Kia Stinger 2020 facelift: more details of revised flagship released
Sports saloon receives exterior styling tweaks, more exterior options, a new exhaust and cabin upgrades, with four-cylinder engines removed
Kia has released further details of its updated Stinger prior to UK-specific specifications and an on-sale date being announced.
The sports saloon will now have just one powertrain, retaining the twin-turbocharged 3.3-litre petrol V6 used in the Stinger GT S. The 2.0-litre turbo petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engines of the current Stinger are available only while stocks last and will be dropped in Europe by the time the facelifted version arrives.
The V6 petrol benefits from a new variable exhaust system which uses a butterfly valve to enhance or dampen the sound depending on the drive mode. The exhaust also bumps power slightly by 3bhp for a total of 368bhp.
The Stinger' design has also been revamped to emphasise its "gran turismo character” with subtle exterior revisions and an upgraded cabin.
At the front, Kia has redesigned the Stinger’s LED headlights to appear “darker and sleeker” at night, while the saloon’s tail-lights have been stretched to the full width of the car. The rear turn signal lights have been redesigned to mimic a chequered flag.
Head of product at Hyundai Motor Group Thomas Schemera says the Stinger "remains our most driver-focused car, and is capable of covering great distances in comfort and style".
Buyers will be able to specify wide-bore silver exhaust tips and a rear diffuser. Two new aluminium alloy wheel designs - 18in and 19in - have also been added as Kia seeks to enhance the performance saloon’s sporting credentials.
Kia will offer two new exterior packages: the Dark Package and the Black Package. The latter is restricted to North America. However, the Dark Package will be available on range-topping variants of the Stinger in many markets worldwide. It adds gloss black diffuser detailing and black wide-bore exhaust tips, as well as a dark Stinger tailgate emblem.
Cabin updates focus on upgrading the car's infotainment and technology. An optional new 10.25in touchscreen display with split-screen functionality brings features such as multi-connection Bluetooth and voice control. A new, thinner bezel eight-inch touchscreen is offered as standard fitment, as are Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A larger instrument display (up to 4.2in) is standard, with an optional 7in display featuring "vivid graphics" available.
Further connected car features are offered including a (market-specific) remot engine start function. The suite of driver assist functions has been comprehensively updated, too, with new capabilities and features.
While the rest of the Stinger’s interior is largely unchanged, new materials are claimed to make the cabin more luxurious. A chrome finish has been added to the steering wheel and digital instruments display, and contrast stitching is now available on the dashboard and doors, depending on the model specification, as well as a contrasting gloss black finish on the front of the dashboard.
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