Showing posts with label Kia Dealer St. Louis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kia Dealer St. Louis. Show all posts

Friday, December 9, 2016

Kia's First-Ever Sports Saloon: The 2017 Kia GT




If this isn’t a teaser, we don’t know what is! Kia’s next big thing is on its way and we are as eager as ever to get behind the wheel. What is this “next big thing”, you ask? The 2017 Kia GT- AKA the brand’s first sports saloon. And considering the timing of the released video, it is likely the vehicle will be making its debut next month at the Detroit Auto Show.

Though Kia has released very little about the GT, we do know that this car is focused on driver enjoyment and will reach speeds up to more than 150 mph. It has been caught testing multiple times in Nurburgring and is expected to be positioned at the top of Kia’s range.

We’ll keep you posted with more details but we don’t expect to see the Kia GT roll into our showroom until after summer of 2017!

In the meantime, stop by and see us at Jim Butler Kia in St. Louis, MO to check out our current Kia lineup!

Friday, October 14, 2016

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!

Friday, May 6, 2016

The 2017 KIA Sorento Is Coming To Town


KIA’s best-selling CUV, the 2017 KIA Sorento, is entering its second model year, but has many added features. The Sorento now features new technology, including the Andriod Auto, Apple CarPlay, Advanced Touring Package and the Advanced Technology Package. The 2017 Sorento also offers new driver assistance features that the 2016 Sorento did not previously offer. These drive assistance features include Autonomous Emergency Braking, Dynamic Bending Lights, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Advanced Smart Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and much more.  


The 2017 Sorento has three different engine options, and all three are 6-speed automatic. The base model has a 2.4-liter I-4 engine with 185 horsepower/178lb. ft. torque. The second option is 2.0-liter turbo I-4 and 240 horsepower/260lb. ft. torque. Finally, the third engine has 3.3-liter V6 and 290 horsepower/252lb. ft. torque.

Jim Butler KIA cannot wait for the 2017 KIA Sorento to hit the lot later this year.

Monday, February 8, 2016

KIA Optima, Sedona Named to Top Family Vehicle List by KBB

Jim Butler KIA vehicles assert value and family functionality with latest Kelley Blue Book awards

Two KIA models available at Jim Butler KIA in Chesterfield Valley earned spots on Kelley Blue Book’s (KBB) 16 Best Family Cars for 2016 list. For the family of any size, from newly married couples to ones with newborns to the experienced families, Jim Butler KIA has the 2016 Optima and the 2016 Sedona, both KBB choices.

The Sedona is the KIA brand’s minivan, and the model garners attention wherever it goes. The outgoing model was named the ultimate minivan by MotorWeek and Cars.com, and the 2016 edition takes these attributes even further. KBB editors placed the Sedona on its list because of the van’s style, function, modern interior and overall value.

“Sedona was designed for today’s active lifestyles and families on the go with more power, a longer wheelbase for improved leg room and unique seating configurations combined with intuitive technology and safety,” Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning for KIA Motors America (KMA), said.

Winning design and first-class comfort set the 2016 Sedonas at Jim Butler KIA apart from the rest of the minivans in St. Louis. Active and passive safety features, dual sunroofs, heated/ventilated seats and more technology than you could shake a smartphone at will make your choice of a KIA Sedona a smart one.

Optima a top choice for St. Louis family sedan

While minivans usually scream “family vehicle,” the sedans can still serve a family just as well. KBB was impressed with the Optima’s family-friendly style and bevy of features. Safety, convenience and spaciousness for passengers and child safety seats also weighed heavily in the 2016 Optima’s favor.

“The all-new 2016 Optima has matured in all the right ways, from the European sport-sedan design to the premium interior materials to its vastly improved ride and handling and advanced safety features,” Hedrick said.

Five trim choices and two turbo engines will have the Optima fitting whatever needs your family has. The new 2016 Optima at Jim Butler KIA dares you to break away from the cookie-cutter sedans you see at any other dealer. This award is the second in the past few months for the Optima which was also named to KBB’s Best Buy list last November.

“When looking at the car market through the family friendly lens, KIA vehicles deserve serious consideration,” Jack Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for KBB, said.

Come see for yourself why the Optima and Sedona are on everyone’s lists! To schedule a KIA test drive in St. Louis, contact Jim Butler KIA online today or give us a call at 636-256-9600!

Shop new Optimas 

Search new Sedonas

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Kia K900, Souls Offer St. Louis Families Best-in-Segment Awards

Each Kia vehicle wins top honors in respective segments

As St. Louis families search for a new family vehicle, Jim Butler Kia in St. Louis has award-winning hatchbacks and luxury large cars perfect for what fits their needs. Jim Butler Kia is St. Louis’ exclusive K900 sedan dealer, and the Kia Soul is an outside-the-box hatchback that makes for a great family vehicle.

U.S. News & World Report (UNWR) ranked its best family cars for 2015 across nine segments (SUVs and minivans each had their own segments as well). Kia’s top honors were the hatchback and luxury large cars with the Soul and K900 winning their respective categories.

Kia Soul: Personality and Practicality

In UNWR’s overall review of the 2015 Kia Soul, it ranks in the Top 10 of each in affordable small cars, affordable compact cars and hatchbacks. The Soul beat out other finalists for best family hatchback such as the Ford C-Max Hybrid and the Mazda Mazda3.

“The 2015 Kia Soul impresses reviewers with upscale cabin materials and an abundance of standard and optional features,” UNWR said.

Other facets of the ’15 Soul impressing judges were the spacious rear and front seats, competitive cargo space for the segment and the standard Bluetooth. More features standing out to the judges included the optional UVO infotainment system, rearview camera and panoramic sunroof.

The Kia Soul hatchback comes in three trim levels — base, Plus and Exclaim. The base trim is powered by a 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder engine, while the Plus and Exclaim have the 2.0-L I4. A six-speed manual transmission comes standard, and the six-speed automatic is optional.

“The Soul has an excellent combination of space, safety and reliability ratings, as well as available family-friendly features. Those factors combined make it our 2015 Best Hatchback for Families,” UNWR said.

Kia K900: Flagship Luxury Sedan without the Luxury Price Tag

Your exclusive St. Louis K900 dealer is Jim Butler Kia, and St. Louis families looking for a luxury family sedan can check out the 2015 K900, winner of UNWR’s 2015 best large luxury car for families.

The K900 continues to hold its own as a rear-wheel drive luxury five-seat sedan as it topped the Audi A7 and Cadillac XTS in UNWR’s rankings. While some luxury car aficionados might hesitate at a Kia badge on a luxury sedan, the K900 causes them to double-take with its amenities and price tag.

Comfortable and supportive seats, spacious trunk, beautiful interior design, UVO infotainment system, a long list of standard and optional features — all those characteristics families would expect to see on an Audi or Cadillac, Kia delivers at a fraction of the cost.

The 2015 K900 is powered by either a 3.6-L V6 or a 5.0-L V8 mated with the eight-speed automatic transmission.

“...the 2015 K900 delivers a smooth ride, a powerful V8 and lots of features at a good price,” UNWR said. “It has the best combination of interior space, safety and reliability ratings and available family-friendly features in its class, making it our 2015 Best Luxury Large Car for Families.”

To learn more about the 2015 Soul or K900, call us today at 888-392-6606. As your St. Louis Kia dealer, we invite you to check out  the award-winning K900 and Soul 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 Soul and K900 purchases 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 Soul inventory!
Take a look at our exclusive St. Louis K900s in-stock!

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Fun & Excitement Ahead for 2015 Kia Rio Drivers

Sporty and fun-to-drive, the 2015 Kia Rio is sure to capture drivers’ hearts.

The 2015 Kia Rio offers tremendous value for a variety of cutting-edge features in both the sedan and the five-door hatchback. The award-winning subcompact is available in three trims -- LX, EX and SX -- and comes with a terriffic 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder engine. But new for 2015, the LX model gives customers the option of a six-speed automatic transmission with an Active ECO system, optimizing fuel economy when activated. That means the Rio sedan boasts 138 horsepower with a fuel economy rating of 27/37 mpg (city/highway).



Both 2015 Kia Rio models feature plenty of impressive technology as standard, including an AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio unit with SiriusXM Satellite Radio capabilities, and auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting MP3 players with full iPod and MP3 controllability via the audio head unit and steering wheel-mounted controls.



There also is chrome front grille surround, power windows with driver’s one-touch auto-up/down, power door locks with remote keyless entry, cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls, and a tilt and telescopic steering column available on EX and SX models.

If you're buying a Kia for the first time, the Rio is the perfect introduction. And if you've experienced a Kia before, you know exactly why Kia is one of the most popular automotive brands in the country. Learn more about the 2015 Kia Rio sedan and hatchback and test drive a Kia for yourself at Jim Butler Kia!


Wednesday, August 20, 2014

2014 Kia Soul Earns Third Consecutive J.D. Power APEAL Award



Sometimes you *can* improve on perfection.

The funky, fun-to-drive 2014 Kia Soul recently earned the J.D. Power Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) award for the third straight year in the Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle segment. That's significant, especially since the 2014 Soul is a complete overhaul and is coming off its best-ever first-half sales performance in company history.

The J.D. Power APEAL study measures new-vehicle owners’ overall satisfaction with their vehicles in the first 90 days of ownership, and results are divided into the following categories: exterior, interior, storage, audio, seats, heating and ventilation, driving dynamics, powertrain, visibility and fuel economy.

“Since launching in 2009, the Soul has earned a devoted following thanks to its unique blend of attitude, style, technology and value,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Kia Motors America. “Now in its second iteration, the iconic Soul remains true to its roots while adding refinement both inside and out. Taking top honors in its segment for the third year in a row in the J.D. Power APEAL study is further verification that the Soul just keeps getting better.”

The 2014 Soul sold a record 74,999 units in the first half of 2014.


Check out the award-winning 2014 Kia Soul for yourself at JimButler Kia today.

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Kia Soul Adds Enhancements for 2015

Sometimes it's hard to improve on perfection, but Kia is committed to trying. The 2015 Kia Soul is getting a few tweaks for the new model year. Kia enthusiasts will remember that the Soul underwent a major refresh for 2014, but this year, just a few enhancements are needed.

The base model for the 2015 Kia Soul now is available with a UVO eServices package, a free subscription that's available for ten years or 100,000 miles. The package includes Geo-fencing, download access to iTunes and Google Play, and a speed and curfew alert system.


The Soul Exclaim model is seeing a little change, too, as the 2015 model will be available with a new Umber Color Package. With it, Kia fans will be able to choose from Fathom Blue or Cloud White exterior paint, Nappa leather seats and trim, and special wheels with gloss black accents.

The 2015 Soul Plus model remains unchanged.

Stop by Jim Butler Kia to learn more about the 2015 Kia Soul updates.

Monday, June 23, 2014

Details About the Hot New 2015 Kia Forte Models

The 2015 model year will be another great one for the Kia Forte.

Three models of the award-winning Forte will carry over for 2015: the Forte Sedan, the Forte Koup and the Forte5. With European-inspired design and an abundance of quality features, the 2015 Forte will continue to be a hit.

















The 2015 Forte Sedan will be available in LX and EX models and offers a choice of an efficient 1.8-liter engine or a more powerful 2.0-liter engine. Fans will enjoy many standard and optional features, including standard with steering wheel-mounted audio controls, SiriusXM, power windows, keyless entry, 16-inch alloy wheels, UVO eServices Telematics, heated front and rear seats and a rear camera display and many more options -- many of which are not typically seen in the compact sedan segment.



The 2015 Forte Koup will be a sporty, fun-to-drive car with impressive features. The EX comes equipped with a 2.0-liter GDI four-cylinder engine, and the SX comes standard with a powerful 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 201 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. Both models come standard with a 6-speed manual transmission with an available 6-speed automatic featuring steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. 16-inch alloy wheels, SiriusXM, power windows, heated seats, heated steering wheel, push-button start and more all are available to fans on both versions of the Koup.

Like its Forte siblings, the 2015 Forte5 continues to deliver value and fun. The hatchback comes in two trim levels, with the EX’s 2.0-liter GDI four-cylinder engine and the SX’s powerful 1.6-liter GDI turbocharged four-cylinder engine available. The SX comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission and offers an available 6-speed automatic featuring steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The Forte5's amenities are impressive; available options include heated seats, power windows, SiriusXM, leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio and cruise control buttons, rear camera display, leather-trimmed seating surfaces and so many more. The Forte5's body commands attention and continues Kia’s tradition as a design leader in the industry.

Head to Jim Butler Kia, the best St. Louis Kia dealer, for more information about the 2015 Kia Forte.

Friday, May 16, 2014

2015 Sorento coming to Jim Butler KIA Named Best Family Vehicle



Looking for the perfect family vehicle that offers value and sophistication? Look no further than the 2015 KIA Sorento coming to Jim Butler KIA in St. Louis!

The Northwest Automotive Press Association recently named the 2015 KIA Sorento the Best Family Vehicle in its segment. The 2015 Sorento beat six other vehicles by showing strong performances on the autocross course and public roads.

According to Michael Sprague, executive vice president of sales and marketing, KIA Motors America, “Winning the Best Family Vehicle by NWAPA is further validation of the Sorento’s appealing blend of all-around style and capability with an abundance of safety features.”

During the Northwest Automotive Press Associations annual “Mudfest” competition more than 20 journalists took a closer look at all vehicles over a two day span testing on an autocross course and moderate off-road routes.

Make sure to come test drive the 2015 KIA Sorento when it arrives at Jim Butler KIA in St. Louis!

Source: KIAmedia.com



Thursday, May 8, 2014

K900 and Soul at Jim Butler KIA Make the “Must Test Drive” List




Being the first brand to have more than one vehicle on this year’s “Must Test Drive” list by AutoTrader.com, the 2015 KIA K900 and 2014 KIA Soul at Jim Butler KIA have impressed the judges with their overall value and design.

The 2015 K900 is set to arrive at Jim Butler KIA this month and is now available to reserve. The 2015 K900 has a V8 engine in the Luxury and VIP trim levels which is good for 420 horsepower.



The interior features a three-spoke leather steering wheel with audio controls, cruise control, entertainment, and vehicle information. A 9.2-inch full-color Driver Information System is complete with navigation and KIA’s exclusive UVO eServices.

The new 2014 Soul at Jim Butler KIA in St. Louis is longer and wider providing plenty of cargo room. The Soul offers navigation, streaming audio, Infinity sound, heated and ventilated seats and a panoramic sunroof. The 2014 Soul comes in three trims including the Base, Plus, and Exclaim. 


Checkout the 2014 KIA Soul Jim Butler KIA in St. Louis and Reserve the 2015 KIA K900 today!








Monday, May 5, 2014

Stay Connected in the Sleek All-New 2014 KIA Optima EX at Jim Butler KIA


The 2014 KIA Optima EX at Jim Butler KIA in St. Louis is getting great reviews from drivers for its updated technology and extra storage space. The new KIA Optima EX sedan combines a sleek sports car look with all the amenities to keep you connected.

The interior technology includes a rather large TFT screen that allows access to navigation, climate control and media. You will also find the rearward view for parking assistance on the TFT screen. The technology package is optional which adds in backup warning system, and blind-spot detection.

The 2014 KIA Optima EX features a new three-spoke steering wheel with paddle shifters behind it and a 4.3-inch TFT display behind both the steering wheel and paddle shifters.


The new Optima has plenty of room with 37.6 inches of headroom and 15.4 cu-ft of trunk space. The backseat is comfortable with cushy seats and centrally located vents for climate control.

Come Check out the 2014 KIA Optima EX at Jim Butler KIA in St. Louis and schedule a test drive today!







Friday, April 25, 2014

Jim Butler KIA Soul Makes “10 Best Interiors” list



For this year’s “10 Best Interiors” list conducted by WardsAuto, 41 vehicles were looked at based on ergonomics, driver information, fit-and-finish, materials, value, safety, comfort and design.  Making the list this year is the KIA Soul at Jim Butler KIA in St. Louis.


The KIA Soul was the lowest-priced among the 10 vehicles but still proved to have one of the best interiors in the industry.  The Soul was recognized for its two-toned interior and comfort.  According to WardsAuto, the KIA Soul also had the “grooviest interior” out of all ten vehicles.

Schedule a test drive of the 2014 KIA Soul at Jim Butler KIA in St. Louis today!



Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Jim Butler KIA Presents the New 2015 KIA Sedona


The 2015 KIA Sedona coming to Jim Butler KIA in St. Louis offers everything from a roomier cabin to the being equipped with the latest technologies. The new Sedona is top in its class!

Need more room? The 2015 KIA Sedona can fit 7 to 8 passengers still providing plenty of leg room and cargo room. The new Sedona also provides more front shoulder room and a slightly higher hip-point improving driver visibility.


The 2015 KIA Sedona is made from 76-percent high-strength steel making it 36-percent stiffer than the best of its competition. With the new improvements, KIA expects the new Sedona to get a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Equipped with a 3.3-liter V6, the 2015 Sedona is good for 276 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.


The all-new Sedona will be the first KIA to offer four new eServices features including Geo-fencing, Speed Alert, Curfew Alert and Driving Score.  The latest technology including a new UVO system with Siri “Eyes Free6” and local search are available and allow easy access to finding locations, addresses and points of interest.

Jim Butler KIA will let you know when the new 2015 KIA Sedona will be arriving in St. Louis! In the meantime, check out our current inventory!







Wednesday, April 16, 2014

KIA named Kelley Blue Book 2014 “Best Value Brand”



Jim Butler KIA in St. Louis just received news that KIA Motors America is a 2014 Brand Image Award winner for the “Best Value Brand” by Kelley Blue Book.  KIA’s commitment to providing value to its customers with fuel-efficient and stylish vehicles is what sets KIA apart from other brands. KIA is being recognized for its evolution into a high-value brand even beating out Honda for this years “Best Value Brand!”

Check out our KIA inventory at Jim Butler KIA and test drive a new KIA today!




Wednesday, April 9, 2014

New Yet-To-Be-Named KIA Coming to Jim Butler KIA



There’s a new KIA coming to town and Jim Butler KIA can’t wait. The new KIA will be making its first appearance at the upcoming New York auto show later this month.

Although the new KIA remains nameless, we do know that the eight passenger vehicle will feature sliding rear doors and a sporty exterior look. It is unknown what the engine type or transmission type will be for the new van but KIA assures that “this global debut will challenge the segment.”

Jim Butler KIA will have more info on the new KIA after its debut later this month so stay tuned to our blog and don’t forget to check out our current KIA inventory!




Monday, March 31, 2014

KIA Looking to Make a Two-Door Soul?



It’s true, the popular KIA Soul might be transforming into a two-door Soul-based coupe. The KIA Soul leads in sales numbers among subcompact crossover/wagon competitors in the U.S. and at Jim Butler KIA in St. Louis.

Similar to the KIA Track’ster concept which debut two years ago at the Chicago Auto Show, the new two-door Soul may have a 250-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. KIA claims this engine will fit under the hood of the two-door Soul if the coupe ever goes to production.

Jim Butler KIA hopes the two-door Soul rumor is true but KIA has not made any official announcements. Make sure to check our blog at Jim Butler KIA for more information on the KIA two-door Soul!




Wednesday, March 26, 2014

The New Electric 2015 KIA Soul EV



Making its debut at the Chicago Auto Show, the 2015 KIA Soul EV showed off its electric capabilities. The 2015 KIA Soul EV will be for sale later this year at Jim Butler KIA in St. Louis.

The 2015 KIA Soul EV will have a range expectation of 80 to 100 miles taking 24 hours, on an ordinary household current, to charge. With a 240-volt charger, the new Soul EV will take 5 hours to fully charge. For the fastest possible charge, buyers can opt for a 50 KW system charging the 2015 KIA Soul EV to 80% in about 33 minutes.

Fitted with three charging ports, the 2015 KIA Soul EV offers two ports for conventional AC charging and one for CHAdeMo public stations. CHAdeMo meaning CHArge de Move, can charge the Soul in less than 30 minutes. Three charger suppliers will be offered including Bosch, Leviton and AeroVironment.

The new 2015 KIA Soul EV will provide two operating presets- Eco On and Eco Off. Each will offer “Drive” and “Brakes” modes which can capture as much as 12 percent of the lost kinetic energy.

Powered by a liquid-cooled AC synchronous permanent magnet electric motor, the 2015 KIA Soul EV is good for 109 horsepower and 210 Ib-ft of torque. The new Soul is estimated to do 0-to-60-mph in less than 12 seconds.

An app displaying all recharging stations will be available plus KIA dealers who sell electric Souls will offer free recharging to KIA customers!

Stay tuned to Jim Butler KIA for more information on the 2015 KIA Soul EV!




Thursday, March 20, 2014

The Refreshed 2014 KIA Optima Hybrid Coming to Jim Butler KIA in St. Louis




The Chicago Auto Show revealed a refreshed 2014 KIA Optima Hybrid. With updated front and rear fascias, the 2014 KIA Optima Hybrid was designed with efficiency in mind. Jim Butler Kia cannot wait to get the 2014 KIA Optima Hybrid on the lot in St. Louis!

The 2014 KIA Optima Hybrid showed off its eco-friendly additions including updated front and rear fascias designed to increase aerodynamic efficiency, new wheel designs, and unique grill and lighting elements. 

The new Hybrid has a combined gas-electric 199 horsepower rating and a combined 235 Ib.-ft. of torque with its 47 HP electric traction motor. Available in two trims, the LX and EX models, with the LX model achieving an EPA estimated 36 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. The EX trim gets an EPA estimated 35 mpg city and 39 mpg highway.

Inside the new 2014 Optima Hybrid you will find a 4.3-inch TFT LCD instrument cluster and optional high-resolution 8-inch navigation and telematics screen.  Other high-tech features include push button ignition, UVO eServices, 8-speaker Infinity sound system and SiriusXM Traffic.

Advanced safety features including passenger advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, four-wheel Antilock Brake System, Vehicle Stability Management and Electronic Stability Control come standard with all trims of the 2014 Optima Hybrid.

Make sure to come take a test drive of the 2014 KIA Optima Hybrid when it arrives in St. Louis at Jim Butler KIA! 






Monday, March 17, 2014

KIA Reveals a New Dual-Clutch Gearbox and Mild Hybrid at Geneva Motor show



The future of KIA looks bright with new additions hopefully making their way to Jim Butler KIA in St. Louis soon! The new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and mild hybrid powertrain made a big debut at the recent 2014 Geneva Motor Show.

The new seven-speed gearbox comprises of two dry clutches fitted with electric motor-driven actuators. According to KIA, it is 7 percent more efficient than the six-speed and improves acceleration times 5 percent. We may even see the new seven-speed gearbox in vehicles next year; however it has not been said when it will make its way to the U.S.


Combining battery, electric motor, and a small engine supercharger the new mild hybrid system increases power by 15 to 20 percent. The electric motor allows for a pure electric mode at low speed and cruising situations. Powered by a 48-volt lead-carbon battery, the mild hybrid battery is said to do better in cold weather as well as  easier to recycle.

Stay tuned to our blog at Jim Butler KIA for more information on the new seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and mild hybrid!