Kia Stinger named Straits Times Car of the Year 2018

kia stinger front

The sizzling Kia Stinger has emerged as the ST Car of the Year (COTY) 2018, with a score of 315 points.

The next closest contender, the muscular Audi RS4 Avant, had 294 points to its name.

The even mightier BMW M5, which was just a single point behind, finished in third.

This is the first time in the history of the ST-Torque Awards that a Korean car has claimed the top spot.

Of the past eight winners, four are German (Porsche in 2011, Volkswagen in 2013, BMWs in 2014 and 2015), two are British (Jaguar in 2010 and Land Rover in 2011), one is Swedish (Volvo in 2016) and one is Japanese (Lexus in 2017).

The 5-litre Lexus LC500 is also the first 8-cylinder winner since 2010’s Jaguar XJ, which came with a V8 engine option.

The ST-Torque Awards panel of 11 judges congratulates Kia and Cycle & Carriage on the Stinger being Straits Times Car of the Year 2018 – please enjoy the trophy.

ST-TORQUE AWARDS 2018 SCOREBOARD
KIA STINGER – 315 points
AUDI RS4 AVANT – 294 points
BMW M5 – 293 points
RENAULT MEGANE RS – 285 points
HYUNDAI IONIQ ELECTRIC – 275 points
LEXUS ES – 266 points
VOLVO XC40 – 262 points
SKODA KODIAQ – 261 points
SKODA SUPERB – 260 points
SUZUKI SWIFT – 239 points

STRAITS TIMES CAR OF THE YEAR – PAST WINNERS
2017: Lexus LC500
2016: Volvo S90
2015: BMW i8
2014: BMW i3
2013: Volkswagen Golf
2012: Porsche 911
2011: Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
2010: Jaguar XJ

Straits Times Senior Correspondent Christopher Tan, Singapore’s foremost motoring journalist for the past 30 years, said: “In just a little over 20 years, Kia has gone from cheap, austere and sometimes nasty to high-value and high-desirability.”

“The Stinger is the pinnacle of that astounding achievement.”

“Greater things will come from this brand.”