Kia Stinger 2018 awarded five ANCAP stars range-wide

Kia Motors Australia (KMAu) has increased the standard advanced driver-assist safety technology in entry-level Stinger liftback variants, resulting in five-star ANCAP safety ratings for the entire range.

While the rest of the Stinger line-up was awarded five stars from launch (in late 2017), the lower-spec 200S and 330S managed only three stars as they were missing auto emergency braking (AEB) and lane-keep assist.

With the addition of AEB, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, driver attention alert and rain-sensing windshield wipers on the two entry-level variants, the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) has amended the ratings to five stars.

As a result, pricing for the upgraded Stinger variants has risen by $1000, with the 200S and 330S now checking in at $46,990 and $49,990 before on-road costs, respectively.

According to KMAu chief operating officer Damien Meredith, Kia's local arm acted promptly to improve the 200S and 330S' safety offering.

“As soon as we were made aware of the unusual situation regarding the original ANCAP rating of the Stinger, Kia Motors Australia took steps to rectify and ensure consistency across the model range,” he said.

“At no stage was there any suggestion that the physical crash safety of any Stinger model was less than any other grade, however the absence of some technology on the entry-level cars led to a split rating. With the inclusion of AEB on both S grade models that situation no longer exists.”

Does the updated safety rating make the Stinger S variants more appealing? Tell us what you think in the comments below.