Kia Stinger GT to attract import duty

The expected popularity of Kia’s new rear-wheel drive Stinger GT sports sedan could cause some headaches for the Korean brand.

We’re not just talking about satisfying what could potentially be a serious waiting list. Rather, financial…

Kia, Hyundai and other Korean marques import their vehicles to Australia under a largely tariff-free environment thanks to the Korea-Australia Free Trade Agreement (KAFTA).

However, the new twin-turbo V6 high-performance version of the Stinger, the GT, falls outside of the agreement – at least for the time being.

In an accommodation to protect locally produced cars, vehicles with large-capacity six- and eight-cylinder engines are not tariff exempt under KAFTA.

That accommodation is expected to lapse when Australian car production finished later in 2017. Until it does, however, the Stinger GT will be lumbered with a five per cent import tariff.

Kia Australia told motoring.com.au that it is too early to assess the actual cost impasse the tariff will impose. But it has hinted towards its intention to absorb the cost initially.

If the car is a runaway success that could add up to some serious money, but the execs at the brand don’t seem too phased. They’re still on cloud nine about the car’s Detroit Show reception.

In reference to the pricing and tariff question, Kia Australia sales boss Damien Meredith told motoring.com.au he was not concerned.

“It is too early for that fine detail consideration of pricing … [But] It would make more sense to engage a longer-term strategy and not have prices fluctuating,” he said via email.

The Holden Commodore-sized Stinger is expected to arrive Down Under in September or October this year priced from around $42,000 in 2.0-litre turbo-petrol form, with the V6 turbo-powered GT likely to cost around $53,000.