First reveal: Kia pulls the covers off its new-look, sporty Stinger

IT may be a simple matter of opinion, but for many, the visual sting in Kia’s newly enhanced gran turismo fastback sports sedan will certainly be in the tail.

But with upgrades also having been applied to the Kia Stinger’s signature “tiger-nose” grille, the jury is still out on which will prove to be the upgraded sedan’s best side.

Kia Stinger: Package of changes

Releasing the first images of the upgraded model on Wednesday 12 August 2020, Kia Motors Corporation announced a package of changes for the car which includes both exterior and exterior revised designs, tweaks and enhancements.  

These include what the South Korean carmaker described as a higher quality interior with new colours, materials and infotainment technology.

COMING SOON, BUT NOT TO SOUTH AFRICA

And the “enhanced” model is expected  to begin reaching showroom floors around the world beginning in the third quarter of this year.

Sadly, according to Kia: “KIA Motors South Africa has no immediate plans to introduce the enhanced Stinger to the local market.”

WHAT HAS CHANGED

“We have revealed a refreshed design for the high-performance fastback sports sedan. Changes to the appearance of the enhanced model amplify its gran turismo character, while improving cabin quality and giving owners more choice of colour and material,” said Kia.

“Outside, the changes add a new touch of drama to the car’s design and give buyers more options for customisation. Inside, the upgraded Stinger offers a more comfortable space in which to travel, with a revised design, new higher-quality materials, and updates to the infotainment system,” continued Kia.

BUILT TO GO THE DISTANCE

And according to Kia Global Design head and senior vice-president Karim Habib:

“The Stinger projects an air of elegance and comfort, and also great purpose, for long-distance driving. 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.

“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.”

MODERN, MUSCULAR AND FULL OF LIGHT

At the front of the Stinger, the model’s ‘tiger-nose’ grille sits between new multifaceted reflector LED headlamps, with a new design and LED daytime running lights.

The new lamps appear darker and sleeker with the lights out, while giving the car a more high-tech light signature, with sharp slashes of light angled slightly towards the front of the car.

At the rear, a svelte new rear combination lamp displays a distinctive new light signature, extending the full width of the car and mimicking the shape of the subtle spoiler integrated into the trunk lid.

The new turn signals comprise a collection of 10 individual LED units each, arranged in a grid pattern to mimic the appearance of a checkered flag, used in motorsport to signal the end of a race.

GET MORE CHOICE

Buyers of more powerful examples of the Stinger now have the option to specify larger wide-bore bright silver exhaust mufflers, with a more purposeful, performance-inspired rear diffuser to give the car a more muscular rear appearance.

Two new 18-inch and 19-inch aluminium alloy wheels are also introduced, with intricate, geometric designs which enhance the sporty, grand tourer nature of the car. The Stinger is now available with a new exterior colour in many markets worldwide.

Two new exterior packages are also introduced for the first time. For high-performance variants in many markets worldwide, a new “Dark Package” brings with it a gloss black diffuser surround and black wide-bore muffler tips. The Stinger emblem on the tailgate is also finished in black.

For North America, a new “Black Package” is offered, giving customization fans the chance to enhance the aesthetics of the Stinger further with an aggressive new look.

The Black Package includes new 19-inch matte black lightweight wheels, a new rear wing for the trunk lid, and blacked out mirror caps and side fender trim.

INTERIOR DESIGN

While the architecture of the cabin in the upgraded Stinger remains unchanged, with a sweeping, driver-oriented dash and comfortable space for up to five occupants, it boasts a range of subtle enhancements. These visual and material upgrades are designed to improve the car’s grand touring ability, creating a more luxurious ambience.

The lower section of the steering wheel features a new metallic finish, matching the chrome bezel that now surrounds the 7.0-inch fully-digital instrument cluster. The latter is designed to provide crystal clear information to drivers via its high-definition display. The rear-view mirror is now frameless, creating a modern look and enhancing rear visibility.

ATTENTION TO DETAIL

Depending on specification, the dashboard and doors are finished with new contrast stitching, while the centre console is available with aluminium or carbon fibre-style trim; both measures enhance the sporty nature of the cabin. Sitting atop the dash is KIA’s upgraded 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment and navigation system, accented by a new glossy black finish along the front of the dash.

GET INTO THE MOOD

 The cabin also features a new mood lighting system, allowing drivers to select one of 64 colours to subtly alter the character of the cabin.

MATERIAL DIFFERENCES

The Stinger is available with a new interior colour and material options, depending on the market. Customers in Korea can specify a new ‘Dark Brown’ monotone interior, with ultra-soft diamond quilted Nappa leather seats.

For Kia’s global markets, new choices include Nappa leather upholstery finished in Saturn Black, Red or Beige, alongside existing leather and synthetic leather options. A new Saturn Black option finishes the seats in black suede with contrasting red stitching in a ‘chain’ pattern, designed to mimic the links in a watch strap.

MORE TO COME

While the enhanced Stinger will grace Korean sales floors first, the roll-out of the model will continue into the automaker’s global markets through the third quarter of 2020.

The company has committed to revealing further details about the upgraded Stinger, including its new powertrain line-up and technologies, soon.