2017 KIA Sorento Earns Top Safety Pick Status From IIHS

The 2017 Kia Sorento has earned “Good” ratings in multiple crash tests and high scores for its optional front crash prevention system- earning itself a Top Safety Pick+ status from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The vehicle earned these ratings in the small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests.

The Sorento’s new automatic braking system passed with flying colors, avoiding collisions in the 12 mph and 25 mph tests and earning a “Superior” rating by the IIHS. This system meets the criteria of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Orth Hedrick of Kia Motors America stated “These results are a clear indication that Kia places a high priority on safety by offering advanced crash avoidance technologies and enhancing vehicle structure through the use of advanced high-steel strength. We are proud that the Sorento received strong ratings across the board, and having earned the prestigious TSP+ award bolsters our strong safety record and the integrity of our products.”

Kia Motors continues to remold the Sorento to be the best family crossover in the St. Louis car market. Stop by Jim Butler Kia in the meantime to check it out for yourself!

The All-New 2017 KIA Forte Is Coming Soon

The Forte family of compact cars has been hugely successful within the last couple of years, with the 2016 model being a top-rated small car in the J.D. Power IQS, and KIA plans to continue on that path with the all-new 2017 model. In 2015, the vehicle experienced best-ever sales and after a few refinements, the company is confident they’ll be seeing that all over again.

In addition to an updated exterior style, the Forte has also been given a new 2.0-liter Atkinson I-4 base engine, making it even more fuel-efficient and improving its performance. Advanced driver-assistance features have also been added- leading to an overall convenient driving experience for those behind the wheel.

To elaborate on the exterior updates, the Forte sports a new front bumper and “tiger-nose” grille. This grille connects to new headlights, which also have the option for Xenon HID lights. Now with a sleeker appearance, the Forte will be available in two designs- one focusing more on its sophisticated personality and the other bringing out a sporty and aggressive side of the vehicle. Redesigned taillights pull the entire look together.

The 2017 model is available in three trims- an entry-level LX, the new sporty S trim, and the EX, which is the top-trim option. The interior cloth upholstery of the LX has been upgraded and the S features an exclusive black cloth with white stitching. Heated front seats and leather upholstery comes standard with the new EX model, in addition to rear vents and push-button start with Smart Key.

As for the driver-assistance features, the Forte will include Autonomous Emergency Braking, a Forward Collision and Lane Departure warnings, Rear-Cross Traffic Alert and Blind Spot detection. Depending on the trim, this vehicle will also house Kia’s navigation and Drive Mode System.

The 2017 KIA Forte should be available at Jim Butler Kia in St. Louis, MO within the next few weeks...we’ll be sure to keep you updated! In the meantime, don’t hesitate to stop in or call us for any questions you may have!

KIA Motors Experiencing Even More Growth After 2016 J.D. Power IQS

 

Last month, KIA Motors was recognized by J.D. Power as the highest scoring nameplate of all 33 makes in the U.S in the 2016 Initial Quality Study. Following this feat, the company has experienced a 15.6 percent rise in sales in June in comparison to the same time period last year, hitting a total of 62,572 sold vehicles. This is the best quarter and half-year performances KIA Motors America (KMA) has seen in its history.

Chief operating officer and EVP of KIA Motors America stated “No auto brand experienced greater growth over the last 20 years than KIA, and J.D. Power’s IQS announcement boosted our momentum with huge increases in online and showroom traffic. By every measure, the ‘New KIA’ is an elite automaker and one of the industry’s greatest success stories.”

The vehicles that contributed to the 328,327 of year-to-date sales for KIA include:

• The Sportage compact CUV, "Highest Ranked Small SUV in Initial Quality"- which also experienced a 76.3 percent year-over-year increase in sales
• Forte compact family- which hit its all-time high of 10,406 units sold in just March
• The KIA Soul, "Highest Ranked Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle in Initial Quality, two years in a row"- still increasing in sales for the seventh year in a row

To check out any of these vehicles for yourself, visit us at Jim Butler KIA located in St. Louis, MO!



2017 KIA Sportage: The Perfect Car For Life In And Out Of The City

Looking for the perfect CUV for life both in and out of the city? The 2017 KIA Sportage is your answer. Designed with flexibility in mind, this vehicle is perfect for your activities around Downtown St. Louis and winery getaways in Augusta. Not to mention, the KIA Sportage is loaded with features to make every drive simple, fun and safe.

Advanced features of the 2017 KIA Sportage include fully active all-wheel drive, which enables the car to handle all kinds of driving conditions. Blind spot detection helps you keep track of other cars on the road and the lane departure warning system will give you a heads up when you may be veering into another lane. To keep you from backing into things, rear-cross traffic alert will let you know when cars are approaching behind you and the Rearview Camera will assist with parallel parking. 

Built with high-strength steel, the 2017 KIA Sportage provides a quiet ride and great handling. Inside, you will find an UVO system, which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The back provides an expanded cargo space for anything you may want to bring along on your travels.

The all-new KIA Sportage is the perfect fit for any driving experience. Make it yours today by visiting Jim Butler KIA in St. Louis, MO!