The term concept car is often synonymous with sci-fi styled high tech vehicles that would seem as at home in a big budget film as they would in the concept section of an auto show. While Kia certainly has futuristic, hyper-stylized concept vehicles (take a look at the Ray or KV7), the brand has begun to develop concept vehicles that are not only realizable, they’re actually purchasable. Enter the Kia Stinger: a 5-door hatchback sedan that is ultra-cool, ultra-stylish, and, uniquely enough, ultra-affordable. We’ve broken down four reasons why you should get excited about the 2018 Kia Stinger, one of Kia’s best concept cars yet.
Drivability
The Stinger was developed to compete with luxury vehicles like the Audi A5 and A7, Porsche Panamera, and BMW 440i Gran Coupe, and while it may not be truly competitive against these vehicles, which can range over $90k, it can certainly hold its own against them, especially during driving tests. Rear-wheel drive keeps the Stinger firmly grounded, even on the twistiest roads, and ultra-precision handling makes it not only accurate but fun.
A limited-slip differential keeps the responses brisk and energetic, and the race-track inspiration is clear in the pick up: the Stinger GT goes from 0 to 60 in just 4.7 seconds. It’s powered by a 365-horsepower turbo V6 that delivers just enough power to really impress without overwhelming the driver.
Interior
Kia has based its reputation around fun yet affordable vehicles, and the Stinger seems like a definitive step up from the budget-friendly interiors the brand has been known for. Instead, even the lowest level Stinger has a leather-wrapped interior with elegant design accents that flawlessly incorporate the included technology in a refined, understated way. Unexpected sophistication seems to be the name of the game for the Stinger, leading to speculation that the Stinger may represent a shift in gears for Kia’s design sensibility.
Practicality
While the Stinger is certainly designed to be fun, there are more than a few practical elements that will make the Stinger a popular choice for drivers who want to be able to efficiently use their vehicle for everyday activities while also maintaining a style edge and fun drive. The hatchback trunk is remarkably roomy and comes with handsfree lifting, making loading groceries and cargo a snap. The backseat also has plenty of space — enough for at least two adults to sit comfortably for long drives and definitely more than enough for kids to sprawl out on family road trips.
Pricing
One of the most surprising aspects of the 2018 Kia Stinger is the price point. The base model Stinger, the 2.0L, starts at an impressive $31,900 MSRP, and the highest trim level, the GT2, comes in at $49,200. Considering that the Stinger was designed to compete with, or at least evoke, vehicles that are twice that range, the price point for the Stinger is more than impressive. This level of affordability helps drivers get into the car of their dreams without sacrificing their budget.
The 2018 Kia Stinger is a fascinating vehicle that demonstrates Kia’s dedication to quality, ingenuity, and innovation. If this concept car is any indication, Kia’s future is looking bright indeed.
2018 Kia Stinger by Chad Horwedel, licensed via CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
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