Kia Motors America’s iconic Soul has been named a winner at the 13th annual Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row. As the only annual awards program where outdoor enthusiasts, athletes and automotive media come together to pick the winners of these awards, it is especially unique and quite an honor.
“Winning the Active Lifestyle Vehicle award for the fifth consecutive year is a clear indication that the Soul makes a great companion for urbanites who are constantly on the go,” stated Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning, KMA. “Its unique combination of style, fun-to-drive attitude, extensive feature content, and practicality make the Soul a crowd favorite, while the Cadenza’s upscale design, ample interior, and advanced convenience features make it a fierce competitor in the full-size sedan segment.”
With design characteristics that stand out, a premium interior and a long list of standard and optional amenities, it is no wonder the 2016 Kia Soul is one of KMA’s best-selling nameplates. The brand will be taking the Soul even further in the 2017 model year with the addition of a turbocharged engine option.
“Buyers with active lifestyles have always been value focused. They need vehicles with the versatility to haul their gear, but want to have money left over to afford the new bicycle, kayak or skis they’ve been lusting after,” said Nina Russin, founder of the Active Lifestyle Vehicle program. “The Kia Soul won the urban category for the fifth consecutive year because it’s a stylish, affordable vehicle with a spacious cargo area and small footprint that functions well in congested city centers.”
Interested in checking one out for yourself? Come give the 2016 Kia Soul a test drive at Jim Butler Kia in Chesterfield, MO!
Yesterday, Kia Motors America announced their August sales performance and it did not disappoint. Led by the Soul and Optima, the company sold a total of 54,248 units. Additionally, the Sedona experienced doubled sales when compared to the same period last year and the Forte family reached their best August sales yet.
Michael Sprague, chief operating officer and EVP, KMA stated, “Despite the signs that the industry-wide sales may have peaked in 2015, Kia is up nearly four percent through August on the the strength of double digit year-over-year increases for Rio, Forte, Sportage and Sedona.”
The year-to-date sales is up 3.8% for Kia Motors, which also happens to be the highest scoring nameplate in the industry, according to J.D. Power. To get in the Kia action yourself, be sure to stop by Jim Butler Kia in St. Louis, MO to check out the 2016 and 2017 Kia vehicle lineup!
Kia Motors America is driven to provide customer satisfaction and they surely don’t fall short. The company recently announced they will be enabling owners of late model year vehicles- equipped with the UVO platform- to upgrade to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Eligible owners of these certain vehicles will have access to this free software update at the end of this month at www.myuvo.com. These vehicles include:
Kia Forte (MY17)
Kia Soul (MY14-16)
Kia Soul EV (MY15-16)
Kia Optima (MY15-16)
Kia Optima Hybrid (MY15-16)
Kia Sedona (MY15-16)
Kia Sorento (MY16)
Kia Sportage (MY17)
Through Apple CarPlay, users have the ability to access the iPhone interface through the UVO infotainment system. Drivers can make phone calls, send and receive texts, utilize Siri voice control and get directions all while staying focused on the road. Similarly, Android Auto connects the user’s device- providing access to apps such as voice-guided Google Maps navigation, hands-free phone calls and text messaging, voice recognition and Google Play Music.
Managing Director Connected & Mobility Services, KMA, Henry Bzeih stated “With the advanced growth of telematics and infotainment systems, Kia is excited to offer to more of our customers the opportunity to have the latest software update for their vehicle free of charge via myuvo.com. Providing CarPlay and Android Auto to a greater number of vehicles in our lineup will revitalize our current owners’ systems with an additional element of convenience while maximizing the benefits of connectivity.”
As mentioned earlier, Kia Motors America is focused on customer satisfaction, just as Kia drivers should be focused on the road. This update ensures that. Call Jim Butler Kia if you have any questions and don’t hesitate to stop in to check out our lineup!
Last month, KIA Motors was recognized by J.D. Power as the highest scoring nameplate of all 33 makes in the U.S in the 2016 Initial Quality Study. Following this feat, the company has experienced a 15.6 percent rise in sales in June in comparison to the same time period last year, hitting a total of 62,572 sold vehicles. This is the best quarter and half-year performances KIA Motors America (KMA) has seen in its history.
Chief operating officer and EVP of KIA Motors America stated “No auto brand experienced greater growth over the last 20 years than KIA, and J.D. Power’s IQS announcement boosted our momentum with huge increases in online and showroom traffic. By every measure, the ‘New KIA’ is an elite automaker and one of the industry’s greatest success stories.”
The vehicles that contributed to the 328,327 of year-to-date sales for KIA include:
The Sportage compact CUV, "Highest Ranked Small SUV in Initial Quality"- which also experienced a 76.3 percent year-over-year increase in sales
Forte compact family- which hit its all-time high of 10,406 units sold in just March
The KIA Soul, "Highest Ranked Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle in Initial Quality, two years in a row"- still increasing in sales for the seventh year in a row
To check out any of these vehicles for yourself, visit us at Jim Butler KIA located in St. Louis, MO!
KIA Motors was recently recognized by J.D Power as the highest scoring nameplate in its annual Initial Quality Study (IQS). All 33 makes in the U.S. are evaluated in this study, so needless to say, it was a huge feat for KIA. This marks the first time in 27 years that a non-premium brand has topped the rankings.
These IQS rankings are determined by the owners of vehicles, who evaluate the driving experience, engine and transmission performance, and a range of quality-related problems that may occur within the first 90 days of ownership.
Contributing to KIA’s success is the segment-leading performances from the Sportage and Soul. Additionally, the Forte, Rio, and Sorento all ranked in the top three of their respective categories. KIA’s sales in the U.S. have grown consistently over the last four years, as have their performance in the J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study. In 2013, they made it to the the overall top 10, placing second in the industry and led all non-premium makes in IQS in 2015.
Michael Sprague, chief operating officer and EVP, KIA Motors America states, “Ranking number one in the entire industry for initial quality is the result of Kia’s decade-long focus on craftsmanship and continuous improvement, and reflects the voice of our customers, which is the ultimate affirmation. As the highest ranked brand in the industry, there is no doubt Kia is a world-class automaker.” Visit us at Jim Butler KIA in St. Louis, Missouri to test out the KIA Sportage, Soul, Forte, Rio, or Sorento for yourself!
Both the 2016 KIA Optima midsize sedan and the the 2016 Soul hatchback have been named among the 10 Best Family Cars of 2016 by Parents magazine and Edmunds.com. KIA Motors America is one of just two brands that had two vehicles make the prestigious list.
Parents magazine and Edmunds.com create this annual list after evaluating a variety of factors, which include the quality of the ride, comfort and capacity, fuel efficiency, price and value, safety, and reliability. The Optima and Soul were designed with these qualities in mind, with the Optima earning the title of “Best Sedan” and the Soul being recognized as “Best Budget Vehicle”. Dana Points, editor-in-chief of Parents magazine stated, “The Soul is a great starter model for young families, with surprising room at a base price of $15,900. Additionally, the redesigned Optima sedan is striking inside and out, with advanced technology, a smooth ride and better fuel economy than the previous car.” Customers at Jim Butler KIA enjoy the fuel economy of the Soul and its utility. As for the 2016 Optima, St. Louis drivers appreciate its spacious interior and available technology, in addition to its great safety features. Check out and test drive both of these awesome vehicles at Jim Butler KIA in St. Louis, MO! Source: KIA Media
U.S. News and World Report named the 2016 Kia Soul the Best Compact Car for Families. With the combination of high safety and reliability ratings, it was no surprise to Jim Butler Kia that the 2016 Soul came out on top.
The 2016 Kia Soul has many family friendly features: advanced driver assistance systems, cutting edge technology, spacious passenger seating, and cargo space. It is a great pick for families on the go, who want a vehicle with a small footprint, and plenty of interior space.
The base model comes equipped with the Convenience package has a 4.3-inch color touchscreen, SiriusXM satellite radio, and integrated Rear Camera Display. The Soul EV now comes with a two-toned color combo: white with a red roof or red with a black roof. It also has 18-inch alloy wheels with black spokes, leather steering wheel and gear shift knobs. The Premium Package features Forward Collision Warning System, and Lane Departure Warning System, both new to the Kia Soul.
2016 Soul latest model year to best competition in Urban Category at annual award ceremony
The new year hasn’t even begun, and already the 2016 KIA Soul is garnering awards. The new 2016 KIA Soul emerged victorious in the Urban Category at the 12th annual Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year awards in Chandler, Ariz. This marks the four consecutive year that the KIA Soul has won its category.
Local media personnel and athletes rated vehicles from all makes and models to see how they fit with those who lead an active and outdoor lifestyle. The KIA Soul won, yet again, because of its unique combination of style and versatility. The 2016 Soul’s navigability in denser urban areas, such as downtown St. Louis or South St. Louis City, made it the right choice for those who live in the city but love to venture to more outdoor and active areas.
“Combining an iconic design, refined interior, numerous tech features and impressive cargo volume, our urban runabout is a true standout for those seeking a vehicle that supports an active and athletic lifestyle,” Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning at KIA Motors America, said.
For those in the market for a new compact CUV near St. Louis, the 2016 KIA Soul at Jim Butler KIA is already an award-winner! There’s no better time than now to take a look at a new KIA Soul at The KIA Butler. If you live in St. Louis and lead an active lifestyle — running, biking, camping — then the KIA Soul will be your new favorite vehicle!
To learn more about the 2016 KIA Soul or to schedule a new KIA Soul test drive near St. Louis, call Jim Butler KIA today at 636-256-9600 or contact us online. As your St. Louis KIA dealer, we invite you to check out our new Souls in-person at our Chesterfield dealership. If you’re in the St. Louis, Chesterfield Valley, Creve Coeur or Maryland Heights area, stop by our lot at 722 Long Road Crossing in Chesterfield. Here at Jim Butler KIA, you can make your new vehicle purchase with confidence. We are located in Chesterfield, MO, and serve as your St. Louis, Chesterfield Valley, Creve Coeur and Maryland Heights KIA dealer.
Designer Collection and Premium packages ups the Soul’s wow factor for new model year
Some features that originally debuted in the luxurious KIA K900 can be found throughout the interiors of the new 2016 KIA Soul. These features come on two of the new packages that will be available for the 2016 Soul at Jim Butler KIA in Chesterfield Valley — the Premium Package and Designer Collection Package.
New standard features for all three trims
The three trim levels of the Soul (Base, + and !) will still be available for 2016, however all three will have new features to go along with them. The Soul 2016 Bases will now have alloy wheels standard, as will the other two trims, and when equipped with the Convenience Package, a 4.3-inch color touchscreen, SiriusXM satellite radio and integrated Rear Camera Display are added as well.
The 2016 KIA Soul + (Plus) gets a basketful of new standard features than the previous model year. The added standard features include gloss black bumper “tusks,” fog lights and integrated Rear Camera Display according to KIA. The ! (Exclaim) trims now have leather-trimmed seats standard for 2016.
Designer Collector Package adds more style to Soul
A new Designer Collection package is available for 2016 KIA Souls. For the exterior, two visually striking two-toned color combinations can be had: either white with a red roof or red with a black roof. Also noticeable on the exterior are the 18-inch alloy wheels with black spokes. Interior upgrades include a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob.
Premium Package takes Exclaim to next level
Make the 2016 KIA Soul ! even more exciting with the optional Premium Package. The driving experience and safety is enhanced greatly with the Forward Collision and Lane Departure warning systems.
Other features that come with the Premium Package include:
Navigation
Upgraded Infinity audio system
String-LED front speaker surround mood lighting
Panoramic sunroof
Ventilated front driver and passenger seats
Seat heaters for all four outboard positions
Ten-way power adjustable driver’s seat
Leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel
Leather-wrapped gearshift knob
Powertrain for the 2016 Soul
For the 2016 Soul Base, a 1.6-liter I4 engine is capable of up to 130 horsepower and up to 118 lb.-ft. of torque. This is mated with a six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic transmission. The + and ! have the 2.0-L engine with 164 horsepower and up to 151 lb.-ft. of torque. These trims are exclusive with the six-speed automatic transmission.
To learn more about the KIA Soul or to schedule a test drive, call Jim Butler KIA today at 636-256-9600 or contact us online. As your St. Louis KIA dealer, we invite you to check out our new KIA Souls in-person at our Chesterfield dealership. If you’re in the St. Louis, Chesterfield Valley, Creve Coeur or Maryland Heights area, stop by our lot at 722 Long Road Crossing in Chesterfield. Here at Jim Butler KIA, you can make your new vehicle purchase with confidence. We are located in Chesterfield, MO, and serve as your St. Louis, Chesterfield Valley, Creve Coeur and Maryland Heights KIA dealer.
