Now that the Kia Stinger has had a little bit of time to settle into the groove as one of Australia’s most accessible fast saloons (we’re referring to the turbocharged V6-powered ones, naturally), those in law enforcement have also had opportunity to take notice of it.
Not in terms of its ability to wander easily or brazenly past the speed limit, but in its potential for high speed pursuits. Evidenced by this early (and casually taken) photos, Queensland is readying the first fleet of Stinger patrol cars wearing the typical blue chequerboard livery on a white exterior.
It’s definitely a sign of the times, too, or a sobering reminder that neither the Fold Falcon or the Holden Commodore - both bastions of the V8 sedan - may be up to the task any longer, both having production ceased over the past 2 years, with the latter being quite recent and the wound still fresh.
Many do view the Stinger as something of an unofficial successor or gap filler to the Commodore, a void that may or may not also be plugged by the upcoming 2018 model, an all-new car based on the Opel Insignia Grand Sport which will come with a 3.6-litre naturally aspired V6 motor with all-wheel drive in its most potent form.
Prior to the Stinger’s local debut, Kia made known that they’ve been receiving many expressions of interest from police departments due to it being quite an ideal candidate for both in-town and high pursuit work, replacing the cruisers used currently which are due to be retired closer to end of this decade. Since then, the Stinger has also been put through early evaluations to determine if it would meet the demands of police work, particularly on whether it would need major modifications.
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