Skip advert
Advertisement

Facelifted 2021 Kia Stinger GT S available to preorder

Kia drops less powerful engines; sole GT S model starts from £42,595

  • Subtle styling changes
  • Fastest-accelerating Kia ever
  • Available to reserve now

The facelifted Kia Stinger fastback is now available to preorder. Because only the flagship GT S model remains, the Stinger has a more expensive starting price of £42,595. Its midlife refresh includes tweaked styling and numerous tech upgrades inside.

With a 361bhp 3.3-litre V6 petrol engine, the Stinger GT S is faster than the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe 440i and the diesel-powered Audi S5 Sportback, hitting 0-62mph in just 4.7 seconds. It starts at around £10,000 less than both of these cars, although it’s less economical; Kia quotes just 28mpg and high CO2 emissions of 229g/km.

At the front, the updated model gets new LED headlights and redesigned daytime running lights. The headlight clusters are tinted to look sportier, while Kia promises a more hi-tech light signature to mark the Stinger out at night.

Around the back, the design of the tail-lights has been tweaked, with clearer brake light, indicator and reverse light sections, which are joined by a full-width rear lightbar located above the rear badge. The indicators have also been redesigned, and are said to mimic chequered flag pattern.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The powerful Stinger GT-S model now gets the option of much bigger exhausts, finished in silver, and a more aggressive rear diffuser. Elsewhere, there’s a new set of 19-inch alloy wheels, and an Electric Blue paint shade has been introduced.

Inside, there are a few material upgrades, such as the introduction of aluminium and carbon-fibre trim finishers, and a new chrome surround for the seven-inch digital instrument display. Kia has upgraded the Stinger’s 10.25-inch infotainment screen, while the rearview mirror is now frameless.

Premium Nappa leather upholstery will be offered for the first time, and UK buyers could get the choice of a watch-strap style seat design and a 64-colour ambient lighting system.

What does it mean for car buyers?

We’d have liked to see the lesser-powered engines carry on in Kia’s plush fastback but we suspect most buyers ignored these and went straight for the meaty V6 petrol engine. It’s certainly the highlight of the range, and the car’s comparatively low price means its poor fuel economy isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker.

See where the Kia Stinger lands on our lists of the best cheap sports cars and the best executive cars.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

The top 10 fastest SUVs in 2025
Fastest SUVs 2025
Best cars
11 Dec 2024

The top 10 fastest SUVs in 2025

Mazda MX-5 review – the benchmark affordable sports car
Carbuyer Best Convertible Award – Mazda MX-5
In-depth reviews
4 Dec 2024

Mazda MX-5 review – the benchmark affordable sports car

Toyota bids farewell to the GR Supra with special send-off editions
Toyota GR Supra Final Edition front quarter
News
28 Nov 2024

Toyota bids farewell to the GR Supra with special send-off editions

New Abarth 600e: a sporty 276bhp electric SUV for £37k
Abarth 600e hero
News
28 Nov 2024

New Abarth 600e: a sporty 276bhp electric SUV for £37k

Most Popular

Jaguar Type 00 concept revealed: a bold electric future for the British brand
Jaguar Type 00
News
3 Dec 2024

Jaguar Type 00 concept revealed: a bold electric future for the British brand

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
6 Dec 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Mercedes C-Class Estate review – a classy load-lugger and great PHEV
Mercedes C-Class Estate
In-depth reviews
2 Dec 2024

Mercedes C-Class Estate review – a classy load-lugger and great PHEV

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024