comfort and other drive modes that also change the acceleration and steering response. They felt a little busier and flustered in some circumstances than the standard car, which has remarkable grip and bite when you really want to push the limits.

Both engines are partnered to an eight-speed transmission which does a stellar job of finding the right cog for every occasion. While there are paddle shifters, rarely do you need them…and there is no way of permanently engaging manual mode, it shifts back to auto if you don’t pull a paddle after about 30 seconds.

Those wanting more can look forward to an even hotter Stinger.

Under development is a leaner and meaner derivative which will go harder and rival some of the best in the business. Kia Australia doesn’t have any details yet, but the engineers say Stinger has a whole lot more ability than what’s currently on offer.

COMFORT

Falling just shy of European standards, the interior remains worthy of comparison with Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW.

The horizontal lines, circular turbine-looking air vents, concave surfaces and on the range-topping GT aluminium finish across the dash along with matching Harman-Kardon speakers, Stinger reeks of something more expensive.

Sporting seats up front hug the occupants into place with cushy lateral support.

Accommodation best suits four adults. Getting three across the back seat can be done but the centre pew is firm and the footwell is compromised due to the transmission tunnel.

Boot space is just over 400 litres (more than a 120 smaller than a Falcon) which is enough for a couple of large suitcases.

ALTERNATIVES

Competition will soon not exist.

Production of the Australian-made Commodore is ending next month, and while you could get an SV6 for $40,490, to match the performance you’d have to shell out at least $47,490 for the 6.2-litre V8-powered SS.

Those chasing pure performance could downsize to the all-wheel drive VW Golf R ($52,990) or the Subaru WRX STI Spec R ($57,690), but there’s a compromise in size and you’ll have to contend with a much firmer ride.

When chasing like-for-like comparisons, you really must head toward the Europeans where you’ll also need to take your bank manager.

Prices nearly double the Stinger when trying to match space and performance…think the Audi S5 Sportback ($105,511), BMW 540i ($138,610), Jaguar XF 35t S ($124,450).

EQUIPMENT

The S models’ six-speaker sound system with seven-inch touchscreen display has sat nav and digital radio along with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, as well as full Bluetooth compatibility for music streaming and phone calls. Also standard is cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls, 3.5-inch mono instrument cluster, 18-inch alloys, sports seats, keyless entry with push-button start, quad exhaust pipes, dusk-sensing headlights, steering wheel paddle shifters, dual zone air con and fake leather trim.

Stepping up to the Si means a nine-speaker system with eight-inch screen, rain-sensing wipers, 19-inch alloys and real leather.

The big banger GT and GT-Line grades have a 720-watt eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with 15-speaker Harman-Kardon surround-sound audio system, flat-bottom steering wheel, LED headlights with auto levelling, powered sunroof, suede finishes on the interior roof and pillars, as well as wireless phone charging pad for Qi enabled devices.

A sports exhaust will soon be an option on the V6 derivatives (and later on the four cylinder versions). Expect it to cost less than $3000 dealer fitted.

SAFETY

Crash testing is yet to be undertaken, but the base model S has seven airbags, anti-lock braking with emergency brakeforce distribution and brake assist, electronic stability control and traction control, vehicle stability management, hill assist, rear-view camera with parking guidelines, active hood pedestrian protection, rear parking sensors, LED daylight running lights and three child-restraint points (two Isofix).

You need to step up into the Si mode to get some of the more modern kit, including autonomous emergency braking with forward collision warning to help avoid or lessen a frontal accident, lane-keeping assist which can keep you from wandering outside the lane, driver attention alert that analyses your driving and tells you when to take a break, front parking sensors, as well as radar cruise control which maintains the Stinger a safe distance from vehicles in front.

It’s the GT variants which get all the boxes ticked, adding a 360-degree camera view, blind spot detection to stop you cutting off other vehicles in traffic, headlights which corner with the steering, high beam assist and head-up display.