2017 Kia Soul Nabs Prized Spot on Kelley Blue Book's “10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000” List

The mass offerings available in the current car market provide those searching with durable and husky trucks, mid-size sedans that ooze luxury features, and hybrids that are Eco-friendly and efficient. Many consumers out there are looking for a car that is stylish and funky, and these are the savvy young tech-workers, artists, and dedicated city dwellers our there making a difference. Kelley Blue Book has been the pricing and feature source dealing with all things car-related since 1918. A company that got its origins with just three Model T Fords, it later grew into the all-out industry standard for determining car value.

This is the sixth year in a row that the Soul was selected for the list of cool cars under $18,000, and it was selected for its signature combination of design, feature content, technology, as well as amazing value. Plenty of room for passengers, an interior filled with features savvy drivers are after, and a true sense of practicality within the crossover genre are all reasons to rush down and check out this awesome new release. You can come check out three different trim levels for this year's Soul, and figure out which one stokes your appetite the most: the Base has manual or 6-speed transmission, the Soul Plus with the 6-speed automatic, and the Exclaim Turbo, with the brand new 7-speed DCT.

Re-designed headlights and fog lights are great new features for this year's Soul, and front and rearfascias that are a bit edgier in appearance will be very well-received. Inside you'll find two dedicated USB charge ports, and an 8-way power passenger seat that adds to the convenience and comfort factor during your journey. Anyone who is truly searching for a bargain in the landscape of cars will appreciate the Soul right off the bat: the under $18,000 category has really never seen an entry with so much usable space, tech features, and an overall value. Cars that offer as much as the Soul does at this price make large strides in exceeding the cost element that for many other vehicles is a barrier to entry.

If you opt for the Base Soul, it comes standard with a gasoline direct injection, 1.6-liter all-aluminum DOHC 4-cylinder engine that sturdily cooks up 130 horsepower, and 118 lb-ft of torque. The Plus model makes use of the more muscular 2.0- liter engine with GDI technology, and has a power rating at 161 horsepower, with bragging rights to 150-lb.-ft of torque. If you are truly looking for the option that will give you the power off the line and momentum to conquer the road the way you want to, and by producing 201 horsepower, and 195 lb-ft of torque at 1,500 RPM. St. Louis has many long-standing summer traditions, such as grilling pork steaks, and Maull's Original St. Louis Barbecue Sauce; showing up to the party in your new Soul is going to make you want to stay in your summer sandals year-round!

World-Class Ovation: 2017 Kia Optima Receives Top Safety Plus Rating From IIHS

As we get ready to gear up for what promises to be a hot and exciting summer here in the St. Louis metro area, we have been helping many customers pick out a sedan that fits their lifestyle. It's no secret that the name mentioned (and sold) the most is the Optima, and it has just received another prestigious safety nod as of late. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has given the Optima the “Top Safety Pick Plus (TSP+) rating, which is the highest destination possible within this entity.

The Optima scored incredibly high in five crashworthiness tests, and in the Integration of Autonomous Emergency Braking for crash prevention. The element to really take notice of here as a consumer is that good crashworthiness ratings, and a superior rating for the optional front-crash prevention system are all important to anyone looking for standout safety features in a current vehicle.

The IIHS is known for setting some of the highest standards when it comes to evaluating the many aspects of safety within a vehicle, and heralding this listing further proves the success of KIA's ongoing effort to do everything possible to improve the quality and integrity of their front-running auto line. When a model is qualifying for TSP+, it must earn “good” ratings in five different tests for crashworthiness: small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side impact, roof restraints, and head restraints. As we tread onward daily to what is certainly a modern climate in the auto manufacturing industry, drivers are now able to reap benefits from driver assistance systems that seemed far-fetched just a few decades ago.

Advanced Smart Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are just a few of the features that will help you during your day-to-day drive. Front Collision Warning System is a particularly useful feature: it scans the road ahead while you drive, and is designed to give you fair warning If you're about to crash into a vehicle that is stopped, or slow-moving. Many that are involved in the research and development for future auto projects nationwide are certain that driverless cars are making their way very soon on the horizon, but for now, these added safety features work overtime to give you added protection from the various elements that could cause you harm.

The Optima is available with three engine choices, including the new 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, that proudly operates in conjunction with a sweet seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission. Ask us right here at Jim Butler about the five trim levels available for the Optima: LX, LX 1.6T, EX, SX, and SXL are all on top to see to it that you get the specific look and feel that works for you. With the SXL option, you get standard 18-inch chrome alloy wheels, and super cool LED dual-projection headlights with Dynamic Bending Light and High-Beam Assist.

Owning a top-notch sedan is going to absolutely put some oomph back into your daily life: come down and see us at Missouri's esteemed Kia dealer, and we'll lay the groundwork for you to enjoy the features of the Optima every day for a durable commute.

Peeking At The Kia Stinger GT: All-Inclusive Rival Against The BMW 4-Series

Looking to offer a serious thrill at a bit of a lower price, Kia's rear-wheel-drive Stinger is going to make a seriously souped-up addition to any St. Louis metro area's auto enthusiast's garage. Noticeably passive-aggressive in its rival to the BMW 4-series, attendees at the Detroit Auto Show were given the impression that the pricing would begin somewhere in the love $30,000's, and this excites just about every single employee at our dealership in a major way! Models in the BMW 430i category begin at around $42,000, where a six-cylinder 440i has an entry point hovering closer to $50,000.

This is a very exciting time for Kia owners and enthusiasts: they are heading bravely into what is a very high-tech dimension that awaits for anyone ready for a new ride. Numerous examples of great gadgetry on the inside, an otherworldly chassis and frame, and many futuristic safety features are just some of the elements that potential buyers wade through. What Kia has the dire right to be proud of most is their core engineering competency, and the ways in which is has drastically improved just over the past five years. Albert Biermann is the brains behind much of what was relayed to the drawing board for the Stinger: as Head of Vehicle Test and High-Performance Development, he was nabbed from BMW Motorsport's development platform 3 years ago.

What he brings to the table is a skill that is decidedly more than just a bit rousing for Kia devotees: he takes on the task of making sure that Kia's latest products have enough substance to measure up when pitted against the best of European brands. He also wants potential buyers to realize that this is not a strictly track car: it can be pushed as one, but it is still developed to be the everyday ride that gets you from A to B in high-end style. The true magic that the driver gets to experience with the advent of this car is the high-speed stability from the long wheelbase, which helps immensely while taking tight corners. The end result is a ride that doesn't truly feel like a bigger car, yet has all of the bells and whistles of a true luxury machine.

You'll all be interested to know that this one gets to 60 MPH in under five seconds, and will be available with a choice of three powerful engines: one of them is a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6, capable of producing 370 ps with a maximum torque output of 52 kgf.m. This is part of the haplessly high-strung recipe that gives the Stinger the ability to accelerate so well, and gives this car the honor of being the most powerful that Kia has ever manufactured. Come pay us a visit at Jim Butler, and see just how awesome this new line of Kia power cars is going to be: you'll want to claim your keys and title firsthand for a true game-changing and cutting-edge vehicle.

Looking for Luxury Within the Value Price Range? The 2017 Kia Cadenza

There has perhaps been a long-standing notion that as far away as luxury vehicles are concerned, Kia isn't in the same club as Lexus and some of the others. The unveiling of this year's full-size sedan from them packs quite a punch in the luxury category, with an expertly crafted cabin, and very comfortable space to spend time in during a commute. It is equipped with the absolute most awesome in the tech department to boot, and assure that you pull up to your destination withs a high dose of swank and stye. From a black tie affair to your highly-anticipated date night of the week, the Cadenza was designed to provide you the swanky medium to cruise in while you mull over your dining or entertainment options for the night.

This is an all-new release for the year, and has gone through a complete re-design from front to back. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are two of the features that the gadget obsessed will get excited about: CarPlay is the slickest app out there to access all of your goodies on your smartphone at a minimal distraction level to the driver. You can toggle between recently used apps without fisrt having to hit the "home button" on CarPlay's newest version, a subtle change to its function that will help you navigate safer in the long run. A 3.3-liter V-6 engine has been successfully tinkered with to provide better fuel economy, and the vehicle operates with a new and efficient 8-speed automatic transmission.

Some of the features that you get with this luxurious new Kia lift are as follows:

• Proximity approach lighting
• 12-speaker Harman-Kardon audio system
• 8.0" touch screen infotainment center with full navigation
• Panoramic sunroof

The bottom line on the engine is that it may not be as overwhelmingly fast as some of the competition, but it is more than able to meet the needs of any commuter finding themselves in a familiarly pressed-for-time situation. Driving with the 8-speed automatic transmission feels fairly effortless, and while in Sport mode, shifts are more-than-noticeable. The smart mode that governs the entire process (if the driver wishes) switches constantly through the Eco, Comfort, and Sport settings to give you a balanced blend of fuel usage, response, and overall performance.

Fuel economy is one of the main things on many minds as there may be an uptick in prices this summer, and it is reported that the Cadenza falls behind those in its category from Buick, Toyota, and Nissan. For the St. Louis commuter that is looking to get to work or take the little ones to school in style, you are still going to notice a drastic difference from vehicles on the lot just a few years ago. 570 miles is the approximate distance you can cover while gleaning from its 18.5-gallon tank, and the overall handling capacity will make those happy that are seeking a full-size sedan for the squad.

Many drivers have claimed that the Cadenza is for the laid-back, and lead foots may not be 100% happy with the tiny elements of resistance you can experience when really trying to leave the stop light in the dust. But this is overall one classy choice for the price, and you're going to want to keep your golf clubs and best-pressed suit aboard at all times: the finer things in life are likely to collide with your cruising on a daily basis. 

The Allure of the Sizzling 4th Generation Subcompact: The Rio Sedan

Sweeping releases with a very eye-catching design and extensive list of features, the new-for-2018 Rio sedan and 5-door are the latest additions to the exciting Kia family. Designed from the ground up in Kia's European studios as well as the U.S., there are many reasons to be excited about this awesome vehicle that you'll soon see heating up our lot right here in St. Louis. This vehicle has the necessary awesome convenience technologies loaded up on board: the 7-inch touchscreen interface and UV03 with Apple CarPlay will assure that you will be able to do your navigating in style, as well as enjoying your music with the latest and greatest of features. Android Auto is also included, with larger touch targets, an interface that is greatly simplified, and very easy-to-use voice actions.

When you are getting your loved ones from point A to B, or making sure that you get to work on time with a crowded commute, cruising confidently when it comes to quick stops is going to be one of the top items on your list. The autonomous Energy Braking on board is designed to detect and monitor vehicles that are traveling ahead of you, and determine if a crash is remotely possible. If it is, the brakes will automatically be applied, drastically reducing the chance of you having a dangerous accident as opposed to a smooth ride. Since most drivers simply do not have the force to avoid a crash, they sometimes do not break at all, because there may not be sufficient time for them to react. With a system like this that has your back as you are out and about, you can relax a bit and know that the manufacturer has your extended safety on the top of their list.

As far as the front end is concerned, the look is overall a bit sportier and has a loftier air of sophistication than the previous models. The front end sports the latest of the 'tiger-nose' grille, with souped-up headlights that are swept back for an edgier, more modern and playful appearance. The overall length of the Rio sedan has been upped .6", and the 5-door shares the same spec. Both the sedan and the 5-door are lower and wider, which makes for a more aggressive poise than on last year's offering. The rear of the Rio is noticeably more upright, due to shorter overhangs and tail lighting with a thinner aesthetic. The interior has a much more spacious feel, and the dashboard's exterior design give the cabin a feel that is wider.

A higher amount of leg room and shoulder room in the second row will be welcomed warmly if you are making the trip out to any of the amazing neighboring cities in Missouri, or headed to get in touch with nature for a precious view. This car weighs in at around 2,648 lbs, and engineers have sought to cultivate the driving experience with ride comfort that has improved, while your comfort factor for your next ride should be off the charts. Come down to the dealership and visit with us today: we are excited about the arrival of these new vehicles in the fall, and the stock currently on deck. We will see to it that you leave feeling satisfied, and that all of your questions about the most innovative product line in the nation are answered during your decision.

Champion Choice In the Acceleration Club: The New Kia Stinger GT

The new Kia Stinger is going to inevitably turn heads in St. Louis when it comes galloping solidly out of the gate this spring. This is a real-wheel-drive four-door, powered efficiently and nearly brutish with a 3.3 twin-turbo V6. The engine produces 365 horsepower, and the presence of the 376 pound-feet of torque is responsible for the car's 4.9-second claim for a 0-60 sprint. The GT will also be available in all-wheel drive, and even a diesel in Europe, as well as a 2.0 turbo. VP of engineering at BMW Albert Biermann had a big hand in development, and this car is supposed to handle excitingly above many other options at auto shows this year.

Both models have an 8-speed automatic, and a choice of rear or all-wheel drive. You can get to business fluidly in the navigation department with the included 7-inch touchscreen, and enjoy an extra-smooth ride with features like adaptive cruise. Lane-keep assist is one of the very modern features that we will see become more and more common, and there is an audio system option from Harman/Kardon that will enable to driver to wade through ample walls of sound. The roofline lies much lower than that of the K900, and at first glance, sleek is the first word that comes to mind. On the V-6 model, the quad tailpipes are even a bit reminiscent of what Italian powerhouse Alfa Romeo would craft, and the entire rear of the Stinger is like nothing Kia has ever created.

The Stinger has a few more inches of length than its competitors, the Audi A4 and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. One trait that will be greatly appreciated by the taller members of your friends list is the rear legroom: the variance and experimentation with the wheelbase provides this luxury. The V-6 engine is a turbocharged beauty from Hyundai: it's a direct-injected aluminum Lambda II that is similar to what the Genesis G90 sports. Designed for sensible and ultra-smooth shifting, the transmission is a new version of the K900 automatic, and there is an expertly engineered mass damper situated on the flywheel to help reduce vibration that is common in any drivetrain.

Kia claims that the Stinger is constructed from mostly materials that are conventional, and about exactly 50% steel of the highest strength. Able strut suspension in the front and 18-inch wheels are the equipment offered up to navigate the ever-changing road, and the Brembo brakes have seen a generous upgrade. Now with four-piston front calipers and discs that are completely vented, any sudden stops will seem like second nature. This is the first model that Kia will offer adaptive dampers in, and the driver will be able to select from Eco, Sport, Comfort, Smart and Personal settings. The sport setting is reported to feel nearly like a manual, and speed enthusiasts will enjoy the growl from underneath the hood.

Here at Jim Butler Kia, we are constantly excited about new models, features, and offerings from world-class product lines. We know the release of the Stinger is bound to excite many motorists in the St. Louis Metro area, and extend our welcome to anyone that wants to come check one out. Talk to our sales specialists, and see just how easy it is to cruise off of the lot in one of these gorgeous machines!

Redefining Modern, Redefining Minivan!

For 2017, Kia made several product enhancements to the Kia Sedona, making it the perfect minivan for St. Louis families.

Because of these enhancements, 2017 KIA Sedona has been awarded a Top-Safety Pick+ Award from the IIHS when equipped with forward collision warning. The new Sedona offers a new technology package and many advanced driver assisted features, including: optional automatic braking technology, a front crash prevention system and forward collision warnings. Other additions include a new UVO e-Services system with the added smartphone connectivity of Apple CarPlayTM2 and Android AutoTM3, an upgraded High-Intensity-Discharge headlight system with Dynamic Bending Light (DBL) and an Acoustic Windshield.

Want to check out the beloved minivan for yourself? Pick-up your Sedona today at Jim Butler Kia in St. Louis, MO!