2016 Optima and 2016 Sorento Win International Car of the Year Awards

Globally-recognized award winners are in-stock and for sale near St. Louis at Jim Butler KIA

As KIA vehicles at Jim Butler KIA in Chesterfield Valley continue to win awards, the global recognition for the brand’s most popular models keeps trending upward as well. The 2016 KIA Sorento and the new 2016 KIA Optima were both honored with Road & Travel Magazine’s (RTM) International Awards.

The 2016 Optima was named RTM’s International Car of the Year (ICOTY). The ICOTY panel consists of automotive journalists from such publications as Consumer Guide, MSN and RTM. The last victory for the Optima as an ICOTY was in 2013.

The judges at RTM were impressed with the 2016 KIA Optima’s long list of standard and available features. The engine options in the 2016 Optima also wowed those at RTM as the previous generation’s 2.4-liter and turbo 2.0-L engine return along with the addition of a new 1.6-liter turbo engine. RTM made mention of the 2016 Optima’s value as well, something those in St. Louis looking for a new sedan will appreciate.

It wasn’t just the Optima that got on the good side of the ICOTY jurors. The 2016 Sorento, already an award-winner in its own right, won the International SUV of the Year Award. The available all-wheel drive capabilities combined with the premium cabin quality and protective safety features made the Sorento a shoe-in for the award.

The Sorento and Optima marked the fourth consecutive year that KIA won an ICOTY award for the brand. Previous winners also include the K900 and Cadenza. Courtney Caldwell, RTM’s editor-in-chief, said KIA is an industry success story that always wows the staff.

“We’ve never had one brand win this award four years in a row, but KIA has done it,” Caldwell said. “It goes to show just how exceptional the new KIA models are, providing clear direction of where the KIA brand is headed. We are near speechless at the level of progress the Kia brand has made in spite of the stiff competition.”

See why the judges were speechless with a test-drive of a new 2016 Optima or Sorento. At Jim Butler KIA, we know KIAs, and we’re ready to help you every step of the way in your KIA purchase journey. Call us today at 636-256-9600 or contact us online!

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