Released in Australia in October 2017, Kia’s timing for the launch of its Stinger sports sedan could not have been better.

With Australian performance enthusiasts grieving the recent loss of local hero models like the Holden Commodore SS and Ford Falcon XR series, the performance-focused rear-drive Stinger drove right into their space.

A late 2020 model refresh brought some mild cosmetic changes to Peter Schreyer and Gregory Guillaume’s still fresh-looking liftback design along with new alloy wheels and equipment upgrades that included a 10.25-inch touchscreen.

Driver assistance safety technology also received a boost, with GT and GT-Line variants the big winners.

Price rises of almost $3000 on some models took away some of the allure and there has been an additional $500 added to the list price of all variants since then.

Despite this, the Stinger remains a relatively affordable option in a niche segment that’s dominated by prestige brands.

With four variants in the range, Stinger pricing starts at $50,050 for the 200S, rising to $57,730 for the GT-Line, both of which boast a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine.

The more desirable 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 starts at $53,830 for the Stinger 330S, while the better equipped GT, with the same engine, will set you back $63,760.

In this latest iteration the engine unleashes a few extra kilowatts, courtesy of a now-standard bi-modal exhaust system, which lifts maximum power to a heady 274kW.

The 2.0-litre turbo engine carries over unchanged with maximum outputs of 182kW/353Nm.

Taking a claimed 6.0 seconds to reach 100km/h from a standstill, the four-pot will give plenty of hot hatches a hurry up.

While that’s easily shaded by the turbo six’s bristling 4.9-second pass, the smaller engine combines well with an eight-speed auto to deliver enjoyably lively performance and good driveability.

Official combined consumption of 8.8L/100km on 91 RON is 1.4L/100km thriftier than the V6.

The GT-Line Stinger benefits from local chassis tuning and melds firm but still comfortable and controlled ride qualities with polished handling and steering.

While it certainly trades away some of the fire and brimstone of its big brother, the more affordable ‘Junior Stinger’ represents an attractive compromise.

It offers the same stylish fastback body and generous equipment levels as the GT, plus the all-round driver appeal of a polished grand tourer.

Key stats

• MLP: $57,730
• ENGINE: 2.0-litre turbo petrol 4 cylinder
• ANCAP CRASH RATING:  5 stars (2017)
• FUEL CONSUMPTION:  8.8L/100km (201g/km CO₂)
• FOR: Equipment and driver assistance upgrades, cheaper than similarly equipped V6 GT, strong driver appeal, good looking, long warranty.
• AGAINST: Performance down on powerhouse V6, space-saver spare, compromised rear seating, pricier than entry level V6 330S.