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When it comes time to buy an upscale fastback sedan, most people naturally consider models from European luxury brands. For 2018, though, those car shoppers have another option: the 2018 Kia Stinger. Yes, that's right, a vehicle from the South Korean automaker known for affordability ? and one with a name that could have been cribbed from a Nerf gun.
While Kia's vehicle lineup is still primarily focused on value, the automaker has shown it's not afraid of thinking big. Its K900 sedan has challenged other large luxury sedans, for instance, and it has hired well-known styling and engineering talent away from Audi and BMW.
So how good is it? Interestingly, Audi has just come out with two great vehicles to pit it against: the all-new 2018 A5 Sportback and S5 Sportback. These sleek-styled sedans are similar to the Stinger in a lot of ways. Here's a rundown of how they compare.
2018 KIA STINGER
The Stinger is a sharp-looking sedan with a sweeping roofline that tapers to a sporty hatchback tail. Some of its design elements may seem derivative of other vehicles, but the overall package is evocative. Prices start around $33,000 for the base model that has a 255-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Stinger GT version gets a twin-turbo V6 that puts out 365 horsepower and starts around $39,000. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional. A fully loaded GT with all-wheel drive will run about $52,000. That's a lot for a Kia, but much less than what European automakers typically charge.
If you're a performance-minded driver, you're going to like the Stinger GT's abundance of power and sporty handling. This fun doesn't come at the expense of comfort either. Even after hours behind the wheel, Stinger drivers should be quite comfortable, and there's plenty of modern features. The cabin's overall design and quality isn't at the same level as you'd get from Audi, but it's not that far off.
2018 AUDI A5 AND S5 SPORTBACKS
The new 2018 Audi A5 Sportback is related to the new A4 sedan but has a fastback roofline like that of the company's bigger A7. It has a 252-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive. The performance-oriented S5 Sportback gets a 354-horsepower turbocharged V6. The A5 version starts around $43,000, while the S5 version starts around $54,000. A fully loaded S5 Sportback will cost close to $70,000.
Power and handling are commendable. There's a surgical precision to the way these cars drive, but not so clinical that it gets in the way of fun. Similarly, comfort isn't hurt by this level of athleticism, thanks to a blend of compliance and control. The A5 Sportback comes with the kind of impeccable materials and craftsmanship expected of a premium luxury vehicle.
Read more on The Washington Post.
