A Close Look at the Stealth and Savvy Crossover Gem: 2017 Kia Niro

One of the reasons why the Niro was billed as the “Unhybrid” is that drivers are appreciating the design effort that allows it to not scream loudly to the masses about its status. Combining a hybrid powertrain with a subcompact crossover, the result is a very spacious interior, and a vehicle that yields 52 mpg in the city. The power source for the Niro is a 1.6-liter 4 cylinder, which gets the job done with the aid of an electric motor, and battery pack with lithium-ion.

The power rating of the Niro is 139 HP, and 195-lb of torque. We know that these are not numbers that will send the new driver trembling with excitement to their nearest test track, but will still allow for a punchy and swift journey to wherever they need to go. The cargo bay's maximum space of 54.5 cubic feet is accessed easily, by use of a 60/40 folding rear seat that will fold down to all the way flat. Even if you opt for the base trim, you still get awesome features such as satellite radio receiver, dual-zone climate, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and height-adjustable driver's seat.

The Niro is priced underneath other contenders in the crossover market such as the Nissan Rogue, and the Toyota RAV 4 Hybrid, by several thousand dollars each. Aside from the difference in price and other valuable features, we really enjoy the Niro's appearance: it's a smaller-sized, savvy and sleek vehicle that taps into a few different sources of charm. It takes quite a reach for a vehicle to really seem ready, poised, and efficient without wearing their prowess like a badge, and the Niro succeeds in that department.

Car and Driver proclaims that the Niro Hybrid “delivers sharp design language on top of the popular crossover form factor”, and goes on to state that the Niro is truly a more plausible version of what the Prius strives to be. When you come to pay us a visit and engage in a test drive, you'll see that the car feels just high enough to simplify getting in and out, but not so high that taking corners feels awkward. Behind the seat you can easily fit six carry-on sized suitcases, and the head and legroom space in the back will be ample for anyone joining you on an outbound journey.

Don't be too concerned if you think the power factor is a bit on the meager side: The Niro is more than sufficient for sports practice runs, the daily commute, and fun jaunts anywhere around St Louis that you feel calling your name during down time. If you do have a longer trip ahead of you, you're still going to love how you get a cost-efficient ride, with handling that allows you to maintain constant control.

One very noticeable advantage the Niro has over many of its imitators is the way in which it behaves a bit like a very conventional gas-only vehicle, and is not quite the same as the delayed and snarling characteristics of Toyota's dual-motor, Hybrid Synergy Drive. Push-button start, heated and ventilated front seats, and sunroof are some of the other essential additives that you'll benefit from within the vehicle. We'll show you how the Fuel Efficient, Touring, and LX and EX range trims differ from each other, and clue you in to which one will meet you and your family's needs to the T!

KIA Trio Hailed as Segment Winners in 2017 J.D. Power Performance, Execution, and Layout Study

The Niro, Soul, and Kia Cadenza have all been making waves in the marketplace quite heavily: J.D. Power APEAL Awards came out with all them snagging the best in their specific genres. The Niro grabbed accolades in the Small SUV segment, The Soul Dominated the Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle segment, and the Cadenza presided at the top of the list for the Large Car Segment. For the second year in a row, Kia Motors was ranked the absolute highest in the industry, and all 3 Kia APEAL study segment winners were also IQS segment winners.

Here on the lot as every new day presents us with opportunities to link people up with great cars in the St. Louis metro, we recognize that buyers today have more choices than ever before. They are looking for vehicles that offer first-class design, technology, efficiency, and amenities that really shine. More consumers looking for a smooth and safe commute are finding KIA every day, and realizing just how incredibly well these cars are fating against the competition.

The Niro cross over hybrid performed a noticeably large 51 points total aboce other average models within its segment. The Cadenza also dominated highly within its own segment, surpassing the average model's score by 27 points. The Soul has always been a hefty favorite with consumers who march to a slightly different beat, and this year it nailed down its fifth APEAL Award. This solidifies its position as the vehicle with the most APEAL awards in Kia's entire lineup of cars, and it is the only care with a spot in the Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle category to score above its segment average.

The J.D. Powers APEAL study measure new-vehicle owners' overall running level of satisfaction with their vehicles during the first 3 months of ownership. This is such a crucial time when you really think about it: this is when the owner gets the most drastic first impression, that determines or not they would have recommend the car to a friend. It also determines whether or not they would choose to purchase the car again themselves, which we understand so much of our business at Jim Butler derives from.

Hailed by Car and Driver as "The fully realized execution that could elevate the hybrid crossover to widespread adoption", the Niro is rated at 50 MPG. Most likely causing many consumers heads to turn immediately, it is the true face-to-face contender of the supposedly savvy and dapper Toyota Prius. CNBC calls the Cadenza a "Spacious boat of a car with great value", with a true difference in identify. Motor Trend calls the Soul "Stylish and Surprisingly practical": make sure you take some xtra time over the coming month to see us at Jim Butler, and find out how a new Kia car will add a deliberate sense of direction to your fall driving itinerary.

Kia Niro Set a Guinness World Record

The 2017 KIA Niro is breaking records with its performance capabilities!

Back in December, the KIA Niro, KIA’s Crossover Hybrid Vehicle, took home a Guinness World Record title for the lowest fuel consumption for driving across the United States. It drove from Los Angeles to New York City with an amazing 76.6 MPG, making this the new record-setting mark!

Wayne Gerdes of Carlsbad, California and Robert Winger of Williamsburg, Virginia traveled from the West Coast to the East Coast in the Niro EX (total of 3,715.4 miles) on just 48.5 gallons of gas – that’s just 4.1 tanks! 

“We’re extremely pleased with the Niro’s record-breaking performance,” stated Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning KMA. “We set out to build a vehicle that offers real-word utility, great looks and fantastic mileage, and setting the Guinness World Record title confirms our achievement.”

The KIA Niro is the first of its kind. It has closed the gap between outstanding fuel economy and compact crossover utility, as well as creating an ultimate driving experience for all St. Louis drivers.

Its high-efficiency 1.6L GDI engine and a smooth-transitioning dual-clutch automatic transmission contribute to this truly unique driving experience.

The KIA Niro will provide any St. Louis driver with pure fun and fuel efficiency behind the wheel, so be on the lookout because the 2017 Niro should be rolling into Jim Butler KIA soon!

The 2017 Kia Niro Takes Home Guinness World Record Title

The 2017 Kia Niro, which isn’t set to arrive until early next year, is already breaking records with its performance capabilities. The crossover hybrid vehicle has recently taken home a Guinness World Record title for the lowest fuel consumption driving across the United States from coast to coast (hybrid car) with an astonishing 76.6 mpg.

“We’re extremely pleased with the Niro’s record-breaking performance,” stated Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning KMA. “We set out to build a vehicle that offers real-word utility, great looks and fantastic mileage, and setting the Guinness World Record title confirms our achievement.”

Wayne Gerdes of Carlsbad, California and Robert Winger of Williamsburg, Virginia trekked a total of 3,715.4 miles from Los Angeles City Hall to New York City Hall in the Niro EX on just 48.5 gallons (4.1 tanks) of gas.

Pretty amazing, huh? Be sure to be on the lookout for the 2017 Niro, which should be rolling into Jim Butler Kia in St. Louis, MO in the first quarter of next year!

NiroBot: The All New Way To Learn About The 2017 Kia Niro

Kia Motors America took a big step into the tech world last week when they launched NiroBot, an interactive bot for Facebook Messenger which delivers fast and comprehensive information for the all-new 2017 Kia Niro.

Roughly 1 billion consumers use Messenger monthly and NiroBot provides great access to those interested in learning more about the vehicle. Kia is among the first automotive brands in the U.S. to utilize Facebook Messenger.

“The all new Niro is like nothing else on the road today, and kicking off our pre-launch strategy by breaking new ground with our bot for Messenger that will make the new car research process much easier and more efficient for shoppers,” stated Kimberley Gardiner, director of marketing, KMA. “The user friendly interface combines the experience of being in a showroom with the convenience and mobility today’s car buyers are looking for as most users interact with NiroBot at their own pace and focus on the specific areas that interest them most.”

Developed and implemented by Ansible, NiroBot has tons of features, like full-screen galleries, guided vehicle discovery, informative product specification menus and step-by-step tutorials. It even gives users the ability to schedule a test drive and connect to a live Kia representative at any time throughout the chat.

“Word of mouth remains the most influential, and coveted, form of brand communication. However, when launching a car and building awareness in a crowded marketplace it’s hard to achieve,” said Travis Johnson, global president of Ansible. “We created the NiroBot to be everywhere our customers are - in chat platforms - and allow them to have a natural conversation about the Niro enhanced throughout by multimedia such as videos, images, links and even the ability to register for a test drive.”

If you’re interested in learning more about the 2017 Kia Niro, give NiroBot a go by clicking here. Afterwards, be sure to stop in the showroom at Jim Butler Kia in St. Louis, MO to give the all-new Niro a test drive!

Welcoming The 2017 Kia Niro

The 2017 Kia Niro has made its official arrival to Jim Butler Kia in St. Louis, MO and we can’t wait for you to come check it out. Referred to as a “hybrid utility vehicle”, the Kia Niro is the perfect combination of a hybrid-electric car and CUV. Add this to an impressive design and enjoyable driving experience, and you can’t ask for much more.

“The Niro hits the sweet spot by offering the best combination of outstanding mpg, an engaging driving experience, utility, and most importantly, a stunning design that doesn’t shout ‘hybrid’”, stated Orth Hedrick, vice president product planning KMA. “The subcompact CUV market continues to be one of the fastest-growing segments in the world, and the Niro offers a uniquely alluring yet practical package that consumers haven’t seen before.”

The interior is spacious and an elevated seating position provides a clear view of the road and easy entering and exiting. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard on the Uvo platform. Safety technology includes blind-spot warning with rear-traffic alert, adaptive cruise and lane-departure warning.

As far as power goes, the gas engine paired with an electric motor produces 146 horsepower and has an estimated fuel economy of 50 mpg combined.

To check out the all-new 2017 Kia Niro for yourself, be sure to stop by and give it a test drive at Jim Butler Kia in St. Louis, MO!