Kia has revealed its updated Stinger fastback sports sedan which now features more power,enhanced styling as well as a revised interior. See what’s changed below…

We tested the Stinger back in January 2019 and we came away mightily impressed by what Kia had achieved with this V6-powered, rear-wheel-drive car that was hugely entertaining to drive while also being well-mannered as a daily driver.

The Stinger wasn’t all perfect though, and one of our criticisms was aimed at Kia’s choice of some of the interior materials which were not up to standard in a car of this calibre.

However, with this latest update, Kia has looked to enhance the Stinger’s exterior styling while also paying closer attention to lifting the perceived quality of the interior.

Kia Stinger, what’s changed?

The Stinger's interior has been improved with new and better materials while also offering more choice in terms of finishes.

The updated Kia Stinger gains new LED headlight clusters that are more visually impactful, as well as a revised LED daytime running light signature. The rear light clusters have been revised too and also feature a new light signature that runs the full width of the car. The new indicators comprise 10 LED units that are arranged in a grid pattern that resembles a chequered flag.

Kia has also added 2 new allow wheel choices to the mix in either 18- or 19-inch sizes and the Stinger can also be specified with larger, wide-bore exhaust mufflers in bright silver as well as a sportier rear diffuser which beefs up the rear-end design appreciably.

More than this, customers can also choose between 2 new exterior packages including a Dark Package which features a gloss black diffuser surround, black wide-bore muffler tips and a black Stinger badge on the tailgate. The North American market will have the choice of a Black Package with 19-inch matte black lightweight wheels, a rear wing on the boot lid and blacked-out mirror housings and side fenders.

Moving inside, the lower section of the steering wheel features a new metallic finish that matches a new chrome surround seen around the 7.0-inch instrument cluster. A frameless rearview mirror is also fitted.

Depending on the specification, the dashboard and door trim has new contrasting stitching and new aluminium or carbon fibre trim can be specified for the centre console. The 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system has been upgraded with a gloss black finish along the front of the dashboard. A 64-colour mood lighting system is also fitted.

New upholstery choices are also on offer including Nappa leather in Saturn Black, Red or Beige which is offered in addition to synthetic leather choices.

More power for Kia Stinger

A new variable exhaust system has enhanced the aural note of the Stinger's V6 engine.

The Kia Stinger forges on with a 3.3-litre turbocharged V6 but outputs have been bumped up to 274 kW and 510 Nm, a mere 2kW increase. The Stinger, however, forges on with an8-speed automatic transmission and is capable of a zero to 100 kph sprint of 4.7 seconds and depending on the market, is sold in rear-wheel-drive guise or with all-wheel-drive capability. A new electronic variable exhaust system enhances the sound of the V6 engine.In other markets, a new 4-cylinder 2.5-litre turbocharged engine is also offered with outputs of 224 kW and 422 Nm.

Despite the Stinger being an impressive product, a spokesperson from Kia South Africa has confirmed that the updated Stinger will sadly not be offered in South Africa.

Watch our video review of the Kia Stinger below!

Buy a Kia Stinger on Cars.co.za

Related Content

Next-Gen Kia Stinger to Boast More Power

Kia Stinger Review: Sideways in Kia's rear-wheel-drive Saloon