Kia let us know a couple of weeks back that the Stinger was getting its midlife update. Here’s our story on that, outlining the visual changes mainly. Well, now we know a bit more about the range of tech improvements to Kia’s flagship big hatchback.
It’ll sound better now because the most powerful version, powered by a 3.3-litre V6 turbo petrol engine, comes with a variable exhaust valve that will make the car sound fruitier in sport mode – a “more prominent and deeper sound” according to Kia. It’s a nice little bonus that the fettled exhaust adds 3bhp to the power output too, now 368bhp and with 510Nm torque.
The touchscreen, which is now eight inches big as opposed to seven, comes with new software that’s easier to navigate, and which incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s also voice activated. Buyers can specify a 10.25-inch widescreen that allows two phones to be connected at the same time, and features a split-screen display. Remote engine start is available for the first time in the model too.
Lots of safety features have been added, including Safe Exit Warning, which alerts occupants if there’s something approaching the car from behind to prevent them from opening the door onto, say, a cyclist. Similarly, Rear Occupant Alert warns the driver if they leave behind any pets or children when they exit the car. Yep. A new Blind-Spot View Monitor shows a video feed of the car’s blind spots on the digital instrument panel, and Lane Following Assist keeps the car in the middle of its lane automatically.
Here’s the obligatory quote about the Stinger from someone who works at Kia. He’s called Thomas. He said: “The Stinger remains the standard-bearer for the Kia brand, almost a decade after we first revealed the Kia GT Concept in 2011. It remains our most driver-focused car, and is capable of covering great distances in comfort and style. The upgraded model builds on the Stinger’s well-established grand touring ethos, with a renewed sense of design flair, new powertrains and technologies, and greater usability enhancing its appeal for buyers in markets around the world.”
No prices for the updated Kia Stinger yet, but it goes on sale towards the end of this year and you can expect a little hike on the £32,500 starting price of today’s model.
Keyword: Kia reveals more details on updated Stinger