Kia Stinger to go electric for survival?

Friday, 22 May 2020

Kia Stinger - Review

Kia's Stinger is about to receive a mid-life refresh, including an upgraded 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6. It'll still be rear-drive and it'll still be a lot of fun but, unfortunately, that doesn't translate directly into sales.

Figures from 2018 to 2019 show Stinger sales are dropping across the world by as much as 18 per cent. COVID-19 didn't help things this year, with Stinger sales in March tanking by 40 per cent compared to March 2019.

Local Stinger sales for Q1 2020 came in at 43 units, while Q1 2019 showed 65 registrations. The majority of sales are the range-topping GT Sport model for both years.

If you want a rear-drive four-door sporty sedan to fill that Commodore-shaped hole, the Kia Stinger is a great option. While it's still around.

Needless to say, it's not looking good for Kia's flagship. In fact, some earlier reports claimed the Stinger wouldn't even see a second generation. And while the upcoming refresh may revitalise sales a bit, the Stinger will need something drastic if it is to survive in the long run.

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Maybe we should buy as many as we can and start a Stinger-only race series?

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* Second generation Stinger on indefinite hiatus?

* Kia working on high-performance EV for 2021

* Review: Kia Stinger GT Sport 'Neon Orange' edition

That big move might be a jump to full electrification, according to Kia's design boss, Karim Habib.

Talking with Top Gear, Habib said: “As the technology goes towards EVs and as the world and its appetite for these types of cars changes, the concept probably has to evolve as well.”

“But the sporty, affordable, beautiful sculpture – I really believe that’s something which needs to live on in the brand.”

That really does sound like Kia is looking to give its sports car a totally electric powertrain for its second generation, if the bigwigs sign off on such a project.