Spotted: Kia Stinger GT in Sydney

Turbo sedan turns heads before September sales.

19 March 2017 David McCowen

The 2017 Kia Stinger was caught undisguised in Sydney before its September launch Photo: Christian Gilles

The most exciting Kia in years has appeared on Australian roads several months ahead of its official debut.

Drive reader Christian Giles spotted the white sedan in Sydney's inner-west, surprised that the right-hand drive model was undisguised on local roads.

The upcoming Kia Stinger was caught undisguised in Sydney. Photo: Christian Gilles

Packing a turbocharged 3.3-litre V6 with 272kW of power, the Stinger sends drive to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The model will be a successor of sorts to Holden's V8-powered Commodore SS, filling a gap in the market for powerful rear-wheel drive sedans once production of the Aussie icon ceases in October.

It serves a vital role in Kia's global transformation from a provider of bargain-basement transport to the creator of genuinely desirable models.

Kia has tested the Stinger extensively across the globe, refining its dynamics with the help of former BMW M Division chief Albert Biermann, who is also working on Hyundai's upcoming i30 N hot hatch.

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A spokesman for the brand said the spotted Stinger is one of two engineering vehicles used as part of a local suspension tuning program.

The new Kia Stinger goes on sale in September.

For all the latest Kia information, visit our showroom

Drive Comments

10 Comments

Titan | 2017-03-19 23:52:52

The most exciting Kia in years? Try the most exciting EVER!

ibstltr | 2017-03-20 01:20:52

I'd say the 300C is the successor to the V8 throne in terms of comparable performance, price and size - pretty much the only option left unless you want to pay $150k+ for a Mercedes. If it's the RWD factor rather than the V8, there is the Lexus IS, most of the BMW range, etc. The Kia is a cheap and nasty knock-off.

DJM61 | 2017-03-20 02:50:23

Agree with Titan. I hope KIA keep the price down and these will sell like hot cakes. What is nasty is being overcharged for European cars. Bring on grey importing. Excuses will follow: Oz is such a small market, meeting design rules, we are so far away, our cars are better equiped, ... we have to make a profit (sorry that is a reason)

Titan | 2017-03-20 03:06:05

ibstltr: you've seen one, have you? If not, upon what do you base your judgement?

Eddie | 2017-03-20 04:20:22

@ibstltr - I bought a 2016 Kia Sportage Platinum and I will put up against anything you choose. Having owned German cars I'm sick and tired of getting bent over for repairs just because it's European. As for the 300C, one word - Chrysler. And being American I can assure you that that word alone sends up red flags.

Selector 2 | 2017-03-20 06:31:36

ibstltr, can't get a more cheap and nasty knock- off than chrysler 300C.

Nathan | 2017-03-20 07:01:08

I am having trouble focusing on the exterior, way to much going on design wise. The second generation stinger should be a lot better once they polish the exterior design to make it more cohesive.

Boo | 2017-03-20 07:35:27

If this car was going to have an attractive price I think we'd be hearing about it now. It will be a league ahead of the outgoing V8 Commodore as they figure there is no more 40 - 50K competition

ygo | 2017-03-20 20:39:11

What a shame that it's missing a pedal. Forget the comparison to pedestrian things like a Commodore, if this had enough pedals it'd be a worthy successor to proper big sports sedans like the various JZX110 Toyotas and even the R34 Skyline GT-T, both of which are yet to be properly followed up by Japanese manufacturers.