Kia Stinger 2017 pricing and spec confirmed

Kia Australia has opened its sparkling Stinger range with a sub-$46,000 price and confirmed a comprehensive feature list as the order bank grows ahead of its showroom debut from October 1.

The four-door liftback, which will be offered in six variants powered by either a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder or 3.3-litre V6 engine, is seen as the spiritual successor to the Australian-built rear-drive sedans, the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon.

Kia said the Stinger would bring passion and desire to the brand and will endear itself to Australian drivers across a wide demographic.

The range, which share a common body, rear-wheel drive layout and eight-speed automatic transmission, will be available in three specifications per engine – S, Si and GT-Line for the 182kW/353Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and S, Si and GT for the 272kW/510Nm 3.3-litre V6 bi-turbo petrol.

The entry-level Stinger S kicks the range off from $45,990 before on-road costs for the 2.0-litre, while the V6 S is $48,990.

Standard equipment includes sports front seats with electric adjustment for the driver, cruise control, 3.5-inch mono instrument screen, 18-inch wheels, 7.0-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, six speakers, four cupholders and four bottle holders, and leather-look upholstery and trim.

Safety features are seven airbags, electronic stability control, hill-start assist, reverse camera with parking guidelines, active hood pedestrian protection, LED daylight running lights and three child restraint points (two ISOFIX).

Moving up to the Si grades will cost $52,990 for the four and $55,990 for the V6, but adds features including sports leather seats, automatic wipers, a larger 8.0-inch multimedia screen, AEB and adaptive cruise control.

V6-equipped Si variants also gain 19-inch alloy wheels with 225/40 profile front tyres and 255/35 at the rear.

The GT-Line (2.0-litre) and GT (V6) gains the biggest suite of equipment, including a 360-degree camera, blind-spot detection, cornering headlights, high-beam assist and colour head-up display unit.

The GT-Line is priced at $55,990 and the GT at $59,990.

Externally, they can be identified by electric sunroof and distinct colours – 'Aurora Black' and 'Snow White Pearl' – in addition to the electrochromic door mirrors and LED headlights with auto levelling.

Inside it has nappa leather upholstery with GT logos, and front seats with lumbar support, powered bolster adjuster and thigh extender. There is a two-position seat memory with easy access and a D-cut steering wheel.

The instrument cluster steps up to a 7.0-inch colour TFT-LCD screen, alloy sports pedals and a wireless phone charger become standard, while the headliner and roof pillars are finished in a suede material.

The audio system is improved with a premium 15-speaker Harman Kardon unit comprising eight speakers, four tweeters, a centre speaker and two subwoofers powered by an external amplifier.

The V6 versions also include Bembro brakes, a limited-slip differential and variable-gear steering ratio which are both designed to maximise the sporting credentials.

Comparisons between the new Kia and the outgoing Australian-made Holden Commodore are apparent with the South Korean-contender measuring 4830mm long and 1870mm wide compared with the 4947mm and 1898mm dimensions of the rear-drive Lion-badged sedan.

However, the Stinger is designed from the ground-up to be a grand tourer with an emphasis on comfort and luxury instead of outright performance.

The Kia has a 406-litre boot capacity compared with the Holden at 495L.

Does Kia’s new Stinger match-up with what you want out of a new, large-size sedan? Tell us what you think in the comments below.