Kia has taken the wraps of its updated Stinger flagship, which goes on sale towards the end of the year with a number of design and technology upgrades.

The redesigned Stinger includes Kia’s latest driver assist and safety features, as well as improved interior packaging

Alongside subtle styling changes, the fastback sports saloon also includes Kia’s latest driver assist and safety features, as well as improved interior packaging for greater space and comfort.

Updates to the top-range twin-turbo 3.3-litre T-GDi V6 introduce a new variable exhaust valve system that offers different exhaust notes depending on the driving mode and also frees up an extra 3hp from the engine, giving a total 373hp. It’s married up to an eight-speed automatic transmission and is expected to become the sole engine in the range, as the 2.0-litre turbo petrol and 2.2-litre diesel are dropped.

Depending on market and specification, the upgraded Stinger is now available with an optional new 10.25-inch touchscreen display. It features Bluetooth multi-connection that enables users to connect up to two mobile devices at the same time – one for hands-free phone and multimedia use; the other for media use only. The split-screen display lets users control or monitor different vehicle features at the same time. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard, with a voice control system for many of the car’s features, such as heating and ventilation, audio and navigation.

A new 8.0-inch touchscreen display with a narrow-bezel design is also available, replacing the previous 7.0-inch system. Depending on market, the larger display also offers wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.

Two instrument cluster displays are available, based on vehicle specification. The standard 3.5-inch mono-TFT cluster is now replaced with a larger 4.2-inch colour-TFT LCD cluster, delivering improved visibility and displaying a wider range of information to the driver. In addition, a fully digital, high-resolution 7.0-inch ‘Supervision’ cluster is available, displaying the different driving modes.

New connected car feature also debut. Depending on market and vehicle specification, these include a Remote Engine Start system, which allows owners to start their car remotely using the Stinger’s smart key.

In certain markets, Kia’s UVO App can be used to pre-activate the Stinger’s seat heating and ventilation functions remotely.

A range of new Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are available, depending on market and vehicle specification. These include the debuts of the Safe Exit Warning system, which alerts occupants if they attempt to open the door into oncoming traffic. Kia’s Blind-Spot View Monitor technology works to eliminate the driver’s left- and right-side blind spots and displays a high-resolution video feed within the ‘Supervision’ digital instrument cluster if the driver indicates to change lane with another vehicle in their blind spot. Also available are lane following assist, highway driving assist and rear occupant alert.

Updated existing ADAS systems are also available and provide enhanced detection and alerts of various potential collision risks.

The new Kia Stinger will go on-sale in Korea during the third quarter of 2020, with sales starting in other markets later in the year.