2019 Kia Niro Crossover Deemed the “Favorite Electric Family Car” by Driving Electric

What consumers think of a vehicle is about the most important type of review that anyone could glean: some of the most honest opinions are always going to come from those who did not have a stake in the vehicle's existence. We were happy to see the review from Driving Electric for the upcoming 2019 Kia Niro, and them doing the duty of weighing in on a lengthy test drive. Review expert Vicky Parrot claims that this particular crossover is one of the few that will work to truly ramp up EV adoption for the masses, as a major international shift takes place towards all-electric power.

The Niro's comfort, level of practicality, predictability, acceleration qualities and range factor were all of the elements that easily sold her on the car. Many buyers right here in St Louis and nationwide are on the hunt for a car that you can claim feels “normal” while going about your daily business yet is such a positive contributing factor to making our world a more Eco-conscious place. The reason she billed it as “the best electric family car going” is that it is generally easy to live with, comfortable, and offers the length of range that does not leave the owner over-anxious about range. When you combine all that with the fact that Kia's seven-year 100,000-mile warranty is also the solid foundation of longevity, the price appears beyond reasonable.

The tech-savvy team from the Road Show blog drove the Niro from Namyang to Seosan, Korea during their extended test, and immediately took note of how handy the different driving modes were. Eco, Normal, and Sport are constantly on hand to adjust the never-ending need for balance between performance and range. Right off the bat, the acceleration was much better than they expected, as the 291 lb-ft of torque was an excellent source during driving in the preferred Sport mode setting. Eco and Normal will absolutely add a few more kilometers to the estimated range, but it was well-understood that Sport was where the purest punch-off-the-line factor lied.

The Power Assist feature makes for a lighter-than-average steering feel, which is great for an overall fatigue-free commute. The Niro is a bit more weighty than one might expect for an electric car, and this makes for firmly planted sense and being able to grip without the expected body roll of some. After a 63-mile drive, the battery still held a 77-percent charge, a testament to just how much confidence you can drive with while simply opting to power up during any evening's time. We recognize that there are many among us who are a bit leery of the day when gas stations may begin to disappear in exchange for charging locations, and that there is a still a bit of a way to progress before the most major of changes becomes imminent. In the meantime, the Niro is one of the vehicles that is bridging the gap to massive sustainability, and making a statement for appreciation of the Earth's eye on residing resources!

Road Show Blog Gladly Takes 2019 Kia Forte on an L.A. To San Fran Spin

Citing the new Kia Forte as “more competitive than ever” for 2019, small yet spacious was the name of the game when the Forte was conceptualized and brought to life. Boasting high fuel efficiency and a redesign, the road testing crew from Cnet recently took it on a jaunt from LA to San Francisco. This is one route that is particularly demanding, and has a very high amount of stop and go terrain, where the comfortable driver's seat and quiet cabin provided an environment that had no trouble in “piling on the miles.” The power is derived from a 2.0-liter, naturally-aspirated I4 engine, making 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, which is average in this class of compact sedans.

Because of the well-tuned and continuously variable transmission, the Forte is able to dart up an on ramp or pass satisfactorily, and the Forte EX is rated by the EPA at 30 miles per gallon city, and 40 mpg highway. The FE is the more efficient version, and there is nothing in existence as capable unless you go with a hybrid. Driver assistance is one of the elements that makes the Forte a great choice for long trips: Collision-mitigation braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are on board to protect the driver and passengers constantly, and assure that your destination is reached with ease. Collision-mitigation braking is one of our favorites: it uses amazing technology to detect any possibility of a front collision and sends various warnings to the driver to apply the brakes.

With a couple design cues taken from the Kia Stinger, writer Manuel Carrillo thought that the third-generation Forte is the best-looking one yet, and appreciated the unique accent that the LED taillights connected by a reflective-lens trim piece adds to the mix. In the center stack, you find the 8-inch touchscreen which houses the UVO infotainment system, with the ability to run both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Rear seats measure in at 37.5 and 35.7 inches of head- and legroom, offering up more than the Civic Sedan's rear headroom, and .2 cubic feet more than the popular midsize Toyota Camry.

It was agreed here that the EX trim is where the best in specs and features abound: this is the level in which you enjoy 17-inch wheels, keyless entry with push-button start, dual-zone climate control, a power driver's seat, leatherette upholstery, and ventilated as well as heated front seats. Ask us here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis about the EX Launch Edition package: it ups the stakes drastically in the interior with Fire Orange paint, LED headlights, a rear spoiler, and a graphite finish to deck out the 17-inch wheels. You get the added benefits of embedded navigation, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, wireless phone charger, adaptive cruise control, rear parking sensors, automatic high beams, and a TFT instrument cluster display situated at a now-enlarged 4.2 inches.

Visually enticing, fun-to-drive, and economical, the Forte is a car that prides itself on the value it provides: holding the title ferociously as one of the best bangs for your buck in the compact space, it is a testament to everything engineers have been striving to develop for the last few decades. You can run with a muscular sports car, very large SUV with low mileage, or find your own “sweet spot” in the automotive realm somewhere in between: The Forte is the ultimate choice for those seeking a refined daily driver and option with the newest tech: entry-level options absolutely possess a resonance of true quality, and this is a vehicle that will meet your needs with cheerful and very current breed of appeal!

Consumer Guide Automotive Names Both Kia Rio and Soul “Best Buy Winners”

As the scurrying around getting last minute gifts, sending cards, and sometimes firing up snowblowers has occupied the time of many this holiday season, some St Louis residents are also wondering which subcompact vehicle could be the right one to be idling under their tree! Both the Kia Rio and Soul have been named 2019 Consumer Guide Automotive Best Buy Award winners, once again demonstrating the brand's ability to construct vehicles with high value. Tom Appel, Publisher of Consumer Guide Automotive, claimed that the Kia Soul earned best buy honors primarily for its excellent passenger and cargo accommodations, and its value pricing.

He also claimed that the Kia Rio earned Best Buy honors for its excellent value and amazing refinement for the price. He also added confidently that the “Rio is one of the best-riding and quietest vehicles in its class,” a very noticeable quality for anyone who logs a more-than-average amount of miles on their vehicle. Consumer Guide editors log more than 100,000 miles every year evaluating vehicles, and use objective criteria such as price, features, performance, accommodations, fuel economy, reliability records, and resale value during their assessments.

Decked out with what Car and Driver deemed as “purposeful polish,” the Rio is best-equipped with the Launch Edition Package: it adds flashy red accents to the seats and dashboard, where a large 7.0-inch touchscreen is located in the center stack. The EX model is the trim with which you receive emergency braking, a life-saving and high-tech safety feature found on only a select few subcompacts. The Rio nailed down an impressive 39 mpg in the 75 mph fuel economy test, just one reason why so many urban commuters will find instant favor with it. Ask us to check out the mid-level Rio S: it offers a backup camera, keyless entry, cruise control, and Bluetooth!

The 2019 Kia Soul is just what anyone would think of when “expressive styling” comes to mind, and the high-tech features included are another abundance of appeal. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and LED interior lighting that pulses along with your music selection are all fine points. Its body provides a spacious passenger compartment, with a large amount of glass and a high seating position offering a situated and commanding view of the road. The Car and Driver staff really appreciated the power gleaned from the turbocharged engine, quick-shifting seven-speed automatic, and overall sense of refined ride. In a 200-mile highway fuel economy test, the Soul rang in at 30 mpg. Ranked wonderfully for its interior, infotainment, and cargo, this is one present that would look more-than-perfect under the mistletoe, pine tree, or any other festive fixture this holiday season!

Times Live declares Sportage SUV as “Striking and Exclusively Equipped”

This past week in the Times Live, the caption directly underneath the first photo of the 2019 Sportage reads “looking good, there, Tiger!” All of us here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis have no choice but to agree and we are excited about the Sportage's 25^th year in existence. This was the vehicle that cemented Kia's arrival with scores of serious SUV buyers and established a firm sense of loyalty and longevity.

Regarding the new model, South African writer Phuti Mpyane spent half an exhilarating day huffing and puffing up and down Western Cape roads and was delighted with its performance. Standard on the SA version is automatic headlamp control, LED daytime running lights, electric side mirrors with integrated indicator lamps, a center console armrest with integrated storage box, Bluetooth connectivity, six-speaker sound system, front and rear electric windows, leather-wrapped steering wheel with remote controls, and ultra-cool 16-inch alloy wheels with 215/70 R16 rubber.

The CRDI was given high amount of props for its power, and the powertrain choice is available with the Ignite plus specification, adding auto-folding side mirrors an electro chromatic rear-view mirror, front fog lamps, and 17-inch wheels with 225/60 R17 rubber. The front bumper is completely re-designed, sporting larger air-ducts around a revised tiger nose grille. Rear styling is dominated by a new connecting strip between the tail light clusters, and adding to the visual enhancement is a selection of cool new paint choices, as well as brand-new alloy wheel designs in 16, 17, or 19-inch sizes.

The Sportage is the vehicle that U.S. News and World Report also ranked as having a “spacious, upscale cabin, very smooth ride, and agile handling.” As the holidays are upon us and we know how important the value factor is for so many different families, this was an SUV that was manufactured with those looking for a “bang for the buck” factor without a doubt. We feel that it is the superior choice when put to the test up against the Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson, and Toyota RAV4. Standard features now included a rearview camera, six-speaker audio system, satellite radio, Bluetooth, a USB port, and 5-inch touchscreen.

Of all the extra available features that one could ever ask for, the Harman Kardon audio system is one of the coolest and most characteristic: you will notice a definite change in distinction and decibel amount when you are happily bumping your tunes!! Another quality we really stand behind our beloved Sportage for is handling any imperfections in the road with ease. The Sportage touts a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, making it one of the most beneficial in its class: come test drive a Sportage and find the right trim and Santa setup for you!!

2019 Kia K900 Described like “A Day of Pampering at the Spa” During Automobile Test Drive

Luxury sedans are one of those items that it can be easy to swoon over during the holidays. Graduations are coming up in the spring, those who have tied the knot are celebrating, and consumers whose needs are shifting towards a different style are all candidates for an amazing new vehicle. This past week, Automobile blog ran a great piece on how the K900 has improved over last year's model, as the finish and features immediately won seasoned car writer Eleanor Segura over during her work on the article. She was able to test drive next year's K900 for two days and nights, and at first glimpse thought that it would seem more like a day of pampering at the spa than a routine test drive!

The available ambient lighting with custom colors is one of the reasons why the love for the K900 was so strong: it allows you to choose from 64 hues, and it was appreciated how far beyond the typical green or blue you can choose from. The Lexicon audio system is another reason to appreciate the K900: with a 17-speaker audio system, it does not make room for any disappointment, powered by 900 watts and properly dispersing the audio element of holiday cheer.

It's true that a proper luxury car needs a stylish timepiece in the dash: Mercedes-Benz has IWC Shauffhausen, Bently has Beitling, and the K900 now sports one from Maurice Lacroix. These elements go very nicely with the overall feel of the interior, and add a touch of class that really goes a long way in the aesthetic category. Another super-cool feature of the K900 is the Instrument-cluster Blind-View Monitor: when you signal to turn or change lanes to the left or right, the tachometer and speedometer are minimized in favor of a camera. The engine and vehicle speeds are still visible above the camera image, and having both views is a nice feature that you don't get on other luxury sedans.

Then there is the VIP Package, it includes a pair of switches on the left of the front passenger seatback that gives drivers the ability to quickly move the front passenger seat, allowing for someone in the rear to board faster. You can also adjust the backseat separately, allowing even more room for an important passenger to embark for the ride. Instrument cluster graphics are one feature that can really add a bright light in terms of personality, and when you enter the car or shut off the engine, Eleanor loved the fairy-like character warmly telling you to come back soon.

In busy metros such as St Louis, we know all too well the sensation of having someone follow too closely: it's somewhat of an everyday occurrence. In the K900, you can simply roll up the rear privacy shade when someone gets in your personal space, and when you put the car in reverse, the shade rolls down automatically, so you can be sure your all-important backup path is clear. In the drive modes now featured, automatic driver-seat adjustment is a great additive: for each mode you pick, the seats adjust themselves to an ample level of support. Level of luxury is definitely a deciding factor when it comes to selecting a brand new car, and after a test drive of the K900, you're going to appreciate every single upper-end element that adds comfort and clout to each drive you take!

2020 Kia Soul Confirmed to Grace Stage During L.A. Auto Show

For quite some time now, it's been expected to see the all-new 2020 Kia Soul debut at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show, and now the official word is thankfully out. Gift-wrapped for the holidays along with a teaser image, Kia has now confirmed that the 2020 Soul will have its official review during the 2018 LA Auto Show. We know that the teaser was a bit vague, since all that was shown was a small slice of the taillight, which has a distinctly taller appearance than last year's model. There is also a plastic styling element present on the side profile, spelling out the word “Soul” in engraved letters.

Kia has also decided to use a very bright green car for the teaser. Other details provided were about the availability of drivetrains, which will now include a turbocharged option, as well as an EV. The EV and turbocharged varieties will probably be revealed alongside the brand new Soul in LA as well, and it is currently assumed that the US will be one market receiving the EV model. The Soul EV is rumored to use the same drivetrain as the recently revealed Kia E-niro, and Hyundai Kona Electric. This means that it could plausibly have a driving range of up to 300 miles, which would rank it at the top of its segment.

The Soul is the vehicle that Car and Driver claimed has “unique charm and usability,” with real reasons to buy being the refinement, and available high-tech features. Their testing staff ranked the steering effort light and agreeable, making the Soul a perfect choice for daily driving. One thing that all of us at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis can agree on is the abundant utility value in the Soul: It weight is much higher than you'd get from an ordinary hatchback, and automatic climate control became standard on all trims with this year's model. Safety features such as automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control are now available on the Plus trim, with the addition of the Primo package.

The Soul is also currently available as an EV model, with an EPA-estimated range of 93 miles on a single charge. Standard features on this year's model include 16-inch alloy wheels, the ingenious UVO-interface, a 6-speaker audio system, cloth upholstery, a USB port, and Bluetooth. The NHTSA awarded this year's Soul with a five-star overall safety score, and when equipped with the Primo package, the mid-grade Soul Plus is the recipient of adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, as well as forward collision warning.

The Car Connection ranked this a great buy due to it possessing “the same spunky attitude and powertrains” as previous models, and for offering a very high-quality environment for the price. The packaging grants 4 adults more than enough space for comfort, and the headroom factor is a huge plus considering the confines. The other quote from The Car Connection we want to leave you with regarding the Soul is, “The Kia Soul cheerfully implodes the idea that only expensive cars can look good!”

AA Driven Car of the Year Describes Kia Stinger as Providing “Brilliant, Grand Fun”

Designed in Europe and having all of its necessary performance chops ironed out painstakingly on the Nurburgring racetrack itself, the Stinger was an addition to the ranks of large sedan swagger that very easily turns many heads wherever it goes! As a finalist in the AA Driven New Zealand Car of the Year award, the Stinger is also a current contender for the People's Choice Award. Boasting interior that is said to be “aircraft inspired” and a lower seating position to evoke a sportier feel, the aggressive stance and stigma of the Stinger has won acclaim from journalists and customers alike nationwide.  

Nappa leather seats, a range of active safety features, and on-board technology to prevent slipping and skidding during inclement conditions are all in the mix to add appeal to an object that is already undeniably eye-popping. This is the charismatic and gutsy auto offering out there right now that Car and Driver labeled as “outrageously mean,” and one that any expert or bona fide track enthusiast was guaranteed to have had their eyes on intensely during development. Making its debut at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show, this was a car that shocked many with it's bravado in the ultra-important category of straight-line performance. The acceleration factor is just one of those elements of the Stinger that will always be jaw-dropping, and it doles out the endgame for the quarter-mile during testing at 12.9 seconds, seeing 111 mph.

As far as the results in the telling 0-60 mph trot, the Stinger has many in the industry righteously starstruck, as the near-optimal grip/power balance yields a 4.4-second time, which is daringly quicker than any other similar sedan situated even close to it in its class. It was faster in the long run than every single car in the last comparison test for mid-size premium sports sedans, and the proof maintains its stance. When put up to the test against rivals Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Jaguar, and Mercedes, the Stinger also fared the best in braking ability: four-piston front and two-piston rear Brembo calipers are now standard on the GT. 

The Stinger's 114.4-inch wheelbase is only a few tenths of an inch shorter than the Audi A6 and S6, and the overall length is just 4 inches shorter than the A6 and BMW 5-series sedans. The five included driving modes really make a difference when picking the best means to embrace the Stinger's available power.  that is just right for the mood of the moment that can easily claim you behind the wheel. Smart, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Custom are the modes to select from, and all of us here at Jim Butler Kia quickly saw that “Sport” is the mode it was born and bred for: this is where you really get the opportunity to enjoy the performance aspects that were so important to Kia's engineers in the first place. 

While you are test-driving the Stinger to see just how awesome it is in every possible way, the lane-keeping assist feature is one to take notice of: this is a futuristic additive that is the predecessor to complete hands-off-the-wheel automation. Many have taken notice of the fact that the Stinger is not necessarily quiet: during a 70 mph run, the GT produced a 71-decibel noise dent, which was louder than the Jaguar XE, BMW 340i, and the Audi S6 Sportback. Delivering the medium to attain speed that you can't really argue with on any level, the Stinger GT remains to be disputed in many ways: come to see us soon and check out the car that re-defined and honed the “no compromise zone” for good! 

Motortrend Names 2019 Kia Forte “Car of the Year” Contender

Even if a car's main duty is to provide an economical, Eco-friendly, and all-around budget minded means of transportation, having a sporty and aggressive edge is pretty much mandatory. Ever since the big-and-burly pony sportscars such as the Camaro and Mustang made their introductions during the late 1960s, even the most family-friendly of vehicles have loved small injections here and there of sporty and properly amped goodness. The redesigned Kia Forte was picked by Motortrend as one of the year's best because of its looks inside and out, and we all can agree here at Jim Butler of St Louis that first impressions are worth their weight in gold.

The crisper exterior was described by these auto aficionados as having a “mature and upscale design, cleverly riffing on established Kia design cues without looking like a cookie-cutter car.” Air vents inside were described as “Mercedes-Benz-like,” and this is where the traits of the new Kia really begin to emulate the players in the auto game that manufacture the tantalizing numbers that reside in the ultra-upper-price range. There are other added touches such as a shelf located right under the temperature controls, which houses a wireless charging pad, cleverly acknowledging that everyone loves to have a designated and easy-to-find place to stow their phone.

The Motortrend crew's EX Launch Edition tester saw them sampling premium features such as heated and cooled front seats, adaptive cruise control, LED headlights, a Harman Kardon audio system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It is no secret that the Stinger was the inspiration for many the design cues the Forte evokes, and before this took place, it looked a bit more like an Optima that had been shrink-wrapped. On the new model, the headlights are much more separated from the grille, and the hood has creases now that give it a more athletic and poised stance.

The 2019 model is now 3.2 inches longer than its predecessor, and the taillights have also gained a new light signature. Now taking up said real estate is a new light bar that connects the taillights, and just south of this is a brand new redesigned bumper. There is also a standalone infotainment screen, new shifter, and a wireless charging tray directly underneath the climate controls. Sedans still mean serious business, and everyone that puts time into representing our brand knows that the Stinger was a product that saw many long hours in its making. The Forte exhibits many of the same sporty and standout traits while touting a bit lower of a price tag, and we guarantee that after a test drive, you will consider it as your best resolution and eye-catching gift to your closest!

Whichcar.com Blog Touts Kia Rio GT as Having “Well-Controlled Ride, Aesthetic Stand-out”

For millennial customers who are looking into buying a Kia as their first vehicle, something a bit on the sportier side could be the offering that provides the best in appeal and function! The sporty GT-line includes a 3-cylinder turbo engine, seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, and AEB. The folks on staff at the Whichcar.com blog highlighted the features of the Rio GT-line this past week, knowing full well that it is poised against vehicles such as the Toyota Yaris ZR and Renault Clio GT-line.

This is the first Kia to come with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and the first Rio to feature autonomous emergency braking. The 1.4-Liter engine which was carried over from the previous model is now available with a six-speed automatic gearbox, as well as the standard 4-speed, and the introduction of the new powertrains has been an integral factor in bringing the overall price down. Standard features now include 15-inch steel wheels, reverse parking sensors, dusk-sensing headlights, six-speaker sound system with Bluetooth, as well as Android Auto and Apple Carplay mirroring via smart device.

The lane-keeping assist feature and AEB make this the safest Rio yet, while simultaneously offering the suspension tune and sporty trim that will appeal to those looking for a catchy and flashy ride. A Rio could be the perfect car for a Kia customer who is fascinated with the likes of the Stinger GT, a sports sedan that we are gravely proud of, while they ponder the available options and experience a ride that guides them through the respective “way up the chain.” When you come down to see us this fall at Jim Butler Kia, you'll be amazed at the body kit, LED daytime running lights and position lamps, as well as LED rear combination lights that aid in making the Rio look modern and appealing to the urban commuter.

Car and Driver claimed this month that the new-for-2019 Rio is “ambitious, stylish, and sophisticated,” while also hailing it for being one of the most refined subcompacts on the market. What many are looking for in the current auto offering climate is something that they can happily jump in and drive daily. Stepping it up to the mid-level S trim has the Rio coming standard with 5.0-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Sirius XM satellite radio, a backup camera, front and rear USB charging ports, as well as cruise control. Come test drive the car that Consumer Reports claims is “responsive and confident,” and prepare to take on the holidays in Missouri with a new ride that provides refinement and tech-rich stature with accessibility and a primo sense of adventure!

2018 Kia Rio Deemed Tops Once Again for Safety Features Via IIHS

The subcompact car is now facing times that are a bit difficult in the market: everyone here at Jim Butler can understand just how great an SUV or brand new truck can add value to your current vehicle fleet. But what about the instances where a car just fits the bill, and you have the urge to just jump in and hit the road with something a touch more on the traditional side? This dynamic and stylish selection from Kia's lineup has had an amazing number of awards this year including, the Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick Plus Rating. The Kia Rio Sedan was presented with this award, when equipped with optional Autonomous Emergency Braking and LED headlights on vehicles built after June of this year.

The 2018 Rio proudly became the first vehicle within the IIHS Minicar segment to achieve the coveted TSP + designation, thanks to the “good” rating given to the optional LED headlights, and the “Superior” rating given to the AEB system. Overall driving dynamics, style, features, and safety accolades are part of the process that went into improving the quality and integrity of this world-class car model line. The Rio is the only vehicle within the IIHS minicar segment to earn such an accolade, but several other vehicles from Kia have achieved this feat.

To qualify for the TSP + rating, the IIHS testing parameters require that a vehicle earn “Good” ratings during the brunt of six crashworthiness tests. These include driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side impact, roof strength, and head restraint- as well as a “Good” or “Acceptable” rating in the passenger side small overlap front test. Having undergone a complete redesign for the 2018 model year, the Rio stands apart from others in the subcompact segment with a sweeping combination of eye-catching design, available technology, fun-to-drive character, and safety ratings that are above and beyond.

This is the model that Car and Driver praised for its solid build, compliant ride, and spacious seating, as well as an abundance in overall practicality. When coming to check out which trim level is right for you, keep in mind that the EX level is where all of the goodies really become abundant: aluminum wheels, a telescoping column, automated emergency braking, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen are all included. If you are looking for an inexpensive car on the small side with a long-lasting warranty, the Rio is quite possibly the one for you. The writers at CNBC.Com lamented during the summer that the Rio is by all means “a high-quality product sitting atop a value-oriented market.”

2019 Kia Optima Debuts Restructured UVO+ Upgraded Tech at New York Auto Show

The midsize sedan segment is understandably one of the most competitive, as many brands fiercely turn out the best and most able models to keep an edge. The 2019 Optima continues on its successful run as a compelling alternative for this segment, and during this spring at the New York Auto show, it was obvious that the new design cues and expanded tech options were going to solidify the car's great appeal. A completely new UVO infotainment strategy as well as available European-inspired red and black two-tone sport leather-trimmed seats are available on the new model, as well as brand-new alloy wheel choices, ambient LED interior lighting, and a new Passion Red exterior color choice.

All of us on staff here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis recognize that stand-out design is one of the main components that set the Optima apart from other available choices. The 2019 Optima receives a number of redesigned interior and exterior elements, and comes standard with LED daytime running lights inspired by the Stinger, a new 16-inch alloy wheel design, and super awesome matte gray-finish grill. The affordable S model puts emphasis on sportiness and technology, and yields you new projection beam fog lamps, LED taillights, dual exhaust, sport side sills with gloss black trim, a gloss-black grill, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Standard push-button start, smart key, smart trunk, and power front windows with auto up-down functionality also add to the sense of convenience for this selection.

The EX trim level boasts the turbocharged 178-horsepower engine, with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission, and adaptive Smart Shift drive mode. The transmission and the lever communicate via electronic communication control, and shifting is enabled with simple manipulation, and shorter travel. Smart Cruise Control and Stop and Go are standard, and other available options include multi-color interior lighting, and a heated steering wheel.

The redesigned 18-inch wheels are standard on the SX and SX Limited package, and are available with Michelin 235/45R-18 tires. The SX features available European-styled red and black two-tone sport leather-trimmed seats, panoramic roof, Harman Kardon premium audio system with navigation, gloss black door pillars, and a uniquely authentic sport bumper with LED fog lamps. The available black interior adds an amazingly classy touch, and the optional Nappa leather seating surfaces provide upper-end comfort and the essence of the finest in craftsmanship that you can enjoy every time you embark on a new destination.

We have great reason to be proud of our many Advanced Driver Assistance Systems: they work in unison to lessen the severity of a collision, or take great measures to avoid it completely. Forward Collision Avoidance can automatically apply the brakes to reduce speed, which may minimize the damaging effects of a frontal collision. It's hard not to take notice of the high level of effectiveness in regards to Driver Attention Warning, which monitors the driver, and provides visual and audio cues if it senses the attention level will be reduced.

You're going to immediately find lots to love about the UVO's voice recognition: drivers can use their compatible Apple or Android smartphones for navigation, to make calls, send and receive messages, and listen to music all in a manner that allows the driver to stay focused on the trip. UVO offers features like on-demand diagnostics, maintenance alerts, vehicle alarm notifications, geofencing, and speed alerts. UVO link with navigation provides the added benefit of MY POIs and Map Care, which allows for two free useful map updates per year!

Autoevolution Provides Close-up Look of Kia E-Niro on Paris Auto Show Floor

Many of our friends and cohorts here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis have been telling us how loaded the Paris floor is with EVs this year, and the premium German automakers are not the only ones making great strides in the ultimate journey for eco-friendly movement. Autoevolution reported this past week on the South Korean crossover being revealed internationally, and stated right off the bat that the “Numbers are brilliant.” The driving range of the vehicle is right at 301 miles, and the standard unit with a 39.2kWh battery comes with a 194 mile per charge range.

Given the massive success of the hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the Niro, it is no surprise that Kia came up with the all-electric incarnation of the crossover. The tiger-nose grille is where the charging port is, and the writers from Autoevolution were excited that the “regenerative braking system is hidden by the new 17-inch wheels.” We feel that this is truly the vehicle to constantly outshine the Prius, and the good folks at Motorillustrated.com billed it as “the most enjoyable hybrid vehicle you can drive right now in this price range.”

Test drivers have claimed that the handling is sharp and sporty, making it perfect for a winding road, without being uncomfortable or annoying in the city. With 635 liters of cargo space, it is one of the most spacious hybrids you can buy on the market today. Currently offered only as a hybrid, the 2019 Kia Niro will see a plug-in version later on, as well as an all-electric version. Customers are telling us after their first look that they are impressed by the normality of the interior, and that this is the ideal vehicle for those who want “the advantages of driving a hybrid without feeling like they are in a spaceship.”

The large 7-inch infotainment screen has some added functions, such as the ability to find charging points that are close, monitor the state of charge, and use the navigation system to view the driving range. Drivers can tailor the amount of regenerative braking in four stages through steering wheel-mounted paddles: the first level of these is a bit of a coast function, with very little braking. At the other end of the scale, testers said that the regenerative effect is so well-honed, that it is almost a one-pedal ride. One of the greatest assets of the new Niro is the battery's position: it brings a very low center of gravity, meaning the drive feels nimble through twisty sections of any route you choose!

Kia Soul Ranked as one of Car and Driver's “5 Best SUVS for Fuel Economy”

Safety features, the best in technology offerings, and overall appearance are some of the first characteristics that new buyers have in mind when they come to Jim Butler Kia. Prices at the pump are not quite as painful as they once were, but things have been edging up a bit as of late, and many on the search for a new car have the MPG stat as one of the deciding factors. The knowledgeable staff of Car and Driver produced a video featuring the 5 best SUVs for Fuel Economy out there, and we were not at all surprised to see the Soul on the list.

The expressive styling is one of the cues that first intrigues people into taking a test drive. Staff at Car and Driver also ranked the high seating position and commanding view of the road as other standout features, and the EPA ratings are now in at 24 miles per gallon in the city, and 30 mpg on the highway by means of the 6-speed manual transmission. Also sporting an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, the way that the tech is streamlined into the dash is simply awesome: it seems like it was all meant to fit, but still grabs your attention right away.

One of our favorite features to flaunt during test drives is the ultra-cool LED interior lighting that can pulse along with your tunes, a trait that can absolutely inject a healthy dose of ambient positivity into any driving situation! One thing we hear often about the Soul is regarding the interior. Right after you sit down, you realize that many hours have been put into making this interior not only accessible, but ahead of its time. One of the biggest complaints we get after customers test-drive the competition is that the interiors just seem overly crowded with flimsy plastic, one trait you won't notice in our front-running and energetic Soul!

Ask us how the Soul Plus trim adds the automatic transmission, the larger 2.0-liter engine, 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, automatic climate control, Drive Mode Select, heated exterior mirrors, a front center console with an armrest, as well as rearview camera. The Soul Exclaim trim provides 18-inch alloy wheels, a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, larger and very responsive front disc brakes, automatic headlights, power-folding exterior mirrors, leather seating, and push-button start with Smart Key and a leather-wrapped D-shaped steering wheel.

We know that fall is now truly here in all ways, as the leaves begin to fall and the temperatures are getting lower. It's still good to keep In mind that the Exclaim trim is eligible for the Panoramic Sunroof package: when warmer days return, it will no doubt be a boost to any driver's necessary uptick of vitamin D intake!