Kia caused a stir earlier this year with the debut of the 2018 Kia Stinger. Anticipation built for this model since a concept version premiered back in 2011. Targeted at the entry premium level of cars like the Audi A4 and the BMW 3 series, the Kia Stinger should make a real impact on those looking for something different than what’s currently offered with the standard premium brands. There will be two models available: the regular 2018 Kia Stinger model and the 2018 Kia Stinger GT version. Those interested should look at all the features provided and decide if the Kia Stinger is the next car they want to show off on the road on in their driveway.

Exterior

Current exterior color options include a brilliant red and a show-stopping electric blue for buyers who want to be noticed. The 2018 Kia Stinger comes in larger than most entry-level premium cars at 190.2 inches long and 73.6 inches wide with a wheelbase of 114.4 inches. The regular Kia Stinger features 18-inch alloy wheels with standard performance tires. Those choosing the Kia Stinger GT get larger staggered 19-inch wheels with ultra-high-performance tires. Both versions of the Stinger are constructed with 55% steel for great handling and stiffness. Those familiar with the earlier concept versions will recognize features kept from that design, like the slender headlights and immediately recognizable Kia grill that sits on top of a large lower-bumper opening. The hatchback style of the car separates it from other competitors in the sports sedan class. The Kia Stinger comes with both front and rear brakes, a MacPherson front suspension, and a Multi Link (5-link) rear suspension.

Interior

Low seats give drivers and riders a better center of gravity that lets them feel like they’re in a real racing car when they hit the highway. Interior color options include a black panel with red or white seats with matching accents, or an all-brown version featuring seats with black inserts. Kia covered the deeply contoured seats with supple Nappa leather. The luxury extends to the leather-wrapped steering wheel. The interior also showcases satin chrome rim accents, metal-ringed gauges, and spoked vents. The larger wheelbase means more room in the backseat that lets everyone ride comfortably.

Features

The Kia Stinger’s autonomous braking system senses possible collisions with either other vehicles, pedestrians or other potential hazards. This system offers initiate braking as well as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and rear cross traffic alert to keep drivers as safe as possible on the road. The Kia Stinger also provides owners with a Driver Attention Alert system that takes input from drivers and makes noise to get their attention if it senses that the driver has become inattentive in any way. The centerpiece of the dashboard is a 7’ touchscreen color display letting drivers track various performance settings for the car. Other features provided by the monitor include displaying navigation directions, visualization of audio and cruise control settings, and information on blind spot detection. Phone charging will be more convenient than ever with a wireless phone charging system right in the center console.

Performance

The layout of the regular Kia Stinger features a 2.0L Turbo Charged I4 Theta II engine with 255 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque. The GT version has a powerful 3.3L Twin Turbo V6 Lambda II engine with 365 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 376-lb-ft of torque allowing for fast and smooth acceleration. All models of the Kia Stinger come standard with back-wheel drive, with an all-wheel drive also available. Those choosing the all-wheel drive receive brake-based dynamic torque-vectoring control. The Kia Stinger goes from 0 to 62 mph in 5.1 seconds. Top speeds for the Kia Stinger range from 130 all the way up to 167 with the Stinger GT Biturbo engine. Both versions have an 8-speed automatic transmission that uses a Centrifugal Pendulum Absorber torque converter allowing the transmission to handle all shifting on its own, making up for the lack of a manual transmission. The curb weight for the base version of the Kia Stinger comes in around 3650, while the GT model can go as high as 3900 for those that opt for the fully-loaded all-wheel version. Launching in Fall 2018, prices are expected to start at $30,000 for the base model. The GT version pricing should begin somewhere in the range of $40,000. Both Kia Stinger versions should debut in the fall of 2018.

Kia continues to push to separate itself from other manufacturers by bringing something truly unique to the typical luxury sports sedans already on the market. The array of features provided by the 2018 Kia Stinger should make it a top selection among drivers searching for a vehicle of this type.