High
awards and accolades are two of the main reasons that many customers repeat
their purchases of Kia vehicles. Kia has now earned two more J.D. Power
Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout awards for its stylish
subcompact, and the powerful fastback sports sedan. This double win helped
increase Kia's overall score by 8 points in the last year, while solidifying
the brand's spot among the top 10 non-premium contenders. All of us here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis were also
pleased with Kia motors being named the highest ranked mass-market brand in
J.D. Power Initial Quality Study for the fourth consecutive year, with our
beloved Rio
also snagging a win in the smaller car segment.
Every
Kia is designed with the customer in mind, whether it be a practical commuter
car for people needing to get from point A to B, or a sports sedan with up to
365-horsepower for speed-hungry drivers. Securing an award such as this once
again demonstrates the level of dedication we put on delivering a superior
combination of the desirable features and attributes that today's savvy and
demanding car buyers are looking for in their purchase.
The
Rio went through a complete redesign for the 2018 model year, outshining the
competition in the small car segment, and also being one of the only contenders
that scored the highest marks in overall performance and design, comfort,
features, and style. Our prized Stinger is the highest-performing vehicle in
Kia's history, and also came up quite well when head-to-head with more
expensive European counterparts in the very desirable compact premium car
segment.
The
J.D. Power APEAL study completes the task of measuring new-vehicle owners'
overall satisfaction with their purchase during the first 90 days of ownership.
The results are divided into 10 categories, and weighted to the specific
category: exterior, interior, storage, audio, seats, heating and ventilation, driving
dynamics, powertrain, visibility, and fuel economy. Car And Driver rated
the Rio
with 4 stars, and claimed it as a model that “easily fulfills its modest
ambitions.” One of the most refined subcompacts on the market, it is known for
very pleasant road manners, and a no-nonsense design inside and out. Powered by
a 1.6-liter I-4 with 130 hp, and a 119 lb-ft torque delivery, and don’t forget
about the manual transmission available for the base LX trim.
Ask
us when you visit about moving up to the S trim: this is when you see the addition
of a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, additional USB ports, cruise
control, keyless entry, and a six-speaker audio system. The range-topping EX
trim adds 15-inch alloy wheels, a 3.5-inch multi-informational display, automatic
emergency braking, and Kia's UVO3 infotainment system, Android Auto and Apple
CarPlay integration with a 7.0-inch touchscreen. A recent Motor Trend review
stated about the Rio that “It's fun and jaunty-looking on the outside, and the
interior seals the deal.” We invite you to check out this award-winning and fun
SUV before the beginning of the 2019 year, and talk to our staff about a lease
to get you situated in a remarkable and award-winning Rio!
