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!