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.

Two New Packages Add Style and Convenience to 2016 KIA Soul

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.

Do some “Soul searching” and check out our St. Louis KIA Soul inventory!

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.