If you are wondering where the Kia Optima has gone, so are we. The Optima has quietly disappeared from the UK market and we the British are left with a far better, albeit more expensive, proposition. As with all automotive updates the Kia Stinger receives rather modest changes for 2021. Although you might notice a slight difference with the headlight and tail-light design. Indeed the tail-lights run the full width of the tail-gate. The Kia Stinger is offered in one model trim, GT S. The interior is mostly unchanged, the exception being the upgraded 10.25-inch infotainment system.

If you ask nicely Kia will fit a 7.0-inch digital binnacle, as a cost option. The cheek! The entry-level 2.0-litre and 2.2-litre petrol engines have been discontinued in favour of a single 361bhp 3.3-litre V6 twin-turbo. Updates to the V6 include a butterfly valve and a new variable exhaust system. Any car costing £40k is sure to be full of the latest driver and safety technology both passive and active.

And such an expensive car will also have the obligatory leather seating trim for that luxury vibe. In addition, the Stinger will offer iPhone or Android connectivity. The Kia Stinger is an expensive proposition. Admittedly Kia has done a good job and it is also a driver’s car in so much as it is rear-wheel-drive, the only Kia in the entire lineup. Motoring hacks love RWD cars.

We have nothing more to add. That’s it.