Hey Kia!

[stinger1168]

Hey KIA! I love the Stinger and I'm SERIOUSLY considering a GT2 AWD for purchase here in the USA. But like others here, I have a couple of issues. Like others have said here, the Stinger in the USA should have the 360 degree view camera. In addition the Stinger in the USA should have the wireless cell phone charging and (this is my biggest complaint) there should be more interior color options for each exterior color. I would like a Red or Panthera Metal GT2 with the red interior but I can't get a Panthera Metal GT2 and I can't get a red Stinger with the red interior! Also, we don't have the selection of colors that are available else where. These are features that are available EVERYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD! So what gives??? I have a feeling that KIA USA marketing bit off more than they can chew and I think what they should have done was, for the first year only, do what some other manufacturers do when they have an all new model. In this case I think only selling the GT's would help. They could focus on getting the colors, options and packages right with just the top of the line model while showing off to the public how nice it is as people buy it. Then as production and supply build up they can introduce the 4 cylinder versions. When I go on the build this car site on KIA.com, instead of building what I want, I get the impression the site is just telling me what will be available. Example, why is panther metal only available for the GT model but not ANY of the other models??? I didn't come on here to put down the Stinger. I love the car and was very impressed by it at the 2017 NYIAS. It's got just about everything I've been looking for in a car for the past 20 years (a relatively affordable, high performance, 5 door hatchback with rear/AWD, a giant moon roof and a nice interior). I wanted to buy a GT2 AWD now but if I'm throwing down $53 large for one, well, I want what I want. So... I guess I'm going to wait for the 2019's to come out??? Hopefully something else doesn't come out in the meantime and take my money.

 

[Jon Boy]

I don’t really get the US marketing strategy. In Canada there are two trims available - the “limited” comes fully loaded for $50k CAD plus dealer fees, etc (approximately $39k USD). Usually we see the reverse from a pricing perspective

 

[Kia Stinger]

Welcome aboard, @stinger1168! Thank you for signing up! The U.S. launch has definitely been interesting. I hope they do something about the color situation. They do read these open letters and I'm sure there's discussion about it from time to time. I'm sure we'll have more colors available in time. As well as more high tech features that are available in other countries...

 

[stinger1168]

Welcome aboard, @stinger1168! Thank you for signing up! The U.S. launch has definitely been interesting. I hope they do something about the color situation. They do read these open letters and I'm sure there's discussion about it from time to time. I'm sure we'll have more colors available in time. As well as more high tech features that are available in other countries...

Hi there and thanks for the warm welcome. I was hoping that someone in KIA would read this. This is my first post on this site and I didn't want to come across as a troll because I do love the Stinger. But the issues I mentioned above are issues that have been brought up on MANY other websites, KIA enthusiast sites as well as general car sites. I don't think KIA marketing USA realizes what kind of car they have on their hands. KIA currently has the monopoly on a unique niche that they created. An affordable version of the Porsche Panamera/Audi A7. KIA did it's job creating a great car. I'm just concerned that while a lot of us are waiting for the features and color combos that are available everywhere except the US, that people are going to get tired of waiting and pursue other vehicles (for example the VW Arteon when it's available) or just another suv. And if that happens then KIA would have lost it's advantage. I could buy one now but I'm choosing to wait to get the features I want if I'm gonna throw down $53 large. I love the Stinger but I'm not a KIA fanboy. So if something I think is better or just as good comes out while I'm waiting the Stinger I want, I'll purchase the other car. I have a feeling the 2019 Stingers will address a lot of these concerns. And I wouldn't mind a dual mode exhaust system as an option as well

 

[Terra]

Hey KIA! I love the Stinger and I'm SERIOUSLY considering a GT2 AWD for purchase here in the USA. But like others here, I have a couple of issues. Like others have said here, the Stinger in the USA should have the 360 degree view camera. In addition the Stinger in the USA should have the wireless cell phone charging and (this is my biggest complaint) there should be more interior color options for each exterior color. I would like a Red or Panthera Metal GT2 with the red interior but I can't get a Panthera Metal GT2 and I can't get a red Stinger with the red interior! Also, we don't have the selection of colors that are available else where. These are features that are available EVERYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD! So what gives??? I have a feeling that KIA USA marketing bit off more than they can chew and I think what they should have done was, for the first year only, do what some other manufacturers do when they have an all new model. In this case I think only selling the GT's would help. They could focus on getting the colors, options and packages right with just the top of the line model while showing off to the public how nice it is as people buy it. Then as production and supply build up they can introduce the 4 cylinder versions. When I go on the build this car site on KIA.com, instead of building what I want, I get the impression the site is just telling me what will be available. Example, why is panther metal only available for the GT model but not ANY of the other models??? I didn't come on here to put down the Stinger. I love the car and was very impressed by it at the 2017 NYIAS. It's got just about everything I've been looking for in a car for the past 20 years (a relatively affordable, high performance, 5 door hatchback with rear/AWD, a giant moon roof and a nice interior). I wanted to buy a GT2 AWD now but if I'm throwing down $53 large for one, well, I want what I want. So... I guess I'm going to wait for the 2019's to come out??? Hopefully something else doesn't come out in the meantime and take my money.

Sorry to sound harsh, but if it's not what you want stop complaining and buy something else.....

I here your frustration, but that's how it is.

 

[iclicku]

Sorry to sound harsh, but if it's not what you want stop complaining and buy something else.....

I here your frustration, but that's how it is.

This thread is supposed to have suggestions and criticisms toward KIA. I suggest you consider the context of the thread before making such statements.

 

[Kia Stinger]

Sorry to sound harsh, but if it's not what you want stop complaining and buy something else.....

I here your frustration, but that's how it is.

This thread is supposed to have suggestions a criticisms toward KIA. I suggest you consider the context of the thread before making such statements.

Allow myself to introduce...myself... ...as the mediator... On one hand, I understand @Terra's frustration. We're seeing a lot of these complaints throughout the community and it does kind of weigh on people. And let's keep in mind that sometimes it's not easy to see where a topic resides.

As @iclicku has brought up - this discussion IS posted in the "Open Letters to Kia" forum - and this is exactly the intension for this area. To air our grievances and open Kia's eyes to what we're complaining about - and how to make us customers (or potential customers) happy. All in all, it's a good thing.

To comment on @stinger1168's message - these ARE valid concerns and you're right! We don't talk about Porsche's Panamera much because we're usually too busy comparing the Stinger to the Audi A5 Sportback and BMW 440i Gran Coupe. But Kia does have an amazing car here and we'd love to see them do everything right here in the U.S. - it's largest market.

It seems they've made a few mistakes - but we don't know that for sure. Perhaps they had/have a plan. I mean - they're mistakes to "us" as buyers - but perhaps not to KIA USA. We may never know what the reasoning was behind how they launched here. Maybe it was their strategy. Maybe it was just a mistake.

In the meantime - I don't think it's too big an issue to wait for the 2019 Stinger because it's probably going to be launched a little earlier than usual next year. However, on the other hand, perhaps nothing will change. Then you waited for nothing...

 

[Ruturaj]

In the meantime - I don't think it's too big an issue to wait for the 2019 Stinger because it's probably going to be launched a little earlier than usual next year. However, on the other hand, perhaps nothing will change. Then you waited for nothing...

They will get a good deal though.

 

[Kia Stinger]

They will get a good deal though.

Yes, especially if there are any 2018s left over...

 

[Ruturaj]

Yes, especially if there are any 2018s left over...

Yes, I think some trims are not as desired as others will have leftovers and deals.

I want Stinger GT1 in white with red interior, I can live with silky silver with red interior which they offer here in the US. But I really want remote start with UVO app than the third-party remote start, so I will either get what I want or a good deal. I might end up with 2.0 Premium if I get a very good price.

 

[Kia Stinger]

Yes, I think some trims are not as desired as others will have leftovers and deals.

I want Stinger GT1 in white with red interior, I can live with silky silver with red interior which they offer here in the US. But I really want remote start with UVO app than the third-party remote start, so I will either get what I want or a good deal. I might end up with 2.0 Premium if I get a very good price.

I have a funny feeling the system will get a firmware update for UVO features but who knows for sure? It would make sense they did this - especially considering how some other things that cannot be remedied are making people angry. So the least they could do is provide this as a free update - soon...

 

[Terra]

Sorry I didn't read the forum category......

Dear Kia, keep up the good work. You have made a car compared to Audi's and BMW and have impressed motoring enthusiasts around the world.

Please on you next model include every option so we can pay the same price as the European equivalent.

I have made my purchase, and I couldn't be happier.

Thanks,
Terra

 

[Waynerm002]

Volvo launched their XC90, S90, V90CC and XC60 with the top trims first, the inscription with the T6 engine and AWD, then they launched the T5 versions later. Personally, I never thought about a 2.0T coming out. Figured it would be just the GT and then later a version with the 3.8. I think as most have said, KIA USA messed up by going all out on this one. However, if my years with KIA has taught me one thing, it’s that they listen and make adjustments quickly. So I’m hopeful they will correct this and bring us the missing options and colors hopefully by summer.

 

[ibmaxx]

Kia have certainly blown it but but nevertheless they have produced a car with almost everything in it. Yeah, I know USA get a poor deal which is a mystery to me. Perhaps Kim Jong-Un leaned on them to bring this shitty deal. However if you think Kia have left a lot out compared to other upmarket brands consider what Maserati do with their Ghibli a directly comparable car which costs a TON more. Here is a screen shot of their build options and almost everything that Kia include as standard they charge extra for:


I don't know what the final cost of a Maserati would be in comparison but likely about $80,000+ and this only for a badge. Even the 2018 model with 420hp won't get away from the Stinger. I know which car I would rather have.

 

[Kia Stinger]

Kia have certainly blown it but but nevertheless they have produced a car with almost everything in it. Yeah, I know USA get a poor deal which is a mystery to me. Perhaps Kim Jong-Un leaned on them to bring this shitty deal. However if you think Kia have left a lot out compared to other upmarket brands consider what Maserati do with their Ghibli a directly comparable car which costs a TON more. Here is a screen shot of their build options and almost everything that Kia include as standard they charge extra for:
View attachment 2139

I don't know what the final cost of a Maserati would be in comparison but likely about $80,000+ and this only for a badge. Even the 2018 model with 420hp won't get away from the Stinger. I know which car I would rather have.

The Maserati Ghibli is a nice car and starts at a reasonable price to get a car that with such a good brand name. However, adding options brings the price in line to what you'd assume Maserati would cost. Last I checked, just adding Navigation made the car unreasonably priced for what is supposed to considered a great deal. But that was a few years ago and I'm not sure how much has changed...

 

[Waynerm002]

A lot of those things that car should already have at that price point. Can't believe they would give you some basic audio system at that price, it should at least have the HK and the B&W being an option. BMW does something similar with their pricing structure.

 

[Kia Stinger]

A lot of those things that car should already have at that price point. Can't believe they would give you some basic audio system at that price, it should at least have the HK and the B&W being an option. BMW does something similar with their pricing structure.

Right. And when I looked at one when they first came out - the base had no navigation. Really? Are you kidding me? A Maserati with no navigation? What kind of low budget nonsense is that?!

 

[StingerChick]

The biggest place Kia missed it was with the G2 AWD. They have set a limiter on this model with a top speed at 139 I am NOT happy with this! As a girl they promised me a set of balls then you castrated me! Hell, I will plug my phone in to charge but want the performance!

 

[DCBStingerGT]

They have set a limiter on this model with a top speed at 139

Welcome StingerChick to our forum.
Watched two videos with AWD Stingers and in both those videos the driver's reached the same 273kph, which is 169mph, looks like the US AWD Stingers might be limited too just 139mph, i can understand being pissed.

 

[Kia Stinger]

For reference, the discussion about the Stinger and top speed is here:
GT 2 AWD NOT REALLY A STINGER!?!?