Stinger update arrives

No more kapow, some extra kit and a $5000 price increase with either engine.

A SINGLE turbo four-cylinder GT Line and a fuller-blooded GT Sport with the headline twin-turbo V6 now comprise the choice of Stinger sedans offered by Kia NZ.

The range’s reduction from three models to just two, with a previous EX Turbo version being dropped, comes with an update that leaves the entry engine unaltered and the V6 achieving slightly more power – but no extra torque – and otherwise introduces some content updates, styling revisions and the sting of $5000 price increases for each.

The GT Line model, with the 182kW/353Nm 2.0-litre, now costs $64,990 while the GT Sport has become a $74,990 opportunity. The 3.3-litre engine now produces 274kW – 2kW more than previously – and continues to generate 510Nm.

Each engine marries to an eight-speed automatic.

The GT Sport achieves new standard bi-model exhaust and limited slip differential, a fresh wheel design and Nappa leather.

Both cars update to a 10.25-inch central touchscreen, featuring a refined interface and improved reverse camera.

Common to both are an eight-way adjustable electric driver’s seat, heated and cooled front seats, a sunroof, a 15-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and mood lighting.

The safety suite enhances to include safe exit warning, semi-autonomous highway driving assist (a combo of radar cruise and lane-keep assist working in unison), cyclist detection, rear occupant alert, and blind-spot view monitor (beaming an image from the wing mirror onto the primary infotainment screen).