A number of key equipment details for the incoming new 2018 Kia Stinger liftback sedan have been revealed. 
Although the all-important pricing details are still to be confirmed, the Stinger will be offered locally in six grades, split equally across the already confirmed 2.0-litre four-cylinder and 3.3-litre six-cylinder turbocharged petrol engines. The 258 Hp/353 Nm four-cylinder Stinger will kick off with the 200S, with mid-range 200Si and top-shelf GT-Line models sitting above.


The GT-Line will likely represent a styling pack rather than any significant sporting enhancements. The six-cylinder models will include the entry-level 330S and mid-spec 330Si, with the much-hyped GT to sit atop the range. Kia confirmed buyers can expect a 0-100 km/h time of just 4.9 seconds for the Stinger GT, likely putting the 370 Hp/510 Nm turbo liftback on more than a few shopping lists.

Equipment highlights for the 330S will include driving systems like a variable gear ratio steering setup, a limited-slip differential and Brembo brakes – although details more specific than this are still to come. The 330S also lists keyless entry with push-button start, cloth seats with artificial leather seat bolsters and inserts, a 7.0-inch display with satellite navigation and SUNA traffic updates, along with 10 years of free map updates, and connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.


Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) will not be standard with the 330S, although it may prove to be available as an option. To get the potentially life-saving and at least bumper-protecting technology as standard equipment, buyers will need to step up to the 330Si.That model also adds lane-keep assist and smart cruise control, along with rain-sensing wipers, 19-inch alloy wheels (up from presumably 18-inch on the 330S), a larger 8.0-inch display (with all the goodies listed above), nine-speaker audio (330S speaker number not noted), and a full leather interior.

Splashing out on the top-shelf GT, which is expected to be priced in the neighbourhood of AUD 50,000 before on-road costs, will add blind-spot monitoring, driver-selectable suspension options, LED headlights, powered tilt/reach steering column, a slide/tilt powered sunroof, upgraded Nappa leather, memory driver’s seat, 15-speaker Harman/Kardon audio, and a head-up display.


Standard colour options for the 200S, 200Si, 330S and 330Si will include Panthera Metal (a dark purple), Silky Silver, Ceramic Grey, Sunset Yellow, Hichroma Red and Micro Blue, while Deep Chrome Blue will be offered as a cost option.

For the GT-Line and GT, standard colours will include Silky Silver, Ceramic Grey, Sunset Yellow, Hichroma Red and Micro Blue, adding Dark Chroma Blue, Snow White Pearl and Aurora Black as cost options. Colours in the cabin will be limited to black for the 200S, 200Si, 330S and 330Si, while GT-Line and GT buyers can add red leather to the list of considerations.


Lower-specification models are likely to be popular with fleet buyers. The Stinger will make its Australian debut in the third quarter of this year, with more official details to be revealed as its launch draws near.