EXCESS, that’s the world we dwell in. At all times trying to find greater, higher and extra. However do you really want all the flamboyant extras and glossy issues? The 2021 Kia Stinger 330S raised this query in our minds.
It made us marvel why you’ll purchase the upper spec Stinger GT when the 330S has the whole lot you want, and performs so properly.
The Kia Stinger is the efficiency sedan that Australia wanted to take us into the post-Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon period.
Huge on area, massive on efficiency and with aggressive styling to match, the Stinger will win a spot in your coronary heart the second you drive it. It undoubtedly did for this author.
Let’s begin with the engine. That’s why you’re studying this evaluate, and never one concerning the lesser-powered however equally spectacular 200S and GT-Line.
The Lambda II 3.3-litre, twin-turbo V6 discovered within the GT and the 330S we had on take a look at, produces 274kW and 510Nm. Sufficient to propel this sedan weighing a smidge underneath 1800kg to 100km/h in underneath 5.0 seconds. That’s quick.
The V6 is mated to an 8-speed, silky easy automated gearbox, which accentuates the linear nature of the powerplant. Its shorter ratios interprets into quicker acceleration, and makes utilizing all of that energy and torque a dream.
Talking of acceleration, the Stinger 330S is fitted as normal with a mechanical restricted slip differential and launch management, minimising the quantity of energy that’s wasted by wheelspin.
The diff additionally does an amazing job within the corners, protecting all that energy in examine and propelling you with a minimal of fuss in direction of the following.
Ought to good racing traces and apexes imply little to you, and also you want to deal with the throttle pedal with reckless abandon, there may be loads of well-balanced enjoyable available in the correct situations too.
Kia’s DMS system lets you choose your required driving mode, from ECO to Sport, in addition to SMART, which is able to adapt to your driving and select the proper mode on your present fashion. The 330S does go with out digital management suspension although.
The wonderful 4-piston Brembo callipers up entrance, clamping 350mm discs, and 2-piston variations on the rear, with 340mm discs, do an amazing job pulling you up when they should. They give the impression of being the half too.
There isn’t a mistaking a Stinger on the street both. Its putting GT fastback form and aggressive entrance finish remind us of a Manta Ray swimming with its mouth open, with your entire look combining to type a novel silhouette on the street.
Equally elegant and purposeful, there’s something for everybody in terms of its design. That is additionally the place we begin to uncover the variations between the 330S and the GT.
On the surface, the Stinger 330S misses out on 19-inch wheels, as a substitute settling for a sublime 18-inch wheel and tyre package deal with a better profile, which equates to a extra snug experience.
Aside from that, totally different color finishes on the door handles and facet mirrors, and an unique Aurora Black color choice for the GT are the one modifications to notice.
Inside, the Stinger 330S variations are extra quite a few, however that doesn’t essentially imply you might be lacking out in terms of options.
An 8-way energy adjustable, sports activities synthetic leather-based seat comes as normal within the 330S, versus Nappa Leather-based with reminiscence operate within the GT. There’s no flat-bottom heated steering wheel both.
The vary topper additionally grabs a bigger 7.0-inch color instrument cluster, in comparison with the 4.2-inch display screen supplied right here within the 330S.
A color head-up show, some fancier trim and sill items and adjustable temper lighting are the opposite omissions.
Infotainment is sort of on par, with the 330S settling for a 6-speaker sound system, as a substitute of the 15-speaker, Harmon/Kardon premium sound system within the GT. That’s most likely the most important let down.
Fortunately, the remainder of the infotainment system is properly and actually lined because of a ten.25-inch color LCD contact display screen powering DAB digital radio.Satellite tv for pc navigation with 10 years visitors data and updates can be included.
Crucially, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is normal. Security is an attention-grabbing side of our much less is extra principle too, and the one that actually sparked the concept within the first place.
Kia have carried out an distinctive job of dividing the important options and the good to haves between the 330S and the GT. The latter will get entrance parking sensors, a 360-degree view digicam, and blind spot view monitor.
It additionally grabs secure exit warning amongst just a few different issues. Probably not deal breakers whenever you suppose laborious about it. It might be good to see rear cross visitors collision avoidance help on the 330S, as a substitute of simply the GT as properly.
Now again to that query we posed firstly of this text; do you really want all the flamboyant extras and glossy issues? The 2021 KIA Stinger 330S solutions with a convincing no.
It’s proof you’ll be able to have a wonderful automotive that does all of the important issues you would ever want. Not that the Stinger GT doesn’t have its place, as there are individuals who will accept nothing lower than the very best, and that’s okay too.
The 2021 Kia Stinger 330S is priced from $53,990 (drive away), in comparison with virtually $69,000 for the GT. That’s a major saving you would spend on a vacation with the household, all whereas realizing you could have a 7-year limitless kilometre guarantee.
Our take a look at car was equipped by Kia Australia. To search out out extra concerning the 2021 Kia Stinger 330S, contact your native Kia seller.
