In the U.S., we’d never think to compare the 2018 Buick Regal GS to the Kia Stinger GT. But, in Australia, it’s a different story. Why? The Regal GS essentially becomes Holden’s range-topping Commodore VXR in an attempt to fill the VF Commodore SS’ V8-sized shoes.
Naturally, Motoring rounded both the Stinger GT and Commodore VXR for a comparison test to see which sport sedan best channeled the locally-made Commodore of yore.
2018 Stinger
Long story short, the Kia edged the Commodore VXR, thanks to its twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 engine and a certain raw factor. The test didn’t find the Commodore VXR to be a poor car, and in fact, judges felt packaging, value, safety and comfort all went to the Commodore. But, these are supposed to be sport sedans that ooze performance. For all the refinement found in the Commodore VXR, it wasn’t on the same page as the Stinger.
Neither are true Commodore SS replacements—far from it. But the Kia channels the now-dead performance sedan better than the VF Commodore’s imported replacement. Perhaps the HSV-converted Chevrolet Camaro will do a better job at filling the void.
Comments
In other news, water is wet… I’ve been argued down that GM needs to be in this market of an affordable, performance mid-size rwd again especially if FCA and Ford will do it with thier CD6 platform. GM have Alpha platform and turbo 4 to V8s, make it happen…
If you don’t have Cadillac money to spend on a performance sedan GM is not interested. GM need to recognize the fact that everyone interested in a performance sedan cant afford to spend the money for Cadillacs. Don’t just offer performance sedans, how about performance pickups and SUV’s. They don’t have to be all out close to race car performance types. A suitable upgrade in performance with a reasonable price would be appreciated.
No, performance sedan buyers just skip past Cadillac to the competition is the problem and GM is not even offering a true sport truck and they own a large part of that damn market. FCA along with Ford and GM gets it’s money off trucks/SUVs/CUVs but offers an affordable rwd sport sedan. Is it really that hard to offer one?.
Last time I looked the Camaro only had two doors (and some kiddy seats in the back) so it can’t compete in the “sports saloon” category. Derp.
Commodore VXR, the name hardly gets the blood pumping let alone performing, unlike the long lamented SS and SSV. It’s sad.
I’m sorry but no matter how good it is.. I will never take someone seriously when they say a KIA is a viable performance sedan.
I’ve got one of the last SSV Redlines and have a Camaro on order. I wont even bother looking at one of these FWD\AWD abominations. When it comes time to upgrade if GM are not offering a V8 someone will be, I will buy a Mustang if I need to, my first ever non GM purchase.
It’s red with awd option
But no V8 option.
Mary killed GM performance a long time ago. Get used to it guys!
Sheilas, that’ll do it every time..