2021 Kia Optima Spotted by Motor1.com in Death Valley

Crossovers, SUVs, and trucks have been wildly dominating the marketplace for quite some time now, but as was shown over the past year, reviewers and consumers alike still have lots of love for aggressive sedans such as the Stinger. As spotted testing in Death Valley by the Motor1.com staff over the past week, the 2021 Kia Optima will borrow a few cues from the  track-ready and polished Stinger, emphasizing wider proportions and a sleek roofline. Much like the 2020 Hyundai Sonata, it will grow in width and wheelbase.

You can check out the spy shots here, and once you look inside, the Optima will feature abundant technology that was introduced on the 2020 Sonata, while also offering up more interior space for comfort. A completely redesigned dash and materials are expected as well, and higher-trim features would likely include NFC capability, wireless charging, parking assist, and blind-spot monitor view in the instrument panel. It's a bit early to know which engine options will be placed in the 2021 Optima, but it's expected to be new or revised 4-cylinder variants both with and without turbocharging. Hybrid and PHEV variants should also be on the arrival docket, perhaps launching a year after the gas-powered models' debut.

All of us here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis hope to see you this fall to check out current and next-year offerings as well: the refreshed 2019 Optima made its debut last year at the New York International Auto Show with a completely revamped multimedia system, additional standard safety features, and four trim models to select from. There are a new 16-inch alloy wheel design and matte-gray grille, and the SX model now has sportier trim like gloss-black door pillars and side moldings, as well as a sport bumper with LED fog lamps.

On base models, the UVO Play system is now standard, which features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. Now offered as standard on SX models and sedans with the SXL package is the top-tier UVO Link with navigation system. It includes all the features found in the first two UVO tires, plus extra navigation functionality. We understand the importance of safety during every single drive and are proud of Kia's practical and high-tech features such as the driver attention warning system: it closely monitors the driver's behavior and will alert the driver with visual and audible cues if it senses the driver's level of attention has been reduced.  Lane departure warning with lane keep assist alerts the driver if the car shifts out of the lane, and will even jump in and automatically correct the steering to safely get you back on track!

2019 Kia Niro EV Deemed By Oakland Press as “Quick, Powerful, and Enjoyable”

A feature in the Oakland Press last week began with the claim that “electric vehicles will eventually be coming to a mass audience, it's just a matter of how fast they get there”. In this seemingly preliminary stage of the game, the automakers are now making their claim on this ripe territory, and Kia has jumped head-in to the line of competition with the 2019 Kia Niro EV, a fully-electric version of the Niro crossover, still offered as a hybrid. This particular news story set out to see just how the Niro EV holds up in the EV battlefield, and its 239-mile range, high-tech features, and roomy interior are all great attributes in its favor. 

Even in the rear seats, the Niro EV beat out the competition such as the Hyundai Kona EV as far as roominess, and five people can be seated comfortably. You'll enjoy 18.5 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats, 53 cubic feet after rear seats are folded down. Due to the nature of the Niro's overall crossover styling, taller passengers will still be able to be comfortable, and the infotainment system is simple and straightforward to use. Ask us here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis how upgrading to the Premium trim level adds interior lighting, rear parking sensors, a sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, an upgraded sound system and leather upholstery, a wireless phone charger, and 8-inch infotainment screen with navigation as well. 

The range of the car is one of the most important factors for anyone looking into electric: knowing how much distance you have before needing to recharge is important for the ability to plan your routine. When fully charged, the maximum mileage of the 2019 Kia Niro EV is 239 miles, which is 13 more than the close rival in the form of the Nissan Leaf. We are fully aware that one of the things that will have to happen for a broader acceptance is the creation of infrastructure that allows for charging stations in place around the country, as this is what makes the road trip more feasible. 

If you're at home and deriving juice from a 220-volt wall socket, the Niro's onboard charger can fill up the battery in about 9.5 hours, a sensible number when it comes to getting the job done while you sleep at night. You can also easily adjust the level of the Niro EV's regenerative braking, which sends some of the braking energy to aid in the recharging of the battery during the drive. The Launch package features auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink buttons, LED headlights, heated steering wheel and front and rear parking sensors, and Niro vehicles sold in colder climate areas come with a heat pump and battery heater to help with weathering the elements! 

Road Show Staff After 2020 Kia Seltos First Drive: “This Little SUV Will be Big”

As far as the world of crossover SUV's is concerned, competition is one driving factor that results in the highest of quality, and it's no secret that customers sure do have a wide variety of crossover SUV's to choose from right now. The staff on duty at Road Show provided a close-up focus on the new Kia Seltos this past week after testing, and immediately reflected that it is going to be at the head of successful competition rankings for the Honda HR-V.

The Seltos fits into our Kia lineup right between the fun-and-funky Soul and Niro, flaunting a center-locking differential and all-wheel drive on the offense. The 103.5-inch wheelbase is two inches longer than the Soul, and the Seltos' tall, upright nose and border of black trim around the base make it look very poised and ready for action. The busiest and most noticeable feature is the leading edge, and the trademark Kia “tiger-nose” grille that we have come be so familiar with. The entire array of lighting is much different than the Telluride's which are simple and clean: on the Seltos the multiple inset LEDs and 3-D effect evoke a much more futuristic vibe overall.

The team from Road Show rendered the inside as having plenty of headroom and legroom and loved the reclining heated seats in the second row. Front seats are ventilated, and well-covered in your choice of real or artificial leather or fabric. For infotainment accessibility, you can choose from an 8-inch or 10.2 capacitive touchscreen, running an updated version of Kia's UVO system featuring higher-resolution mapping and choice of Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.  As far as safety, the Seltos roars out strong with six airbags and other passenger-harboring goodies such as automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise.

With the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, the testing crew had no trouble at all merging quickly on the interstate, and they also enjoyed the responsiveness from the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The crew was driving the new Seltos over many bumps and potholes in South Korea, and the ride quality with the car's 18-inch wheels was way beyond satisfactory. As far as typical domestic errands such as school runs and weekend trips, they admit that the Seltos seems perfectly suited.

Although some are under the impression that the car was only meant for the Korean market, all of us here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis think that Kia will choose to bring it on over to American shores. With consumers wanting the best in safety features, technology offerings, and specialized size of SUV that perfectly meets their needs, everything about the Seltos aligns with the busy parent, growing business, or career-minded young professional!

2021 Kia Sorento Navigates the Famous Nurburgring Via Motor1.com Spy Video

Anthony Alaniz of Motor1.com is no stranger to spy shots, and the latest batch he doled out via the blog to the masses featured the next-generation Kia Sorento. He provided video footage of the Sorento's recent bout of extensive testing at the infamous Nurburgring track as it flaunted its chops vigorously. Not much is known at this point about how the Sorento's design will change for its fourth generation, and even with it still being under camouflage, it looks like some elements of luxury are added while not sharing too many traits with its sibling Telluride.

During this video, you get to enjoy the tires squealing for grip through the corners, and wonder exactly what kinds of engines will be situated under the new hood. The current model Kia offers the 3.3-liter V6 and 2.4-liter inline-four, cranking out 290 and 185 horsepower respectively. Most experts in the industry agree that hybrid and plug-in hybrid are options that the next-generation will see as well. We are expecting the 2021 Sorento to boast a fully digital instrument cluster, larger infotainment system, and brand-new switchgear. All of us here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis are beyond excited to see the performance level the Sorento Displayed on the track: acceleration particularity at the bottom of third gear is ripe, responsive, and the driver does a fantastic job on the challenging hard rights.

Also snagging the title of “2019 Best 3-Row SUV for the Money” from U.S. News, the combination of both value feature and quality brandishing one of the nicest interiors hands down among the competition were helps. A very cushioned ride, user-friendly infotainment system, and quality available driver assistance features are other traits that have rendered the Sorento one of the best buys out there. Family-focused buyers will recognize its stellar value due to the low base price and reliability ratings, and as a better alternative to foes such as the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander.

The Sorento seats seven passengers in three rows, and there are two full sets of LATCH child-seat connectors onboard. Max capacity for cargo is 73 cubic feet with both rear rows folded, which gives you enough space to transport some furniture items or recreational outdoor gear. Standard features in the Sorento currently include Bluetooth, a USB port, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a six-speaker audio system, and the UVO infotainment system with 7-inch touchscreen. After a back-to-school season test drive, make sure you inquire about other available features that will spice up the Sorento to its fullest potential such as a panoramic sunroof, satellite radio, wireless phone charging, navigation, and larger 8-inch touch screen!