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!

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!