2021 Kia K8 XL Grille Offers Up Bold Visual Statement, Definition By Distinction

Everyone here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis was watching intently when one of our major German rivals endured a large amount of criticism when they began placing very large-sized grills on their cars. We believe that it was ultimately for the better, as it may have been the beginning of a distinct visual and engineering trend. Kia has since introduced the K8 to replace the Cadenza and gave it the quite noticeably extra-large treatment for its prominent Tiger Nose grille. 

Flanked by sharp headlights and connected to a fantastically-sculpted hood, the K8 possesses a distinct look and upper-end charm that is noticeable when you first see it coming. Even car lovers who are looking for an athletically-stanced and muscular model will appreciate the K8's sense of charm and elegance: it is similar to the excitement you experience when the trip to a formal ballroom or other celebratory soiree allows for a dress-up night. The Cadenza was a massive change in Kia's design language when it debuted 5 years ago, and the character line present on the K8 finishes overall with a look that will certainly be well-received and have you hopping online to see when the Symphony will be performing soon!

When asked about the origins of inspiration for the K8, global designers stated some of the inspiration even came from the most technically-advanced yachts in the world, a fitting source for a car that will be inspirational for anyone who has an enthusiasm for the finer things in life. The sedan that Car and Driver claimed “could be a worthy competitor to the likes of the Lexus ES”, it appears to continue with a transverse-engine layout, and front-wheel-drive. The final measurement of the K8 is 197.4 inches, and images show in detail the diamond-like lattice pattern on the grille and full-width light bar. 

There is also a chrome trim-piece that starts at the front from the LED DRLs and continues below the doors, and a metallic ornament just above the fuel cap. The fastback roofline and rear taillight design derives inspiration from both the souped-up Stinger and K5, and will not at all be a car you'll miss while on the road. We are expecting to get our first official peek at the K8 this spring during March or April, and in the meantime have several accomplishments to be proud of via the J.D. Power Awards. This year we stole the show in terms of the quality, dependability, performance, and both dealership sales and service awards, remaining a benchmark source of safety and longevity for your next purchase! 

Sleek and Stylish Kia K5 Takes Win in “Best Family Sedan” Category During MotorWeek Driver's Choice Awards

 

Motorweek is TV's longest-running car magazine show, and is the defining judge of the most capable and appealing new trucks and cars of the year. The editors evaluate vehicles on a wide variety of their traits with close looks at value, innovative style, and long-term reliability. The 2021 K5 was constructed with the goal of it being the superior champion of its class, offering features that are 100% exclusive to its segment and keeping up with a trend of a determined stance to be the best. 

There are many industry professionals out there who keep tabs on our selling trends here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis along with many other dealers nationwide, and they have long been wondering if the pure and purposeful drive of a sedan will ever run short of its charm. Boasting turbocharged engines for its entire lineup along with the available all-wheel drive and an interior that is loaded with technology, the K5 offers the robust and head-clearing “drivers choice” adamantly rivaling the current appeal of our crossover SUV selection. 

The Optima was the already amazing and efficient midsize family sedan that was used as a measurement standard for how to come out with a groundbreaking and revolutionary model. Since the Optima already had been a staff favorite for the Motorweek crew, they fully appreciated just how the latest personal and safety technology, as well as modern powertrain equipment, could be confidently infused into what turned into an award-winning formula. Comfortable and quiet during highway drives and boasting a strong turbocharged engine in the GT trim level, much of the K5's appeal stems from just how eye-catching the styling is while providing such a great value. 

If you have the desire for more than 180 horsepower, the GT is the choice that offers up the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine good for 290 horses. It's evident that today's buyer is interested in base-level trims with an appealing mix of practical and useful features that make sense. A look at the K5's entry-level trim reveals 16-inch wheels, LED headlights, dual-zone automatic climate control, cloth upholstery, an 8-inch touchscreen, a six-speaker sound-system, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity all on the LX trim before you make the move to higher-level options. 

In-depth reviews from Edmunds.com portrayed in detail many happy customers who rendered the K5 a “huge leap” from their current model, relishing all of the great features and first-class appearance after opting to switch brands. The K5's premier mid-level and classy EX-line adds the panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, climate control vents for rear passengers, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and rear parking sensors. 

2021 Kia Telluride's Proportions, Packaging, and Premium Power Pave Way for “Perfect SUV” Status

The term “perfection” in the automotive realm deems a new release free from any flaws or defects and allows you as the incredibly happy new owner to back out every single day knowing that you're behind the wheel of something special. There are a few SUVs from the competitor's hard-working camp that fit the buyer's bill within their own rites, but the Telluride has excitedly racked up many awards and achievements for being above par in every single way. 

Taking a close look at the powertrain that Car and Driver claimed massively exceeds its mission of moving people and their things better than any SUV in its class, the standard V-6 powertrain cranks out 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The engine pairs with an 8-speed transmission, and the top-of-the-line SX model reaches the 60 mph mark in just 7.1 seconds. Hard-earned playtime on the weekends will be that much more fun with a 5000-pound towing capacity, offering you the ability to lug behind all of the lake and wilderness-ready essentials for a much-needed escape. 

The Telluride offers 8.0-inches of ground clearance to fend off long-term wear and assault from the common hazards that quickly find their damaging way to your underbody: when any vehicle you want to take out into the wild rolls fresh off the factory line, it's not always 100% ready to take on challenging elements, and this added lift is the first necessary stepping stone to take on the challenges of the trail. With an excellent build quality, attractive and comfortable interior, and room for 8, the Car and Driver testing crew were able to fit four carry-on suitcases behind the third row and successfully stuffed a total of 35 carry-ons with back rows entirely folded flat. 

We know that one of the most important traits people look for these days is the big screen inside, adding a touch of comfort via tech that makes you feel right at home. Boasting the 8.0-inch touchscreen on the entry-level model, you can choose to upgrade to the 10.3-inch as well as wireless charging, and the bass-booming bounty of the premium Harman/Kardon audio system on the very top-tier SX model. 

2021 Kia Rio Stakes Claim To Class-Leading Victory With Vincentric Best Value in America

Over the last two decades here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, our entire lineup has changed in numerous ways, and the Rio is one model that has maintained its reputation and image based on its generous and timely value. Available in sedan and hatchback versions, the 2021 Rio now has another great thing to boast about: the Vincentric automotive research organization in Michigan has deemed it the proud recipient of the 2021 Best Value in America. 

While stepping up with versatile and practical benefits such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the Rio has not added an exorbitant amount of dollar signs to its final price! The Vincentric Best Value in America award factors the current market price of a vehicle and then looks at its cost of ownership over its lifespan. New for this year, the Rio boasts a newly designed front end, a larger 8-inch touchscreen display, wireless smartphone integration, and the technology package that adds safety items such as automatic front braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, automatic climate control, and automatic high-beam headlights. 

Power is sourced from the 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with 120 horsepower and continuously variable automatic transmission. One of the best variants to check out is the Rio S trim level: you get the added benefits of cruise control, remote keyless entry and trunk opener, 60:40 split-folding rear seat, and a center console armrest and storage bin. Another reason that excellent vehicles such as the Rio are at the top of many awards and honors lists is other bonus traits such as our emergency roadside assistance, providing a trusted and experienced network of over 17,000 trusted roadside assistance providers on call all over the nation and accessible 24 hours a day. 

Vehicles such as the 2021 Rio show our commitment to progress through innovation during each crucial stage of design and development, from the future of alternative fuel vehicles to the most useful safety advancements on the market. On-board UVO is one way to fully tap into the future of the ultimately-connected driver and integrates all of the necessary elements smartly into one interface to keep your Kia model running up to its full potential. You can enjoy hands-free texting and calling, or manage your music selections by using simple voice commands, as well as setting the climate controls for optimum comfort. 

The very stylish and comfortable cabin is packaged with plush seating, a manually-adjustable driver's seat, and the bigger-and-better 8.0-inch touchscreen display as standard. Crossover SUVs that are constructed with an affordable price in mind are exponentially better when they boast a sleek and dynamic profile such as this, with an aggressive stance and poised-for-excitement 15-inch alloy wheels. Reinforced with 30% more advanced high-strength steel, the 2021 Rio is constructed to continuously provide the best in strength, thoroughly protecting you in rapidly-changing driving conditions.