Facelifted 2021 Kia Stinger GT S available to preorder

• 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.

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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.

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.

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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.