9.26.17 Options and Features -- Content Concern

[Merkur720]

Hello!

I'm an owner of a 2012 Optima Hybrid (with Premium/Tech Pkg) and a 2017 Sedona SXL (7 pass with first class lounge seats/dual sunroofs). The feature content (as much as your warranty and build quality) has kept me loyal to the brand. These cars are terrific (replaced a 2006 Nissan Altima SL and a 2013 Toyota Sienna SE, respectively) and I am excited to replace the Hybrid with a Stinger!! Living in a market where image is "everything", there will continue to be a compromise on "brand status" which I expect....and I want to continue to be part of your "power to surprise" movement. Being in sales for Canon USA, I have clients in my car all the time. Many continue to be BLOWN away with the feature content of my now five year old hybrid.

Possibly it is an oversight, but it concerns me that the power hatch, 360 camera, ventilated front seats, rear heated seats, GT Line trim package, do not appear to be options or even available on anything less than the GT2 trim level. That seems to go against Kia's philosophy of feature rich content cars. Naturally, I would be okay not having these features in 2018 if I didn't already have them on my current Kia vehicles. These features are very important to have, at the minimum, as special order options.

My "planned" purchase would be identical to many of the show cars you have placed throughout dealerships across the United States. But alas, from reading and following this forum and www.kiamedia.com, it appears that a Chroma Blue 2.0T with the GT Line package (all options and 19" wheels) will not be available. I am hoping nothing is set in stone as brochures aren't out and the "build your own" website isn't live either. Many enthusiasts will feel this same way.

If you want this car to be a success (I certainly do) -- load it up with the features you've been showing off at these dealerships that are in your current cars now. I don't want my minivan to have more feature content (which it will) than my Stinger at a comparable $42K price point. I'm NOT paying in excess of $50,000 to get ventilated front seats on my next car.

Thanks for your time and I'm happy to talk further if you want to message me.

-John (Dallas, Texas)

 

[hereward]

Hello!

I'm an owner of a 2012 Optima Hybrid (with Premium/Tech Pkg) and a 2017 Sedona SXL (7 pass with first class lounge seats/dual sunroofs). The feature content (as much as your warranty and build quality) has kept me loyal to the brand. These cars are terrific (replaced a 2006 Nissan Altima SL and a 2013 Toyota Sienna SE, respectively) and I am excited to replace the Hybrid with a Stinger!! Living in a market where image is "everything", there will continue to be a compromise on "brand status" which I expect....and I want to continue to be part of your "power to surprise" movement. Being in sales for Canon USA, I have clients in my car all the time. Many continue to be BLOWN away with the feature content of my now five year old hybrid.

Possibly it is an oversight, but it concerns me that the power hatch, 360 camera, ventilated front seats, rear heated seats, GT Line trim package, do not appear to be options or even available on anything less than the GT2 trim level. That seems to go against Kia's philosophy of feature rich content cars. Naturally, I would be okay not having these features in 2018 if I didn't already have them on my current Kia vehicles. These features are very important to have, at the minimum, as special order options.

My "planned" purchase would be identical to many of the show cars you have placed throughout dealerships across the United States. But alas, from reading and following this forum and www.kiamedia.com, it appears that a Chroma Blue 2.0T with the GT Line package (all options and 19" wheels) will not be available. I am hoping nothing is set in stone as brochures aren't out and the "build your own" website isn't live either. Many enthusiasts will feel this same way.

If you want this car to be a success (I certainly do) -- load it up with the features you've been showing off at these dealerships that are in your current cars now. I don't want my minivan to have more feature content (which it will) than my Stinger at a comparable $42K price point. I'm NOT paying in excess of $50,000 to get ventilated front seats on my next car.

Thanks for your time and I'm happy to talk further if you want to message me.

-John (Dallas, Texas)

Good points, John. I've an uneasy feeling that the Kia US marketing geniuses will screw up the expectations encouraged by the Biermann-Guillame effort.

 

[Jumpy]

it appears that a Chroma Blue 2.0T with the GT Line package (all options and 19" wheels) will not be available

I concur. I'd buy that if it was available.

 

[app_master]

I concur. I'd buy that if it was available.

This combo is avail in Australia, so you may see it in the USA?
However the price is 93% of the full blown twin turbo V6 top spec GT. So why would you buy it?

 

[Jumpy]

This combo is avail in Australia, so you may see it in the USA?
However the price is 93% of the full blown twin turbo V6 top spec GT. So why would you buy it?

...Ok, rephrase: I'd buy that at the right price.

 

[Bamm1]

Possibly it is an oversight, but it concerns me that the power hatch, 360 camera, ventilated front seats, rear heated seats, GT Line trim package, do not appear to be options or even available on anything less than the GT2 trim level. That seems to go against Kia's philosophy of feature rich content cars. Naturally, I would be okay not having these features in 2018 if I didn't already have them on my current Kia vehicles. These features are very important to have, at the minimum, as special order options.

I concur and would like to add (from my own personal perspective):

I think that if you go forward with the preliminary* GT trim level pricing structure as is, you will not be setting yourself up for success in the US. I am going to try to be realistic and not waste your time asking for a $10,000 price reduction. Specifically, I think the {GT2 + AWD + Destination} should be $2600 less. Consequently, as a buyer giving the Stinger GT serious consideration, that was the price I resolved myself to expect and accept (based on some "estimates" provided by Kia representatives to the automotive press). I would also like to add, that even if the price is reduced, the current features and options for the GT2 is not compelling enough as is. I would suggest it be updated to include:

• 360 degree surround view camera - An integral part of your "Drive Wise" Parking Assist Systems.
• Wireless charging pad - With the iPhone 8, 8 Plus & X adding this feature, its use is slated to be almost ubiquitous in your customer base over the coming years.
• Heated rear seats - An option not found on all luxury competitors and another viable differentiation tactic to help justify the price . Particularly in regions of the US that see colder temperatures and buy a lot of "luxury" cars (re: Northeastern US).

Thank you for your consideration.




*https://jalopnik.com/the-hatch-excellent-2018-kia-stinger-will-start-at-32-1818811469

 

[BAM]

Hello!

I'm an owner of a 2012 Optima Hybrid (with Premium/Tech Pkg) and a 2017 Sedona SXL (7 pass with first class lounge seats/dual sunroofs). The feature content (as much as your warranty and build quality) has kept me loyal to the brand. These cars are terrific (replaced a 2006 Nissan Altima SL and a 2013 Toyota Sienna SE, respectively) and I am excited to replace the Hybrid with a Stinger!! Living in a market where image is "everything", there will continue to be a compromise on "brand status" which I expect....and I want to continue to be part of your "power to surprise" movement. Being in sales for Canon USA, I have clients in my car all the time. Many continue to be BLOWN away with the feature content of my now five year old hybrid.

Possibly it is an oversight, but it concerns me that the power hatch, 360 camera, ventilated front seats, rear heated seats, GT Line trim package, do not appear to be options or even available on anything less than the GT2 trim level. That seems to go against Kia's philosophy of feature rich content cars. Naturally, I would be okay not having these features in 2018 if I didn't already have them on my current Kia vehicles. These features are very important to have, at the minimum, as special order options.

My "planned" purchase would be identical to many of the show cars you have placed throughout dealerships across the United States. But alas, from reading and following this forum and www.kiamedia.com, it appears that a Chroma Blue 2.0T with the GT Line package (all options and 19" wheels) will not be available. I am hoping nothing is set in stone as brochures aren't out and the "build your own" website isn't live either. Many enthusiasts will feel this same way.

If you want this car to be a success (I certainly do) -- load it up with the features you've been showing off at these dealerships that are in your current cars now. I don't want my minivan to have more feature content (which it will) than my Stinger at a comparable $42K price point. I'm NOT paying in excess of $50,000 to get ventilated front seats on my next car.

Thanks for your time and I'm happy to talk further if you want to message me.

-John (Dallas, Texas)

I 100% agree. Personally, I am interested in the 2.0t model and feel the starting price should be under $30k for the base model and closer to $35k for the premium 2.0t. I also feel very strongly that Deep Chroma Blueshoukd be offered! A car like this deserves more color options than the standard white black red.

Thank you!