1 April 2021
We reviewed the car when it was first launched back in 2018, and thought it could have tempted buyers who would traditionally only be in the market for luxury European sedans.
So, what’s been updated in the 2021 Kia Stinger?
What’s new?
Exterior changes add in some sparkle to the car’s styling, while inside is a more comfortable space in which to travel, featuring new, higher-quality materials and much-needed updates to the infotainment system.
For the twin-turbocharged 3.3-litre V6 GT Sport model, there’s also a minor increase in power thanks to the implementation of a bi-modal electric variable exhaust valve.
The change has resulted in power to 274kW (367bhp), whilst torque remains the same at 510Nm, accessible from 1,300 to 4,500rpm (239g/km).
Essentially you can dash from 0 to 100km/h in under five seconds with a grin from ear to ear.
Unfortunately there are no changes to the Theta II 2.0 T-GDi, which powers the GT Line model, this engine is still a lively unit though with a twin-scroll turbocharger to boost low-to-mid rev efficiency combined with advanced technologies to provide excellent combustion efficiency.
This engine produces a maximum power of 182kW (244hp) at 6,200 rpm and a maximum torque of 353Nm from 1,400-to-4,000 rpm (201g/km).
The bold front styling features Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille, sitting between LED front headlamps, which are paired to LED daytime running lights. To the rear, a svelte new combination lamp displays a distinctive light signature extending the full width of the car, and there are new turn signals concocted with a combination of 10 individual LED units each, arranged in a grid pattern for a particularly striking presence at night. Chrome-coated quad exhaust pipes complete the sporty look at the rear of the car.
The innovative Blind Spot View Monitor display enhances the driver's rearward vision in a high resolution live video within the instrument cluster. This safety feature is activated when indicating a turn or lane change, to help give the driver added confidence when manoeuvring the vehicle.
The dashboard and doors are now jazzed up with new sporty contrast stitching, while the centre console is embellished with a gorgeous aluminium trim.
Always connected
Kia has also upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment and navigation system, which is now much more crisp and clear, especially when using the reversing camera. This was one of our main misgivings when this model was reviewed initially back in 2018.
The latest Stinger has a series of new ‘connected car’ features which include the Remote Engine Start system, which allows owners to start their car remotely using the Stinger’s smart key. There is also a handy power tailgate that opens automatically when the smart key is detected nearby for three seconds or more.
Safe Stinger
The new Kia Stinger still boasts the 5-star ANCAP rating it was given in 2017, but the safety bar has now been raised even further through the addition of Kia's Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS). New upgrades include Lane Follow Assist, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning, Safe Exit Warning and Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist.
Verdict
The Stinger remains an incredibly engaging sedan, and is an even more enticing option after this model refresh. It has great looks, a fantastic interior and brings some much-needed extravagance to the Kia marque.
The new 2021 Kia Stinger is priced from $64,990 for the GT Line, and $74,990 for the GT Sport.
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At a glance |
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Model |
Kia Stinger |
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Engine |
2.0-litre turbo (GT Line), 3.3-litre V6 (GT Sport) |
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Price |
From $64,990 (+ORC) |
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ANCAP safety rating |
5 star |
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Power |
182kW, 353Nm (GT Line), 274kW, 510Nm (GT Sport) |
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Transmission |
Eight-speed auto |
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Fuel economy/CO2 |
8.8L/100km, 201g/km (GT Line), 10.2L/100km, 239g/km (GT Sport) |
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Towing capacity |
1,500kg (Braked), 750kg (Unbraked) |
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2WD/4WD/AWD |
RWD |
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Seating capacity |
5 |
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Luggage capacity/payload |
406 litres (Seats up), 1,114 litres (Seats down) |
Safety systems
- Emergency Stop Signal
- Front/Rear Parking Sensors with Around View Monitor with Dynamic Guidelines
- Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
- Lane Follow Assist (LFA)
- Driver Attention Alert (DAA)
- Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist Rear (BCA)
- Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
- Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA)
Find out more on how the AA can help you when buying a new car:
- AA Money - aa.co.nz/money
- AA Insurance - aa.co.nz/insurance
- AA Car Reviews - aa.co.nz/car-reviews
- AA Running Cost Reports - aa.co.nz/runningcosts
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