2018 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid: Value from The Most Innovative Engineering Around

If there is one thing that is true about our beloved brand, it is that we are very experienced in loading up large amounts of value and features into small places. That trend continues on all fronts with the 2018 Kia Niro PHEV: with the base LX trim level, you get 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, a 4.2-inch display in the gauge cluster, power adjustable driver's seat, as well as dual-zone automatic climate control. Within the base trim's infotainment system, you get a 7-inch touchscreen, equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability.

Moving up to the middle EX trim level provides heated side mirrors for cold St Louis mornings, cloth seats with leather inserts, heated front seats, and rear AC vents. For safety, there is blind spot monitoring, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert on deck. When customers come to talk to us here on the lot at Jim Butler Kia, safety is among their top concerns. We know what it's like to have a family or loved ones in tow, and the need to keep them safe at every single turn. Backing up out of a driveway sometimes takes place in a hurry, and it's so crucial to monitor every little bit of movement around you before you go to reverse.

At the top of the Niro's lineup is the EX Premium trim: it really doles out the extras with LED headlights, a 7-inch display for the gauge cluster, a 110-volt power inverter, leather seats with ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and an able-to-rock 8-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Safety features have seen the ante upped a bit, thanks to the addition of front and rear parking sensors, and the infotainment screen gets a few more navigation capabilities, as well as a screen with an extra inch in size.

No matter what trim you choose the powertrain remains the same on the Niro. A 1.6-liter, Atkinson-cycle 14 pairs impressively with an electric motor for an impressive output of 139 horsepower, and 195 lb-ft of torque. The battery provides the power for 26 mile of all-electric range, yielding a total range of around 550 miles. EPA ratings on mileage are 48 mpg in the city, and 44 on the highway. The good folks at Road Show blog were impressed this week with what the car offers for the price, and we know that you will be too. As far as getting around in the New World, the games have changed a bit, and sustainable energy has been a hot topic of concern. Check out just how much the new Niro has to offer, and get ready to make a difference for the environment with your New Year's vehicle selection. 

Kia's 'Stinger Salon' Exhibits Highlight High-octane Excitement and Luxury Factor

Everyone here at Jim Butler knew right away that the Kia Stinger was unique when it was first conceptualized. It possesses an amazing amount of style, yet still completely dominated at the legendary Nurburgring track, and numerous reviews have clued consumers into its powerful capabilities and prowess. As people scramble to get last-minute holiday gifts or get into somewhere warm for a little exercise, they'll be able to explore Stinger Salons that showcase the car's capability as a first class performance sedan. They are interactive exhibits that tell the story of the Stinger's history, from the days on the drawing board to its impressive performance on the track.

Once inside the salon, video displays and virtual reality are incorporated to explain performance features and the design of the new Stinger. The Hololens VR tool is the very first self-contained holographic computer, enabling the user to engage with digital content, and interact with realistic holograms in the settings around you. Specialized components like multiple sensors, advanced optics, and a custom holographic processing unit enable the user to truly “go beyond the screen”. This is the perfect way to showcase the luxury image that Kia is moving towards, and stimulate the senses of passing consumers who are in the market for a new vehicle.

The Stinger is a dream car in many ways: it has a faster top speed and zero to 60 time than the Porsche Panamera, and evokes stylish charm overwhelmingly at just a first glance. Whether you are a diehard auto enthusiast, or a passerby curious about all types of 2018 models, the salons will take visitors on a high-tech journey of discovery. The Stinger is a very special and unique offering, and we're positive that these Salons will leave shoppers educated on the finer points regarding the thrill of ownership. The first three salons are open at the Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, MD, Old Orchard Mall in Skokie, IL, and Westchester Mall in White Plains, New York. Early next year, more salons will pop up in Austin, TX, Buford, GA, Santa Clara, CA, and Irvine, CA.

The Safety Features on the Stinger are top notch: included are adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, rear-cross traffic alert, and driver attention assist. The exterior design was inspired by the GT Concept that debuted at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, and this is one incredibly eye-catching accomplishment. This is the car for the New Year that is going up against the likes of the BMW 4 Series, the Audi A5, Infiniti Q50, and the Jaguar XE. Buyers will have the choice of two engines: a 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder, or the more powerful 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6.  We would love a visit from you this holidays, our absolute favorite time of year: come pay us a visit here in St Louis, and see how fantastic Kia's newest fleet addition is! 

New Stinger is Auto123.com's Midsize Car of the Year

This past month in Toronto, the 2018 Auto123.com awards ceremony took place, with an expert panel consisting of five veteran contributors, experienced test drivers, and the chief writer on staff. They each cast their votes for the vehicles they thought were the most memorable of 2018, and only those sold before November 1^st were eligible for their consideration. Beating out the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord, The Kia Stinger took the honors in the midsize car category, generating, even more, excitement and recognition for the Kia brand. The rivals of the new Stinger are some of the most luxurious sedans in the world, and many have been amazed by its world-class powertrains, as well as its practicality.

Because of the presence of the hatchback in the rear, there is still an element of day-to-day usefulness, although the Stinger could also be at home on the most demanding racetracks, such as Germany's Nurburgring. Under the hood of the fastest Kia ever made is a powerful 3.3-L twin-turbo V6 engine, that delivers up to 365 Hp, 376 lb-ft of torque, and the delightful snarl once only found within cars of European origin. Every model comes with an all-wheel-drive system, that uses torque vectoring control to thoroughly modulate power transmitted to each wheel. Stopping duties are completed with very high-performance Brembo brakes, and it won't be too difficult to notice that this car was put to the test on a frozen lake in the Arctic circle for two months.

The fastback-styled trunk opens at the command of a remote, making way for ample cargo space, and solidifying the love for the Stinger among more than just the diehard racers who will find themselves behind the dash. The UVO Intelligence application allows the driver to use their smartphone to control vehicle-management, driver assist, and other remote functions. This is a no-subscription information system that enables you to make hands-free calls and complete other cool tasks like managing your entire music library. Navigation, diagnostics capabilities, and useful features like parking minder are all under the guise of this easy-to-use and revolutionary suite governed by a smartphone app.

Originally introduced as the Kia GT concept during the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, the car derived its beginnings as a study in design that previewed what a fastback sports sedan from Kia would look and drive like. 3 years later, the concept of the GT4 Stinger was pitched at the 2014 Detroit Auto show, and it was a bit of a smaller, rear-drive sports coupe. The base engine is a 2.0-liter turbo four with 255 hp and 260-Lb-ft of torque, and the upper-level choice is a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V-6 with 365 Hp, and 376 Lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired to an automatic 8-speed transmission, and we invite you to pay us a holiday visit here at Jim Butler. While you're here, we will show you how the Stinger will wow everyone during the coming year, with more features for the money compared to the heavy hitting BMW 4-series, as well as the Audi A5 Sportback! 

2018 Niro Plug-in Hybrid Crossover Debuts at Los Angeles Auto Show

As innovation, artificial intelligence, and many other facets of car technology evolve at a breakneck pace, hybrids and electric cars have really moved from the background to a front-and-center position on the stage. The 2018 Niro Plug-in Hybrid is Kia's third plug-in model, and was on display last week at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It offers up the same crossover functions and fun driving experience as previous models, along with an estimated 26 miles of all-electric range. As consumers are becoming more and more aware of the perils that the planet faces in terms of green energy and consumption, some are now leaning towards electric power for their vehicle choice. This is a startlingly efficient new vehicle that takes massive strides in helping drivers consumer less gasoline, and while in all-electric mode, produces zero emissions.

Here in St Louis and in other large cities across the nation where emissions have been under close scrutiny for decades now, a car with zero emissions has been coveted for quite some time. The rating of the total driving range is 560 miles, and the offering of extreme versatility in driving experience is going to be a major selling point. With the Niro Plug-in Hybrid, you are tapping into the potential to have it all: pure EV driving on the daily, as well as the ability to take long road trips. This is the vehicle that heftily represents the next step to nearly tripling the brand's global selection of alternative vehicles within the next three years, including the Niro, Optima Hybrid, Optima PHEV, and the Soul EV.

The Niro matches up an all-aluminum and efficient 1.6-liter gasoline direct injection 4-cylinder engine with an 8.9 kWh lithium polymer battery pack. Along with a powerful 60-HP electric motor, this is the perfect formula for driving range under the guise of electric power, as well as optimum fuel efficiency. Increased high-voltage battery capacity and output are two key ingredients that have helped the Niro Plug-in Hybrid have a very efficient, low emissions crossover, while successfully touting a 105 MPG rating. The single battery charging port is located in the driver's front side fender, and a full charge is complete in around 2.5 hours with a Level 2 charger, or in just under 9 hours via a Level 1 charger.

The very lightweight structure of the Niro Plug-in utilizes over 50 percent Advanced High Strength Steel. The structure is improved greatly by the use of hot-stamped steel components, and the car has been heavily targeted to earn top honors from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The new Niro PHEV seats five, and you can ask us here on the lot at Jim Butler how the different trim levels improve your experience: LX, EX, and Premium are the slated options. You'll enjoy driver assistance technologies such as blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, lane change assist, front and rear parking sensors, smart cruise control, and forward collision warning to assure your drive is the absolute safest it can be.

With UVO eco, you can remotely monitor and charge your battery, setup and alter the schedule, preset temperature, turn on features like window defrosters, heat the steering wheel, and lock or unlock the doors to get ready to roll. If you're parked at a large event or something unfortunate happens, you can also see where the vehicle is from a smartphone or other web-enabled device. Take a close look at what the new Niro Plug-in could do for your daily driving routine, and marvel at the fact that our entire ability to protect the environment will be drastically improved during the days to come. 

2019 Kia Sorento First Look: Utility and Rugged Good Looks Live On

We are excitedly situated in one of the most action-packed times of year as a car dealer: not only has the 2018 lineup been completely announced and for the most part arrived, but glimpses of an exciting future are also on hand. The 2017 Sorento truly tried to up the ante and dominate two markets with one vehicle, and many consumers loved the avid 5-seater right off the bat. This year, the top-of-the-line SXL was just a V-6 item, all SXL versions were equipped with HID headlights, as well as a 360-degree camera system. Adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and an electric parking brake were included within the SXL level to boot.

Car and Driver were impressed with the engineering that resulted in less exterior noise, and pointed out that it was an impressive seven decibels quieter than the Audi Q7 during idle. The 2019 Sorento is slated to be available in front or all-wheel drive configurations, and on limited models, comes standard with seating room for seven. Another great new feature is two-way Lumbar support for the front passenger, one of the top features recommended by chiropractors for better posture. Nappa leather upholstery in Mahogany or Terracotta two-tone schemes is a noticeable upgrade as well, and the car is available in front or rear-wheel configurations.

The large difference under the hood is the addition of updated transmissions: a six-speed automatic accompanies the base 185-hp 2.4-liter model, and the 290-hp 3.3-liter V-6 is paired with the 8-speed automatic transmission found in the Cadenza full-size sedan. The new Harman Kardon premium surround sound system will noticeably enhance your audio experience; this is one brand of equipment that always dazzles us as far as sound dimensions are concerned. There are new lighting patterns on the taillights, and the ice cube LED foglights have been trimmed down a bit, with a good aesthetic result. The 2019 Sorento gets an infotainment system that is updated with Apple CarPlay + Android Auto capability, and there is a 7-inch touchscreen even on the base trim level.

Safety is the category that many customers come to us and rave about how satisfied they are with Kia, purchase after purchase. All 2019 Sorentos with EX trim or higher will include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. All-wheel drive models will still come with a 4-wheel lock mode, which splits power evenly from front to rear, and employs torque vectoring to help minimize understeer.

So many potential buyers come to us on the lot and ask just why the Sorento is better than the Chevy Traverse. Sure, they both have size: we love how this is not a tiny SUV that could be tipped under pressure like a flimsy matchbox. Come down and give the Sorento a test drive: when you experience the agile response, perfectly grippy handling, and safety features on board, you'll be ready to succumb to the anticipation of the 2019 wait list!

Performance-Focused Post-Holiday Fever: 2018 Stinger Pricing Announced

The 2018 Kia Stinger is bound to turn heads within the auto market for many reasons: it's the first true sports coupe from the brand, and offers up well-thought and class-leading design. The power you have access to is obtained at a reasonable price, and it has risen to the challenge of competing with luxury sport sedans substantially. The car is a prime example of the brand we love to represent's commitment to surpassing expectations in every aspect. Drivers are really going to notice how this is still very much a traditional Kia, but the performance and handling ante has been upped noticeably.

A few days ago in Irvine, CA, Kia announced the pricing stats for this highly anticipated urban or otherwise commuter's dream. Here's the general scheme of how it will all be rolled out:

-Stinger begins at $31,900

-Stinger Premium begins at $37,100

-GT begins at $38,350

-GT1 begins at $43,250

-GT2 begins at $49,200

-All-wheel drive: $2,200

-Destination $900

Developed on the famed hairpin turns of Nurburgring and designed in Frankfurt, the Stinger is offered with multiple drivetrain and engine options, and doesn't skimp on luxury to deliver grade A performance. All Stingers come standard with a beautiful leather interior, and you can ask us on the lot here at Jim Butler how you can upgrade to the lavish and amazingly soft Nappa leather for even more comfort. The steering wheel is hand-stitched with multi-function leather, housing paddle shifters front and center of the driver. Every Stinger is available with a large-color TFT instrument cluster, and there's even a track timer here for any instances where you may be living out your speed-driven dreams with friendly competition!

If you are summoned to take the sales presentation on the road, are traveling for the holidays, or going to see all of the great things Missouri has to offer on the weekends, you'll be happy with the 23.3 cubic. -ft of cargo space, that can be accessed with the power liftgate, and even has the futuristic and ultra-useful Smart Trunk Functionality. The base Stinger and Premium trims provide a 2.0- liter twin-scroll, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, and it provides 255 hp, as well as 260 lb. -ft of torque. Buying your way shrewdly into the GT namesake offers you up a more powerful 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6, which cranks out 365 hp, and 376 lb. - ft. of torque. These are both matched to an 8-speed, rear-drive automatic transmission, and for some in St. Louis and locations further north of here, all-wheel drive is available to conquer inclement weather on all trim levels of the Stinger.

To enhance the driving experience in the revolutionary and game-changing Stinger, there are Multiple Advance Driver Assistance Systems that all work together. Driver Attention Warning, Forward Collision Avoidance with pedestrian detection, Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go, and Lane Keeping Assist are just some of the features that will keep you safe at all times, and optimize every mile marker of your journey. The base audio system for the 2.0-liter turbo features a 7-inch touchscreen and six speakers, as well as Kia's award-winning telematics and UVO. Voice-guided maps, navigation, hands-free calls, and texts, and voice recognition are all features that you can enjoy via this technology.

With the holidays right around the corner and the promise of exciting New Year's happenings to boot, now would be a great time to check out the world's finest performance sedan, and treat yourself to an example of the finest in elevated action-driving authenticity!

2018 Kia Soul + Sportage Receive Highest Safety Props For the Year From IIHS

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has awarded its most prestigious rating to two of our favorite vehicles: The 2018 Kia Soul, when equipped with high-intensity discharge headlights, and the 2018 Kia Sportage, when equipped with new HID headlights. For the Soul, the needed feature is available on the Primo Lit Package, and the SX Turbo trim is what is needed for the Sportage. To qualify for this honor, the testing procedures require that a vehicle earn “Good” ratings in five crashworthiness tests: these are small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side impact, roof strength, and head restraints. There also needs to be an “advanced” or “superior” rating for front crash prevention, as well as “acceptable” or “good” rating in headlight testing and performance.

All of us here in sales and service at Jim Butler Kia are also happy to see four other Kia vehicles receive the TSP+ rating from the IIHS: the Forte, Optima, Cadenza, and Sorento are all other proud recipients of honors. What the IIHS focuses on is how well a vehicle protects its occupants during a crash, and crash avoidance: the technology that can be used to prevent a crash or lessen the severity of the impact. This can all be very useful information when shopping for a new car, as your family and any other passengers with you will want to know that they are constantly safe. Many buyers we talk to use this data in conjunction with Consumer Reports, to assure that they are looking at a car that can keep them safe and well-repaired in the long run.

This is the Soul's fifth model year, and it is known for its fun and outside-of-the-box approach to getting around every day. The 2018 model sees the addition of the innovative infotainment system to the Base Convenience Package, and the Soul Plus as now standard equipment. Ask us about the Soul Plus Primo Package, which now adds Smart Cruise Control and Autonomous Emergency Braking. One of the deciding factors on the IIHS rating, the Soul Plus Primo “Lit” Package includes HID headlights and LED positioning lights to enhance driving on the road at any hour.

The Kia Sportage was just introduced last year, and offers advanced technology and varied options across three trim levels: LX, EX, and SX – while offering customers a prime choice in the subcompact utility category. Every trim level is available with optional Dynamax full-scale all-wheel drive, and the SX level adds an electronic parking brake. We are especially proud of the premium craftsmanship in every detail, and you'll love the upgraded seats that have scientifically calibrated touch points. Truly built for adventure, the Sportage stands out with its coupe-like roof, extended wheelbase, and satin silver touches. Getting away to the lake for the weekend or just the movie theater with the entire family for the day is a snap with the Sportage, and any professional or growing family will fall in love with its luxurious and sophisticated vibe. 

Widebody Touring-Inspired Custom Stinger To Be on Display at SEMA

A wider version of the powerful and notorious Stinger was shown in public last week, and has already generated a large amount of excitement here at Jim Butler: its 2.0-liter l4 will crank out 255 horsepower, and 260 lb-ft of torque, enough to reach the 60 mph jolt in less than 6 seconds. This souped-up version gets an assortment of new high-performance enhancements: the nicely widened body, lowered front and rear suspension, gloss black front grille, carbon fiber aero kit, 21-inch forged wheels, wider-body fender flares, rear diffuser, and squared-off exhaust tips.

This is Kia's first true GT offering, and we could not be more excited about how it is inspired by the grand touring cars of the 1960's and 70's. It was designed in Frankfurt, and developed on the Nurburgring circuit. There will be a choice of two engines: a base 2.0-liter turbocharged four that generates 255 horsepower, as well as a GT version with a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6, generating 365 horse. There is a choice of rear and all-wheel drive configurations, with standard Nappa leather interior, and an ample amount of space for any passengers that want to join you.

A few more features in the cockpit are also slated for upgrade, and you're going to fully enjoy the sensation you get from blasting around with a power sunroof, navigation, and a 720-watt, 15-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. Come down and ask us how you can add all-wheel drive to any of the trim types, and be fully amazed by the first performance vehicle this brand created. Rear-wheel drive models come standard with a mechanical-limited slip differential, while all-wheel drive cars rely on a torque vectoring control. This method has been proven over the long run to allow for much better grip on the road, for more accurate handling and launch.

When you indulge yourself with a test drive of the new Stinger, you'll be driving the first Kia ever to feature an adaptive suspension system. An onboard system is used to control the vertical movement of the wheels. In a passive suspension system, the movement is governed entirely by the surface of the road. These amazing technologies allow car manufacturers to achieve a much greater degree of ride quality and car handling, because the tires stay perpendicular to the road in corners, which ultimately results in the best control. There's gonna be plenty of reasons for any speed-hungry corner-handler to opt for the V6, but they both are going to have plenty of punch: The 2018 Stinger GT is bound to etch a permanent mark in our beloved brand's existence. 

Kia's Plan for All-electric SUV's Next Year Begins with the Niro

Every manufacturer in the game has dealt with the demand for electric a bit differently. We are going to be excited to watch how our beloved brand will shape itself during the days to come for demand in the St Louis area, as many will be lured by the potential of completely ditching stops at the gas pump. Kia's version will reportedly be equipped with a 50 kW battery pack, which could bring overall range close to 200 miles with a single charge. Overall production numbers are said to be around 21,000 for the Niro EV, a modest release to test the very futuristic waters with.

The Niro EV is slated to use the same electric motor as the Hyundai IONIQ electric, and a 28 kWh lithium-ion battery. The plug-in uses a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder paired to a permanent-magnet AC electric generator, and the model has been altered quite a bit over the last year. Despite a slower-than-expected start, the idea of plug-in cars is gaining momentum within the North American market segment. According to a survey during 2017 by AAA, the interest that shoppers have in electric cars is now nearly tied to the number of those interested in pickup trucks. 15 percent of those surveyed expressed interest in an electric car, and 16 percent had the desire to purchase a pickup.

The launch of the 238-mile Chevy Bolt EV admittedly had quite a tangible impact on the entire electric market, as competitors such as Hyundai and Kia observed from a distance the good and not-so-good aspects of electric cars in general. The efficiency of the batteries themselves is what is going to really change the face of the entire industry, and when this factor collides in a positive way with lower pricing, many consumers will express interest that may have not before. Even though electric cars have not quite disrupted the market in the way that some predicted they would, many think that the severe “bolt” (tiny pun intended) that shakes everything up may be about two years down the road.

Fans of NASCAR are always going to want to hear the roar of “real engines”, and we also wholeheartedly agree that pickup truck owners are another demographic that will in no way be won over easily. There are tons of benefits of a gas-powered auto, but many have been buying into the hybrid game as well, with crossover SUV's exploding in popularity over the last three years. Some experts say it's not a matter of if, but when, diehards that would never want an electric car will suddenly change their mind. As our world changes drastically every day, drivers are going to be looking for ways to make sure they are benefiting the planet, and not continuing to drain resources at an alarming rate. Kia promises to be front and center on electric developments, and the next few years are going to set the stage for a vital and flourishing future.

Kia Niro Tops Consumer Reports Latest Car Reliability Ratings for 2017

The sales and service staff here at Jim Butler are once again excited about a Consumer Reports survey, and the results proving how Kia is a superior force in the longevity and reliability game. Some of the predominant findings from this year are about newly redesigned models in general: they are likely to have less reliable engines, jerky transmissions, or high-tech features that may completely fail. Passengers love their infotainment systems: they are the entertainment vehicle that keeps them ultimately entertained while they cruise to their next destination. But this year's results showed that on re-designed vehicles, people actually reported twice as many problems on Infotainment systems.

Cars such as the Subaru Impreza showed below-average reliability, with issues such as in-car electronics. Sometimes the rearview camera did not work properly, and the phone tended to suddenly pair without warning. GMC's Acadia sometimes produced blank screens, and in in-dash navigation system that is known for sudden malfunction. The Chevy Cruze was redesigned for the 2016 and 2017 model years, and suffered problems within the power equipment, engine, and transmission in terms of reliability.

The 2017 Kia Niro was the one that scored highest in reliability, a benchmark achievement for one of our absolute favorite vehicles. Billed as an “un-hybrid”, the Niro is a very successful combination of a hybrid powertrain, with a subcompact crossover for the best of many various uses. The interior is plenty roomy, with an elevated seating position for easy entry/exit, and a clear view of the road directly ahead of you. Fuel economy is rated at 52 MPG for the city, which immediately lures many to line up to purchase one. Blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning are some of the available safety tech devices on board, that will assure for you a safe trip under any circumstances.

12 years after Ford added electric assist options to its Escape, a hybridized, small utility vehicle finally gets to show its true potential with the Niro. We are adamant about just how great this vehicle is for the price, as it is much cheaper than the Nissan Rogue, and the 32-mpg RAV4 hybrids by several thousand dollars. The hybrid powertrain technology basically behaves quite similarly to a conventional gasoline-only vehicle, and rewards the buyer with high efficiency. You can fit 6 carry-on suitcases behind the rear seat, and the traditionally sharp design elements of Kia will win you over with a new Niro. It's always refreshing to see compact hybrids deliver to the max with your money's worth: ranking high on Consumer Reports is a lofty feat to be reckoned with! 

Penchant For Problem-free Ownership: Kia is Ranked Most Dependable by J.D. Power Survey

Customers who have a desire to own the very best in premium vehicles are in a distinct and knowledgeable group of their own: they also have higher loyalty than volume-brand buyers. Many customers who seek us out at Jim Butler Kia also are the type who put a very high importance on a vehicle owning experience that is problem-free. Now in its third year, the J.D. Power U.K. Vehicle Dependency Study measures problems experienced during the first year of ownership, looking at 177 problems across 8 different categories.

More than 12,000 owners of new vehicles registered from February 2014 through April 2016 were the base of information for these findings. Some of the categories looked at are vehicle exterior, driving experience, features/controls/displays, audio/communication /entertainment/navigation, seats, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, vehicle interior, and transmission. The finished ranking of overall dependency is determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles, with a lower number ultimately being better.

Kia and Volvo actually tied for No. 1 in vehicle dependability among every single brand, with a score of 83 PP100. Among these premium owners that have experienced nearly no problems with their vehicle, 58% say they definitely will have a lease or purchase the same brand of car again. Once an owner experiences one or more problems, that number declines to 48%. One of the reasons why we are so proud to stand behind Kia here at Jim Butler is the brand's amazing lack of design problems, and the fact that this really stands true in the long run. When a customer has an appointment for service, a design problem is sometimes not an easy fix, and if the owner has to live with said problem for the entire life span of the vehicle, they are not likely to ever go near the same brand in the future.

Surveys and reports such as this have also cited just how important customers find fuel efficiency: it is cited more than any other reason, and is the category of lowest satisfaction among those who own premium cars. Excellent and feature-filled models such as the Soul, Rondo, Optima, and Sportage are some of the highest-ranked vehicles that exist. Ranked 3 out of 19 Midsize SUV's the 2018 Kia Sorento is a wildly comfortable, top-safety scoring, and luxurious upscale ride.Car and Driver states that “transitional stability is what really sells the Stinger GT's handling credentials”, and that it's “everything you'd want in a GT car”.

If it's the Soul that ultimately moves you, come down to the lot and check out its 16-inch alloy wheels, UVO3 interface, six-speaker audio system, and Bluetooth capabilities. This is a cabin that stays very quiet on the highway, and a vehicle that was given a five-star overall safety score from the NHTSA. When equipped with the Primo package, the mid-grade Soul Plus offers up adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning for quick avoidance of dangerous scenarios. 

Subcompact Sedan and Hatchback Currently Hailed: The 2018 Kia Rio Close-up + Pricing

One of the spookiest and most fun seasons is upon us at Jim Butler Kia in St Louis: we love when ghouls and ghosts rule the land, and some of the best fall-themed events in the nation take place right here in our metro. The Rizzuto Show Eat & Treat are some great family-friendly events that will take place at the Chesterfield Amphitheater, and give everyone in your troop an awesome opportunity to “get their spook on” At the Eat & Treat there will be local area food trucks sponsored by the St. Louis Food Truck Association and treats for the kids including activities, free Halloween bags, trick-or-treating and more! 

Kia customers have been mega-impressed with the very eye-catching European-inspired design, great performance stats, and low starting prices of stand-out models as of late. The Rio is a feature-rich subcompact sedan and hatchback that is a great choice for buyers looking for an entry-level vehicle, that still has higher-than average tech and handling aptitude standards in mind. Car And Driver stated that the Rio's high level of ambition for its pricing point was excellent, and that it has “a style all its own”. This was the brand we love to represent's best-selling car globally during 2017, claiming nearly 450,000 units accounted for and off the floor.

The well-seasoned team from Car And Driver took the Rio for a test drive on the brick-paved streets of Baltimore's Fells Point Neighborhood, and were very impressed with the level of abuse it took while handling numerous turns and other trials. After taking a close look at the market trends and what American consumers had on their priority list, Kia went straight for the punch, and offered a very able vehicle at a very low price. LX trim levels begin at $13,900 on the sedan and $14,200 for the 5-door, S trim levels begin at $16,100 for the sedan, and $16,400 for the 5-door, and the EX trim begins at $18,400 for the sedan, and $18,700 for the 5-door.

The fourth-generation Rio available during the coming year has significant improvement over its predecessor in passenger comfort, technology options, and overall design elements. Raising the bar in the small-car segment is what customers are looking for as many become more value-conscious: the bottom line is more important than ever when It comes to a new car transaction. Safety features such as rear-view camera system, and audio devices like a six-speaker stereo with satellite radio are what is offered on the tech side of things, while the EX trim level provides sheer upper-end gadgetry for fans of the best in automotive existence.

Come check these high-octane yet practical vehicles out during the coming fall season, and see how this upper-level trim experience provides you a 7-inch floating touchscreen interface, UVO3 voice recognition infotainment system, and Apple CarPlay capabilities. The vehicle choice for you could be the one that has a 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: make us a stop along your fall sightseeing itinerary, and take in just how spectacular the Rio's vibe and veracity is!

2018 Kia Stinger: Pricing Plans and the Promise of Fully-Loaded Potential

With the advent and current release of the 2018 Stinger, Kia proved that they can absolutely craft a credible and thrilling-to-drive performance sedan. Many had been wondering about pricing for quite some time, as the reports were flowing in rapidly regarding how awesome the test drives were, and now there is a bit more clarity about how much it will cost to add one to your garage. The pricing on the 2018 Kia Stinger will begin at around $32,795, and that is with the 255-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. At this point, opting for all-wheel drive will add around $2,200, allowing you to embark on your journey a little easier during the winter slush and snow that can be common in St Louis.

If you have been greatly impressed by the buzz about the Stinger, you may already be clued in to how much more you can get out of the vehicle by opting for the premium package. Here you are able to pull off the lot with LED lights, a sunroof, power seats, navigation, and a stealth upgrade in sound system for around a grand total of $38,000. Everyone here at Jim Butler is excited about the arrival of the Stinger GT. With it, you get a 3.3-liter twin-turbo 365-hp V-6 engine, and the potential to unleash an abundance of tight turns and plenty of off-the-line luster. A fully loaded Stinger GT does run about $50,000, but keep in mind you are positioning yourself in a vehicle that Maxim Magazine bills as a “drool-worthy rocket”.

The Stinger gets on up to 60 MPG in 4.7 seconds, and has a top speed of 167 MPH. This is even quicker than a Porsche Panamera V6, and the result of really yearning for a “dream car” after years of very hard work and commitment. Executives, expert engineers, and very seasoned designers all came together to make this vision a reality, and bring the car to full and roaring life after concept years. Within the upper-level trim package, you get comforts such as a 16-way power driver's seat with head-up display, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control standard.

All models have rear wheel drive, and an 8-speed automatic transmission, with five various shift and throttle programs, as well as manual control. The esteemed auto blog Jalopnik raves “Good Work” regarding the Stinger. Motor Trend was very wowed about the fact that, if you don't require all-wheel drive, the Stinger is around $10,000 cheaper than the Audi A5 Sportback, a highly-sought-after sedan in the upper end of pricing points.

We all know just how big of a fuss the Dodge Charger created during its successful run, and just how many people the platform won over. The interior of the Stinger is much nicer, and we know that you're going to be converted quickly: as soon as January rolls around, get ready to enjoy the fruits of many full days and nights of research and design: this is an all ways a sedan that delivers track-style thrills and long-standing practicality.

Updated Kia Sorento Rumored to be Making Rounds in Frankfurt

While many who were avidly watching the beloved and award-winning brand we love to support so much unveil the Kia Proceed concept, the wraps were also taken off an updated version of the Sorento Crossover SUV at Frankfurt's annual auto show. Notable differences were a refreshed exterior with new front and rear fascias, a heavily updated grille, revised headlights and taillights, and several upgrades to the interior. A brand-new steering wheel design, as well as a revised climate-control screen are present, along with an updated 8-speed automatic transmission, adding two gears to the previously existing 6.

Kia did not confirm right away exactly when the updated Sorento will hit the American market, but we do suspect that the U.S. Model will also have additional safety features on top of the other additives for the 2019 model year. If you've been spending a bit too much time for the day behind the wheel, you will also be happy to put the driver-drowsiness monitor on board to use. There are many times after a long haul that you have to call it quits on your supposed strong endurance, and pull over to safety where there's a place for you to get the rest you need to function well!

185 horsepower is the four-cylinder standard, with the availability of a 240-hp turbo 4 and 290-hp V-6 as options with a bit more to offer when hurrying off the line. All-drive models of the Sorento can tow up to 5,000 lbs, and will not leave you hanging when heavy-duty pull strength is your premium need. We expect that the LX will still be a trim option that adds third-row seating for the comfortable addition of more passengers for your journeys.

On the current 2017 model, the addition of the LX Convenience package adds an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, heated front seats, automatic headlamps, and a driver's seat that is equipped with a useful memory feature: who doesn't love getting into a car that “remembers” the settings for the longest (or shortest) legged family member at the helm?

Last year's model showed consumers just how great it was to engage in a V-6 driven environment, while the SXL versions are equipped with HID headlights, a 360-degree camera system, and adaptive cruise control to help on the drives that lean towards the longer side of things. The automated emergency braking system that was new last year was bundled into the Advanced Technology package in the LX and SX, as well as the Advanced Touring package in the EX. 

One of the things that we noticed most about the Sorento was the exterior noise level: it was seven decibels quieter than the new 2017 Audi Q7 during idling, and we know that lack of noise is a huge deciding factor among those looking for a quiet commuter. Come see us at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis soon, and feast your eyes on the mid-size crossover that Car and Driver adamantly claims “needs to be on your shortlist”.

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!