Leaps and Bounds of Commanding Commuting: Stonic Turns Heads At Frankfurt Motor Show

The sub-compact SUV category is one that is of grave allure: once a customer has owned an SUV, they generally keep buying them during the years to come. Enjoying the nimble feel, fuel efficiency, and lower cost, consumers don't always mind the slight difference in cargo and passenger space. Industry writers and techs used to joke about the “hatchback on stilts” feel and appearance of some, but this now a huge niche in the market, and here at Jim Butler Kia, we are currently watching the vibe and features that the Stonic will storm the market with.

This past week at the Frankfurt Motor Show, it was unveiled just how awesome and game-changing the Stonic will be. It's based pretty rigidly on the regular Rio platform, but has been re-styled with wheel arch trims, obligatory skidplates, and roof rails found in other vehicles such as the Nissan Juke, and Mazda CX3 varieties. Similar to the Rio, the Stonic is front-wheel drive only, but the nicely elevated seating position and noticeably raised ride height should go over well with buyers that love a miniature-feeling yet grippy smaller contender of their own.

It is been proven that buyers in this category have shown much love for customization: there are 20 different two-tone paint jobs possible for new owners of the Stonic. Interior color scheme is a very standard black on black, but buyers can choose from four optional color packs – each offering unique combinations of contrast upholstery stitching, and other elements that highlight areas of the cabin. The selection of wheel designs are available in either 15 or 17 inches, and features such as heated steering wheel and seats, cruise control, and auto dipping headlights are also available.

Torque vectoring, cornering brake control, and a straight line stability system to keep the crossover tracking true-to-form under heavy braking are all additives that will help you in various ways during your journey, and hill start assist is also available. The good folks at Auto Blog called the Stonic “big on both style and practicality”, and cited the large spoiler and faux skid plate on the bottom of the bumper as great assets. There are about 12.4 cubic feet of storage in the trunk, and you'll absolutely be able to squeeze in the direst of necessities and then some, no matter how long the haul you are planning to embark on takes you.

Commuters in the St Louis metro have been sharing with us their challenges for decades, and the sales and service staff here at Jim Butler have been avidly listening. Some of the latest drivers aids such as blind spot warning, lane departure warning, and rear cross traffic warning can also be added on board, to make you feel at your utmost safest while driving the Stonic. We hope to see you soon during the upcoming fall, when you can check out the new addition from Kia that Motor Authority deems “strong, safe, and lightweight”, and to finalize your plans for that new fall auto addition!

2018 All-electric Niro to Debut Soon, 8 EVS are Planned within Next 5 Years

A reputation for producing very eco-friendly autos is one that Kia has been cultivating for years. Along with their close relative Hyundai, they are looking to be on course to achieve the lofty goal of having 31 green car models in production stages by 2022. 8 of the planned 31 cars will be all-electric, as many consumers worldwide begin to look towards survival solely by charge, and cut costs while helping preserve our diverse and beautiful planet.

The electricity to charge an EV makes it cheaper in the long run, and the battery electric vehicle has a lot less moving parts than a conventional car. Servicing is not as extensive, and the absence of parts such as starters, fuel injection systems, and radiators make for a simpler lifespan of ownership. By making the choice to opt for a Kia EV, you are helping to reduce harmful air pollution that comes directly from exhaust, and literally pushing that harmful number all the way down to zero. Reduced harmful exhaust emissions right here in St Louis is good news for anyone that is striving to stay healthy and thrive, and you're going to love how vehicles such as the Niro run as quiet as can be.

One of the reasons why we proudly stand by Kia's decision to thoroughly explore the potential and positivity in electric cars is within the realm of safety. EVs tend to have a lower center of gravity that makes them less likely to roll over, and they have a lower risk for dangerous explosions. Kia has already taken great strides by introducing the 2017 Kia Soul EV, which is a show-starting beginner for many more punchy EV models in the future. Since the Soul seems a bit boxy to some, the release of the 2018 Niro is aiming to appeal to a broader range of consumers, as well as providing very enhanced performance capability. Added entertainment features and comfort level are sure to coax buyers into owning a very integral part of a sustainable future.

Having a fully electric car is many brands' true long-term ambition, and we hope you can make time to come speak to us about including one soon among your ranks. Safe to drive, cost effective, easy on maintenance, and lowered noise pollution are all reasons to consider purchasing one. The idea of not fueling up is going to continue in its newfound popularity: the many different ways in which the future will change are becoming evident every single day. Charge times will eventually become much shorter, ranges will become much longer, but the feeling you get when you hit the open road with confidence and vigor: it will always remain the same!

KIA's Fourth Generation's Primo Offering: The 2018 Rio

On the beautiful and winding roads outside of Lisbon, Portugal, the testing team of Car and Driver spent two days with the fourth generation Kia Rio, and penned their thoughts regarding performance. Their first impression was that it is “A car that's far more than an appliance”, and that the 4^thgeneration was the result of a “Significant leap forward” on Kia's part. A great deal of the weight loss in this new version stems from the use of very high-strength steel in the front structure, roof region, and A-pillars.

The electrically powered steering is more rigid than before, and at the same time much more responsive. The hatchback choice gives you the benefit of very aggressive body-side line, and an overall stance that is reminiscent of many of the concept cars of late. We really love the work that has been done to the area between the headlights which are painted black, making it appear like a conventional grille opening, and the relocation of the side mirrors to the A-pillar. Technology features such as a 7-inch touchscreen interface and UVO3 with Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto will assure that you will never be left without entertainment, and all of your passengers will be occupied for the distance.

Both the sedan and the hatchback offer Autonomous Emergency Braking, which has the ability to act independently of the driver to attempt to avoid dire accidents in progress. The system will usually try to act first to avoid impact by warning the driver of an upcoming situation, then in very serious circumstances apply the brakes. Also gleaning a 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Rio is a vehicle that will ease your mind in the category of always arriving intact and safe as can be.

The exterior is a bit sportier in appearance than previous models, and the front end is rocking newly designed headlights that are swept back a bit, which results in a pleasantly aggressive look. Both the sedan and hatchback have been lengthened by just .6 of an inch, and have a bit of a sleeker appeal, sporting an ingeniously-developed shoulder line from front to back. You'll find 15-inch wheels when checking out what the Rio is packing in the undercarriage heat zone, and will notice how the distinct push towards the corners makes a difference when it really matters.

All of us here at Jim Butler Kia in St Louis are excited to show you how the Rio's cabin is also the roomiest in its class: valuable passenger space in the sedan is 89.9 cubic feet, while the dimensions in the hatchback measure in at 90.5 cubic feet. While you are looking for the version that best meets your needs, ask us about trim types: the LX, S, and EX are the various options you can choose from. 

Direct injection, a variable intake system, low-friction oils seals, and piston-cooling jets are other well-engineered assets that add up to 28 MPG in the city: this solid structured new vehicle from Kia is sure to attract the safety conscious and tech-savvy customers. If you are looking for a great value at a low price point, this is a recent offering from a world-class brand to seriously consider making your own!

2018 Kia Soul Turbo: Allure for the Youthful and Performance-oriented Driver

As we look towards the coming of football season, the time of year when the days get shorter, and when all of our favorite fall St Louis traditions take place, many customers are coming to us at the dealership asking what vehicle is right for them. Transition times for people make them think about which car is going to work in the long run, and this is the time of year when many new residents arrive at the city. If you have just graduated from college, signed the dotted line on a major job offer, or even thinking about hitting the books again in grad school, the turbocharged Soul may be just the car for you.

Cars like the Toyota Scion XB, Honda Element, and Nissan Cube were trying desperately to get ahead of the times, and bring customers their own unique version of the future. All of our staff here on the lot will be the first to tell you that those cars seemed so square to many, and had the uncouth reputation of simply not having enough power. Because their vibe was so boxy, many drivers felt that they could not get up off the line and go, and it made them more perturbed than productive. Many writers and avid test drivers felt that things took a drastic and very positive step forward with the Soul, now paired with a 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder engine that produces 201 horsepower, and 195 lb-ft of torque.

The Soul's transmission is a 7-speed dual clutch engagement, and for a car that weighs just over 3200 pounds, is able to give it a sporty feel. With just the punch of a button on the steering wheel, you can activate Sport mode, which will give you a sense of more manual control, and a taste of what stick-shift excitement is like. MacPherson struts do a great job of keeping the suspension at an even keel, and you will absolutely notice a difference when taking your new Soul down any road near you or elsewhere in Missouri that happens to be a bit “off the beaten path”. Ask us how a 10-way power seat with lumbar adjustments can make you more comfortable on the road, and the panoramic sunroof for the days when sun and warmth prevail.

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The “technology package” includes a revamped navigation system, super cool power mirrors, blind spot detection, and a huge upgrade in the very important audio department. The Harman Kardon audio system included in this upgrade is going to win over every serious music lover that gets themselves into a new Soul: the clarity, amazing prowess in the low end and midrange club, and ability to nod to your favorite mix will tempt you to instantly turn it up. With a cargo volume of 61 cubic feet, you can get your bike in the back, or even the set of golf clubs that you've been dying to get out for a late-season tee session. This is not a car that is in any way traditional, and we are delighted to have many mags and review sites give it a very solid thumbs-up. Funky and futuristic, the Soul is one release in the sphere of 2018's coming goodness that will gravitate you towards that economical “happy place”!

Blind-Corner Battalion Leader: Kia Stinger GT Dominates the Demands of Nurburgring

“The Foxhole” is a widely unsettling and demanding stretch of racetrack that lies on one of the most intimidating raceways in the world. The high-speed sections of the Nurburgring Nordschleife are built to handle supreme steel beings like the Stinger GT at speeds of 90 MPH +, and Wired Transportation writer Joe Resnick took Kia's front-running sports sedan on a spin through this esteemed track section. The twin-turbo, 365-horsepower 2018 Kia Stinger GT fared quite well during this tremendous test, and everyone knows that this is the location where brands go to prove that their latest sports car is the best-handling and attractive option out there.

The Stinger GT is actually a bit longer then models from the BMW 3-club, and some out there wonder if this could affect its performance on a demanding and curve-laden section of track such as this. When you first climb into the Stinger GT, you'll notice that the front seats are positioned very low, which helps greatly with the center of gravity and sense of stability. There are three levels of engine selection to choose from: the base 252-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbo 4 cylinder, the 365-horsepower 3.3-liter twin turbo V6, and a mid-range 2.2-liter turbo diesel 4-cylinder available in European and Korean markets only.

When Joe and his tech-savvy troupe from Wired got out on the track to prove themselves, the track's longest straight section had them reaching speeds of 135 to 140 MPH, and they enjoyed the overall performance of the rear-wheel drive Stinger the most. Hyundai's own patented 8-speed automatic is the medium for shifting sensibly in the Stinger GT, and many who have test driven it loved it right away. An overall stiff ride in a class that is similar to BMW's 3 and 4 series is another extreme highlight, and the Stinger GT handles bumps with a solid form that deserves high recognition.

This is admittedly a bit of new territory for Kia to pursue: going head to head with the sports-car coupe crowd may seem a bit of a lofty accomplishment. Motor Trend billed the Stinger as “confident and composed, while making the best use of the grip it affords”. When you are able to drive off the lot with a brand new Stinger, you are also getting behind the wheel of a vehicle that has the best power steering Kia has ever produced, which you notice at the go point right away.

This stacked wheel set will stay firmly planted no matter what type of speed or lunge is thrown at them, and the intense trail braking needed at Nurburgring is absolutely a ferocious proving ground. The Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tires are designed specifically for the fast and furious Stinger GT, and showed hardly any wear after a day of instructors trying to one-up their past records handed down abuse. For any model, the current time is the right time to spring a dusting of upper-level performance and speed, and the Stinger holds its own exceptionally well on the most legendary of locations.

A Close Look at the Stealth and Savvy Crossover Gem: 2017 Kia Niro

One of the reasons why the Niro was billed as the “Unhybrid” is that drivers are appreciating the design effort that allows it to not scream loudly to the masses about its status. Combining a hybrid powertrain with a subcompact crossover, the result is a very spacious interior, and a vehicle that yields 52 mpg in the city. The power source for the Niro is a 1.6-liter 4 cylinder, which gets the job done with the aid of an electric motor, and battery pack with lithium-ion.

The power rating of the Niro is 139 HP, and 195-lb of torque. We know that these are not numbers that will send the new driver trembling with excitement to their nearest test track, but will still allow for a punchy and swift journey to wherever they need to go. The cargo bay's maximum space of 54.5 cubic feet is accessed easily, by use of a 60/40 folding rear seat that will fold down to all the way flat. Even if you opt for the base trim, you still get awesome features such as satellite radio receiver, dual-zone climate, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and height-adjustable driver's seat.

The Niro is priced underneath other contenders in the crossover market such as the Nissan Rogue, and the Toyota RAV 4 Hybrid, by several thousand dollars each. Aside from the difference in price and other valuable features, we really enjoy the Niro's appearance: it's a smaller-sized, savvy and sleek vehicle that taps into a few different sources of charm. It takes quite a reach for a vehicle to really seem ready, poised, and efficient without wearing their prowess like a badge, and the Niro succeeds in that department.

Car and Driver proclaims that the Niro Hybrid “delivers sharp design language on top of the popular crossover form factor”, and goes on to state that the Niro is truly a more plausible version of what the Prius strives to be. When you come to pay us a visit and engage in a test drive, you'll see that the car feels just high enough to simplify getting in and out, but not so high that taking corners feels awkward. Behind the seat you can easily fit six carry-on sized suitcases, and the head and legroom space in the back will be ample for anyone joining you on an outbound journey.

Don't be too concerned if you think the power factor is a bit on the meager side: The Niro is more than sufficient for sports practice runs, the daily commute, and fun jaunts anywhere around St Louis that you feel calling your name during down time. If you do have a longer trip ahead of you, you're still going to love how you get a cost-efficient ride, with handling that allows you to maintain constant control.

One very noticeable advantage the Niro has over many of its imitators is the way in which it behaves a bit like a very conventional gas-only vehicle, and is not quite the same as the delayed and snarling characteristics of Toyota's dual-motor, Hybrid Synergy Drive. Push-button start, heated and ventilated front seats, and sunroof are some of the other essential additives that you'll benefit from within the vehicle. We'll show you how the Fuel Efficient, Touring, and LX and EX range trims differ from each other, and clue you in to which one will meet you and your family's needs to the T!

2017 Kia Cadenza: Bringing the Full-size Sedan Segment Upmarket, and Slaying It

The Kia Cadenza has been widely thought of
as one of the absolute best entries in the large sedan class for the year, and expert reviewers Edmunds stated this summer that “the materials quality is particularly impressive”. We daresay that the Cadenza before this one was handsome in a manner that was a bit more generic, and the 2017 version has a few things about it that are distinctly more unique. Once you climb aboard, the white leather's complement to the faux wood on the dash is a great trait of the car's visual identity.

After getting your hands on one of the coolest sedans out there, you're going to want to heavily stack your social calendar. One of the ultra fun end-of-summer events coming up in St Louis is the Fringe Festival: from August 19-27, the eclectic artists in the area are dishing up performance art, drama, and even circus acts for the masses to enjoy. Tracing its beginnings back to Edinburgh, Scotland in 1947, it is an alternative festival that draws individuals in the area who have a penchant for good taste, and are always embracing the Indie culture and way of life.

Elements of Shakespeare, Snow White, Dead Gothic's Society, and productions such as Please Remain Calm are going to all be offered up here this August, and it will be one of the coolest events of the year in Missouri. The Kia's UVO Infotainment system offers one of the best touch-based systems out there to keep yourself in stock with great new music, but before the weather chills just a little, the outdoor options such as this are key for making sure you have an abundant lineup of fresh air factor.

The spacious vibe of the cabin is really tied together with the accents of the white leather, as well as the dose of rays you'll get with the expanse of the Cadenza's sunroof. If you are thinking about taking your sales and marketing pitch on the road or visiting family you haven't seen for some time, the space in the back seat is going to be an important selling point. Class comfort is noticeable at every glance here, and you have the ability to acquire about 28 MPG while taking the show straight to the highway.

Constructed from expertly engineered adhesives and 53% very high-grade steel, the body of this car is built to be massively strong, and you notice that as you lurch forward immediately. It makes for better driving dynamics, and a more pleasurable ride in the long run. When you arrive at the lot to explore all of the options Kia has to offer for you this year, you'll get excited about how the brand new 4-wheel independent suspension offers up an extra smooth handling experience. Luxury does come in packages a bit bigger than average, and drivers across the nation are going wild over the Cadenza: you'll be amazed at just how intelligent the engineering is, offering you consistently proven peace of mind!