The Kia Motors Corporation recently gave its Stinger a design upgrade and we take a closer look at what is new. The design upgrades are aimed to give owners more choice of colour and material in the cabin as well as bolster the gran turismo design character on the exterior of the vehicle.
The signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille is now flanked by new multifaceted reflector LED headlamps which incorporates a newly designed LED daytime running lights layout. Including bright sharp lines which are angled slightly towards the front of the car, the headlamps now have a darker appearance when the lights are turned off. The rear combination lamp also received an update and now extends the full width of the car and incorporates a new light signature which follows the spoiler which is subtly integrated into the boot lid. The indicator lamps are also updated and now comprise a collection of 10 individual LED units each which are arranged in a pattern resembling that of a checkered flag used in motorsport.
Further down the rear of the powerful Stingers, customers can specify larger silver exhaust which incorporates a wide-bore. Further bolstering the performance theme at the rear is a more purposeful diffuser. Further, the update includes two new 18-inch and 19-inch aluminium alloy wheels which features intricate, geometric designs and compliments the new exterior colour option available in many markets worldwide.
Customers can also specify either the ‘Dark Package’ or ‘Black Package’ for the exterior depending on the market. The former sees the diffuser surround finished in gloss black to match with the black wide-bore exhaust tips and the black Stinger moniker on the rear of the vehicle which forms part of the package. The ‘Black Package’, however, sees the introduction of 19-inch matte black lightweight wheels, a new rear wing for the boot lid, and blacked-out mirror caps and side fender trim on the exterior.
“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,” Karim Habib, Senior Vice President and Head, Kia Global Design.
Although for the most part, the interior which features a driver-oriented dash and space for up to five occupants remains the same, it does boast visual and material updates. The driver will notice a new metallic finish on the lower section of the steering wheel which matches with the 7.0-inch fully-digital instrument cluster bezel. Further, the driver will notice the now frameless rear-view mirror which not only looks modern but enhance rear visibility. Customers can also specify to have the dashboard and doors to feature contrast stitching, as well as a centre console, finished in either aluminium or carbon fibre-style trim.
Featuring centrally is upgraded 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment and navigation system, complemented by a glossy black finish stretching across the length of the dash. Kia also added a new mood lighting system which offers a selection of 64 colours to subtly light the interior of the Stinger. Furthermore, certain markets also gain access to a new interior colour and materials such as the ‘Dark Brown’ monotone interior featuring ultra-soft diamond-quilted Nappa leather seats. Global markets can expect to see interior choices added to include Nappa leather upholstery finished in Saturn Black, Red or Beige.
The new Stinger will go on sale in Korea in the third quarter of 2020 after which it will be introduced to global markets. Thus far Kia Motors South Africa has indicated they have no immediate plans to introduce the enhanced Stinger to the local market but this could change at which point we will get more information on the pricing and local warranty.
