Kia previews Stinger update

Ahead of its Australian release later this year, Kia have presented the first images of their updated Stinger sports sedan.

As well as revised exterior styling, the updated 2021 Stinger will offer a redesigned interior, with new materials and colours. Infotainment tech will be upgraded, too, with an improved 10.25-inch centre console touchscreen that adds split-screen functionality, as well as a frameless rearview mirror and new mood lighting system that offers up to 64 different colours.

“The updated model builds on the svelte gran turismo design we introduced three years ago with modern flair and a subtle hint of aggression to enhance its on-road presence,” says Karim Habib, Senior Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design. “The interior too has been enhanced, and the new design elements and technologies incorporated into the Stinger reconfirm its credentials as the consummate grand tourer.”

In terms of exterior styling, Kia’s signature ‘tiger nose’ grille remains, but the multifaceted LED headlights either side are of a new design, with the LED DRLs restyled, too. The combination tail/brake light now stretches the full width of the back end (rather than being separated), while the rear indicators are now made up of 10 LEDs per side, in a pattern said to inspired by a chequered flag.

New wheel designs in 18- and 19-inch sizes will be offered, with two exterior cosmetic packages available in some markets but unconfirmed for local release. The ‘Black Package’ adds blackout mirror caps and side trim, a new-look rear wing and matte black 19-inch alloys, but this package will be limited to the North American market only. The ‘Dark Package’ features a gloss black rear diffuser with black exhaust tips and a black Stinger tail badge.

Inside, the MY21 Stinger cabin is said to be “higher quality” overall, with changes including a metallic finish to the bottom of the steering wheel that matches the trim for the 7.0-inch digital instrument display. Other new features include the aforementioned improved 10.25-inch centre console touchscreen and frameless rearview mirror, plus contrast stitching on the dash and doors, gloss black dash detailing and the choice of three Nappa leather trim colours for the seats, plus a Saturn Black suede trim option with contrasting red stitching.

Mechanical specification and model grades have not been revealed for this mid-life upgrade, so whether the current Australian offerings of 200S and GT-Line with the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, and 330S and GT with the 3.3-litre twin-turbo petrol V6, will carry over is unknown. Same goes for the 8-speed automatic transmission that’s common to all locally-available model grades.

However, Kia have stated a “new powertrain lineup” will feature on the upgrade. This may mean the removal of the four-cylinder engine, which has been dropped on Stingers for the UK and European markets. UK/Euro-spec Stingers will receive a variable valve exhaust system for the 3.3 V6 that slightly increases power (adding an extra 2kW), but whether this will be included on Australian market Stingers is also unknown.

Full specs, along with pricing for the MY21 Stinger, will be revealed closer to local launch