They have never been safer and do their job exceptionally well, but to a degree are bland and almost boring.

Then the Stinger came along!

The road test Stinger was the second tier 330SI and is an exciting car to drive.

If you want a performance car and don't have $200k to spend these might just be the wheels for you.

The Kia Stinger 330SI is powered by a 3.3 litre twin turbo V6 petrol engine pumping out an impressive 272Kw (365bhp).

It drives the rear wheels via an eight speed auto with F1 style paddle shifts.

100kph is reached from zero in under five seconds, faster than a six litre Commodore SSV. Impressive performance figures indeed.

But the car will also perform in a well mannered and mild quiet guise for everyday commuting.

Fuel economy in my custodianship was 8.1l/100 ks (33.3mpg).

This car comes well equipped with leather trim and eight-way adjustment for driver and six-way for passenger seats, 8.0-inch colour touchscreen infotainment with in-built satellite navigation, DAB+ digital radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

It also as 19-inch alloy wheels, nine-speaker sound system with two subwoofers and bluetooth input, LED daytime running lights with halogen main beam, keyless entry and start, dual-zone climate control air.

The Stinger gained a 5 star ANCAP rating and comes with autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, driver attention alert, front parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers and the brilliant adaptive cruise control.

You have to move up to the GT to get blind spot monitoring and cross city traffic alert.

I feel this is an oversight by Kia and should be on all models.

I drove the car for about 1000ks and thoroughly enjoyed it.

A trip on the old Pacific Highway across Bulahdelah Mountain showed a car that handled beautifully.

The traction and stability programs don't allow you to put a wheel out of place.

The Brembo brakes bring you to a rapid stop if need be.

Finally, the car has handsome looks.

It was mistaken for a Mustang by a number of people.

RRP $55990 + ORC.

My rating 9.25/10