World-Class Ovation: 2017 Kia Optima Receives Top Safety Plus Rating From IIHS

As we get ready to gear up for what promises to be a hot and exciting summer here in the St. Louis metro area, we have been helping many customers pick out a sedan that fits their lifestyle. It's no secret that the name mentioned (and sold) the most is the Optima, and it has just received another prestigious safety nod as of late. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has given the Optima the “Top Safety Pick Plus (TSP+) rating, which is the highest destination possible within this entity.

The Optima scored incredibly high in five crashworthiness tests, and in the Integration of Autonomous Emergency Braking for crash prevention. The element to really take notice of here as a consumer is that good crashworthiness ratings, and a superior rating for the optional front-crash prevention system are all important to anyone looking for standout safety features in a current vehicle.

The IIHS is known for setting some of the highest standards when it comes to evaluating the many aspects of safety within a vehicle, and heralding this listing further proves the success of KIA's ongoing effort to do everything possible to improve the quality and integrity of their front-running auto line. When a model is qualifying for TSP+, it must earn “good” ratings in five different tests for crashworthiness: small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side impact, roof restraints, and head restraints. As we tread onward daily to what is certainly a modern climate in the auto manufacturing industry, drivers are now able to reap benefits from driver assistance systems that seemed far-fetched just a few decades ago.

Advanced Smart Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are just a few of the features that will help you during your day-to-day drive. Front Collision Warning System is a particularly useful feature: it scans the road ahead while you drive, and is designed to give you fair warning If you're about to crash into a vehicle that is stopped, or slow-moving. Many that are involved in the research and development for future auto projects nationwide are certain that driverless cars are making their way very soon on the horizon, but for now, these added safety features work overtime to give you added protection from the various elements that could cause you harm.

The Optima is available with three engine choices, including the new 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, that proudly operates in conjunction with a sweet seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission. Ask us right here at Jim Butler about the five trim levels available for the Optima: LX, LX 1.6T, EX, SX, and SXL are all on top to see to it that you get the specific look and feel that works for you. With the SXL option, you get standard 18-inch chrome alloy wheels, and super cool LED dual-projection headlights with Dynamic Bending Light and High-Beam Assist.

Owning a top-notch sedan is going to absolutely put some oomph back into your daily life: come down and see us at Missouri's esteemed Kia dealer, and we'll lay the groundwork for you to enjoy the features of the Optima every day for a durable commute.

2017 Kia Sedona Awarded Top Safety Pick+ From IIHS

The 2017 Kia Sedona, Kia’s very popular minivan, has earned itself a Top Safety Pick+ Award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). As the highest award from the IIHS, a Top Safety Pick+ title is awarded to vehicles that earn “good” ratings in the small overlap front, moderate overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests. Additionally, the vehicle must earn an “advanced” or “superior” rating for front crash prevention.

Contributing to this award is the Sedona’s addition of its optional automatic braking technology, technology that uses sensors to detect when other vehicles or obstacles may be ahead and automatically reduces the speed of the vehicle. This technology boosts the minivan’s front crash prevention rating from basic to superior.

Additionally, on the IIHS track tests at 12 mph and 25 mph, the Sedona equipped with the new front crash prevention system avoided collisions. This system also includes a forward collision warning component that meets the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration criteria.

Want to check out the Kia Sedona for yourself? Right now is a great time to save on one of the 2016 models! Stop by Jim Butler Kia in St. Louis, MO to give it a test drive!

2017 KIA Sorento Earns Top Safety Pick Status From IIHS

The 2017 Kia Sorento has earned “Good” ratings in multiple crash tests and high scores for its optional front crash prevention system- earning itself a Top Safety Pick+ status from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The vehicle earned these ratings in the small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests.

The Sorento’s new automatic braking system passed with flying colors, avoiding collisions in the 12 mph and 25 mph tests and earning a “Superior” rating by the IIHS. This system meets the criteria of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Orth Hedrick of Kia Motors America stated “These results are a clear indication that Kia places a high priority on safety by offering advanced crash avoidance technologies and enhancing vehicle structure through the use of advanced high-steel strength. We are proud that the Sorento received strong ratings across the board, and having earned the prestigious TSP+ award bolsters our strong safety record and the integrity of our products.”

Kia Motors continues to remold the Sorento to be the best family crossover in the St. Louis car market. Stop by Jim Butler Kia in the meantime to check it out for yourself!

2016 Sorentos at Jim Butler Kia Earn IIHS Top Safety Pick

Jim Butler Kia in Chesterfield Valley has the safe family SUV you’ve been searching for with the 2016 Kia Sorento which earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick. 

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) noted the ’16 Sorento’s great improvement in the small overlap crash test, even saying the crash test models “indicate[d] a low risk of any significant injuries in a crash of this severity.” The small overlap test is a relatively new safety test brought about in 2012. This test replicates what happens when the front corner of a vehicle collides with another vehicle or an object such as a tree or pole.

When combined with the Sorento’s other good ratings in moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraints and seats crashworthiness tests, the ’16 Sorento becomes a 2015 Top Safety Pick by IIHS.

Jim Butler Kia in Chesterfield Valley has a wide selection of 2016 Sorentos to choose from including some with all-wheel drive. The 2016 Sorento is bred for adventure and has three engines (2.4-liter inline-4, turbocharged 2.0-L inline-4 and 3.3-L V6) across eight trims with a long list of features that make for an outstanding family vehicle or the “perfect getaway” vehicle for a camping weekend.

To learn more about the Top Safety Pick ’16 Sorento, call us today at 888-392-6606. As your St. Louis Kia dealer, we invite you to check out the Sorento 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 Sorento purchase with confidence. We are located in Chesterfield, Mo., and serve as your St. Louis, Chesterfield Valley, Creve Coeur and Maryland Heights Kia dealer.

Check out our inventory of 2016 Sorentos!

2011 KIA Sportage get Top Safety Rating

2011 Kia Sportage Named '2010 Top Safety Pick' By Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

• All-New Compact CUV Receives Highest Recognition from IIHS -- Sportage receives top ratings for front, side, rollover, and rear impact protection -- CUV is fourth new generation Kia vehicle to be named "Top Safety Pick"

IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Joining the 2010 Forte compact sedan, 2010 Soul urban passenger vehicle and 2011 Sorento compact crossover utility vehicle (CUV), the all-new 2011 Sportage CUV has been recognized as a "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the small SUV category when built after March 2010. Arriving in Kia showrooms now, Sportage received the organization's top honor by earning "Good" ratings -- the highest achievable -- in frontal, side, rear and rollover impact crash safety tests. The Sedona minivan was the first Kia vehicle to receive the IIHS "Top Safety Pick," along with the "Safest Minivan Ever Tested" distinction from IIHS, shortly after its launch in 2006, and again in 2007, 2008 and 2009. "The Kia brand is committed to providing consumers with the highest levels of passenger safety by providing a comprehensive list of cutting-edge technologies and features for increased crash protection," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, Kia Motors America (KMA). "The 2011 Sportage's sleek and modern appearance continues Kia's design-led transformation while staying true to the company's core philosophy of providing consumers with exciting, fun-to-drive vehicles with high levels of value, quality and safety." Ratings from the Institute are based on results from frontal, side and rear impact crash tests, and for 2010 a good performance in a roof strength test -- to measure protection in a rollover -- also was required to win. Each vehicle's overall evaluation was based on various measurements specific to each crash angle, and overall impact on crash test dummies inside the vehicle at the time of collision. All vehicles must have electronic stability control available to be eligible. Like all Kia vehicles, the 2011 Sportage is equipped with a long list of standard safety equipment. Both trims come outfitted with driver and passenger advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, side curtain airbags and front active headrests, four-wheel Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and a Brake Assist System (BAS), which recognizes an emergency stop and delivers significant braking power. Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Brake Control (DBC) also come standard on all models, the former assisting in preventing the vehicle from rolling backward when trying to pull away from an uphill gradient, while the latter locks the vehicle at a slow speed down steep grades so the driver can focus their attention on steering. To assist drivers when the vehicle is in reverse, an available back-up warning sensor helps the driver avoid contact with certain objects in the vehicle's path by triggering an audible warning when the vehicle approaches an obstruction, while an available rear-view back-up camera enables drivers to view certain items behind the vehicle. The 2011 Sportage, which utilizes a completely redesigned platform, comes standard with a 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine with Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT), offering more power (176 hp) and better fuel economy (22/31) than the previous 2.7-liter V6 engine. Sportage also comes equipped with impressive standard technology features throughout, including an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system with SIRIUS® Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service(1). Also standard on both trims are auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting with MP3 players and Bluetooth®(2) wireless technology connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls to enable hands-free operation for compatible mobile phones.

[source: KIA Motors America]

Kia Forte wins IIHS "Top Safety Pick Award"

Well we knew it was just a matter of time, the New 2010 KIA Forte has received its 4th award. The IIHS (Insurance Institute of Highway Safety) has ranked the 2010 Forte as a "Top Safety" Pick!

Along with other great awards like NADA Guide's "2009 Car of the Year", we appreciate the recognition that our new KIA cars are getting. It is no surprise that the Forte has been recognized for it's safety, especially with a virtual surround of air bags to keep you and your passengers safe in any kind of accident.

Have you not seen the New 2010 KIA Forte? If not stop by our new location at 722 Long Road Crossing in Chesterfield Valley!!!

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