Driven: 2021 Kia Stinger 200S Doesn’t Feel Like A Base Model At All

The Kia Stinger put the South Korean car manufacturer on the performance car map, establishing itself as a serious rival to the Germans with eye-catching styling, great driving dynamics, and a competitive price. For the 2021 calendar year, the Stinger has been updated and we recently had the chance to test it out.

Most readers will be familiar with the revamped Stinger that is sold in the U.S. as a 2022 model. However, in Australia, it is badged as a 2021 model and doesn’t have the exact same updates as the U.S. model.

Australia Passes On New Engines

The Stinger originally launched with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 3.3-liter twin-turbocharged V6 and in most markets, these engines have been replaced with the car’s mid-cycle facelift. The base engine is now a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 300 hp (223 kW) and 311 lb-ft (422 Nm) of torque, a 45 hp jump over the 2.0-liter. In addition, the updated Stinger lands with a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 with 368 hp (274 kW) and 376 lb-ft (510 Nm), a 3 hp gain over the 3.3-liter.

In Australia, things are a little different. Kia Australia decided not to update the engine line-up, meaning the 2.0-liter and 3.3-liter mills remain. As 90 per cent of Stinger sales in Australia have been for the 3.3-liter, it makes sense why the 2.5-liter hasn’t been added to the range. And considering the minor gains made by the 3.5-liter engine over the 3.3-liter one, it’s hardly a surprise the new unit isn’t offered locally. However, some buyers may feel a little cheated the new engines aren’t available.

So, What updates Do Aussie Buyers Get For 2021?

Visually, not much distinguishes the new Kia Stinger from the old one. Most of the body panels are the same and Australia also misses out on the updated Kia badges of other markets. The most obvious change is the fitment of re-designed taillights that include an LED light bar and turn signals with 10 small LEDs mimicking the pattern of a chequered flag.

In addition, a pair of new 19-inch alloy wheel designs are available. The headlights have also been tweaked and a handful of new-and-improved safety features come as standard. These include an Autonomous Emergency Braking system that now includes Cyclist Detection and Junction Assist which uses the front camera and radar to apply the brakes if needed while turning across oncoming traffic.

Added Safety

Kia has also updated the Lane Keeping Assistant with Road Edge Detection and Lane Following Assist. There’s also Rear Cross Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist and Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist that uses the Blind Spot Detection and ESC to prevent collisions with cars in other lanes.

Inside, the 2021 Stinger comes standard with a new 10.25-inch infotainment sitting atop the dashboard. This system features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and is perhaps the single most important update made to the car. Not only does it support Bluetooth connections for multiple devices simultaneously but it is also using a new UI similar to other Kia, Hyundai, and Genesis models. The previous infotainment system used by the Stinger felt dated the day it launched so this is a welcome update. A new ambient lighting system is also standard.

The Meat And Potatoes

The example we tested was the entry-level 200S and outfitted with the base 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. This engine delivers 244 hp (182 kW) at 6,200 rpm and 260 lb-ft (360 Nm) of torque and while that’s some way shy of the new 2.5-liter available in the U.S., it is more than adequate for day-to-day driving duties. It returns a claimed 8.8l/100 km (26.7 U.S. mpg) over the combined cycle, although we averaged a consumption closer to the 11-liter (21.3 U.S. mpg) mark during our week with the car.

Coupled to the engine is an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. The car can hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in a respectable 6 seconds flat and with the launch control system enabled, leaps off the line with a surprising amount of urgency.

Like other Kia models, the 2021 Stinger 200S has a suspension tune tweaked specifically to suit Australian roads. Kia has done such an excellent job of tuning the suspension that it is the soft and supple ride that is perhaps the stand-out feature of the Stinger, as opposed to its visual tweaks and safety improvements made for 2021. Regardless of the road conditions, the Stinger feels comfortable and soaks up all inconsistencies.

A Joy To Drive

However, the Stinger comes alive when driven hard. Switch the drive mode selector into Sport and you will discover a sports sedan that handles its weight (1,758 kg / 3,875 lbs) extremely well. The steering is precise and the feedback through the wheel is excellent. Sure, it doesn’t wag its tail in the same way that the 3.3-liter model does but that doesn’t mean it isn’t fun to hustle through the corners.

The ergonomics are equally as impressive. Like the pre-facelift model, the driving position of the 2021 Stinger is great, even for tall drivers. You can lower the driver’s seat base so low that it almost feels like you’re sitting on the floor, while the three-spoke steering wheel is comfortable and well thought-out. However, as the model we tested was the entry-level Stinger 200S, it didn’t have the same flat-bottomed steering wheel as other variants, which was a shame.

Still Great Bang-For-Your-Buck

Australian pricing for the 2021 Kia Stinger starts at AU$50,050 (US$37,954) in 200S form, a figure that rises to AU$55,199 (US$41,859) with on-road costs. However, at the time of writing, there was a drive away offer available for AU$54,090 (US$41,018). The Stinger GT-Line, equipped with the same 2.0-liter but with more aggressive styling and other upgrades, starts at AU$57,730 (US$43,778) and is offered for AU$61,690 (US$46,781) drive away.

As for the 3.3-liter model, the range starts with the 330S that’s priced at AU$53,830 (US$40,820) or AU$57,890 (US$43,899) drive away and tops out at AU$63,760 (US$48,351), or AU$67,690 (US$51,331) drive away, for the GT.

The Kia Stinger remains as impressive today as it was when it first launched. It is excellent value for the money and in Australia, comes standard with a seven-year warranty, not something you will find from its rivals. As it is uncertain whether the Stinger will survive for a second generation, now could be the perfect time to buy one.