CK Stinger

Just before production of the Australian-made Holden Commodore ceased, the Kia Stinger landed locally in September 2017 as a traditional rear-wheel drive large car with a twist. Codenamed ‘CK’ the Stinger launched as a five-door liftback with 182kW/353Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder or 272kW/510Nm 3.3-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engines.

It debuted in S and Si specification with each engine available, plus a 2.0-litre GT-Line and 3.3-litre GT. All included an eight-speed automatic transmission, with – four-cylinder and V6 respectively – kerb weight of 1693kg and 1780kg, fuel consumption of 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres and 10.2L/100km, and claimed 0-100km/h performance of 6.0 and 4.9 seconds. Only the V6 included a limited-slip differential and Brembo brakes across the range, though.

Specification for the S included 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic on/off headlights, electric-fold door mirrors, rear parking sensors, keyless auto-entry and start, artificial leather seats, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control air-conditioning, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen with reversing camera, satellite navigation, digital radio and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone mirroring.

The Si added front parking sensors, auto on/off wipers, leather trim, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane-keep assistance and adaptive cruise control. The GT-Line and GT featured adaptive suspension, 360-degree camera, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, LED headlights, auto up/down high-beam, electric lumbar and side/thigh bolster support, electrically adjustable passenger seat, heated and ventilated front seats, wireless phone charging, electric sunroof and a head-up display.