Kia Stinger arrives in Australia third quarter, 3.3TT V6 & 2.0T confirmed

[Kia Stinger News]

Kia Australia has confirmed the new Stinger rear-wheel drive sports sedan will arrive locally during the third quarter of this year.

"The new Kia Stinger has been developed on the legendary Nurburgring circuit and will be further refined by Kia Australia to ensure the best ride, handling and stability package for our diverse roads and driving styles."

 

[StingerMike]

Sweet! I'm sure [MENTION=21]Marco-Oz[/MENTION] will appreciate the confirmation from Kia.

 

[Marco-Oz]

Sweet! I'm sure [MENTION=21]Marco-Oz[/MENTION] will appreciate the confirmation from Kia.

Definitely, getting a bit more real.

 

[JimboGT]

Kia Oz have been lucky to have recent suspension & steering tunes done by a guy called Graeme Gambold (ex Toyota factory rally engineer). Does great work w/ really compliant but sporty handling. my proceed gt feels nicer than the equivalent year model in the UK that i testdrove and everything is the same except for his input. Can't wait for him to toughen up the hardware for the Stinger when it comes here, while hopefully adding his magic to getting improved cornering traction AND a compliant ride!

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

 

[ATXStinger]

Is diesel popular down in Australia? I'm surprise Kia doesn't offer that engine choice down there as well.

 

[JimboGT]

Diesel not so much in a performance-oriented sedan ... VW/Skoda/Audi, BMW & Merc definitely offer diesel versions of their mid size offerings (eg A4, A5, 3 & 4 series, C class) but are usually marketed as the 'intelligent' choice. There are definitely 'sporty' diesel variants but never as the performance leader. Of course, 4WDs & utes (trucks) are another matter where diesel is king.

All the Stinger hype from our auto journos is how the GT will be the RWD alternative to the V8 powered Ford Falcon & Holden (GM) Commodore. Both these auto giants are about to cease local manufacturing so Kia's timing for launching a fast RWD car here is interesting. Will be very interesting to see public reaction as your (i'm being a bit harsh) stereotypical V8 Falcon or Commodore buyer here would normally dismiss a Kia as "asian crap"

 

[JimboGT]

Sorry, forgot to state my point! At this stage, the Stinger publicity is all about its performance credentials in the GT variant

 

[ATXStinger]

The diesel is actually pretty quick, 197 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. I guess since if they are aiming towards performance then it make sense to release only the gas motors.