First Visuals of Kia EV9 Concept Offer Glimpse of Modern Treatment, Stylish and Adaptive Stance

Kia has recently revealed the first official images of the Concept EV9, an all-electric SUV that will further define the brand’s longstanding commitment to become sustainable. Fresh on the heels of the EV6’s launch, this is a design that will incorporate forward thinking, the industry’s newest technology, and an all-electric powertrain combined together in one groundbreaking package.

The first image portrayed a modern exterior design with a highly functional cabin that provides a perfect interior space. As the holiday season draws closer, having the perfect vehicle to travel comfortably and safely is on many customers’ wish lists. These images were released just before the AutoMobility LA conference begins next week, showing users worldwide this electrifying and savvy new concept.

The current-model EV6 is one of the most exciting models coming soon, with the first new units rolling out during the early part of 2022. While the EV6 is not Kia’s first EV, it is the first one to use the company’s new E-GMP dedicated electric vehicle platform. In the United States, the EV6 will arrive in two rear-wheel-drive variants: one will boast a 58-kW hour battery cranking out 167 horsepower, and the other will have a 77.4-kWh long-range pack that bumps things up to 218 hp. 

The all-wheel-drive version has the combination of a larger battery with dual motors for a total of 313 hp, and the range is expected to be around 300 miles for multiple configurations. The EV6 boasts four different levels of regenerative braking all controlled with a paddle on the steering wheel, as well as the popular new one-pedal driving mode. This is going to be one of the predominant features seen in best-selling cars for many days to come. The AWD model boosts the available power up to 446 lb-ft of torque, and getting up to the 60 mph mark takes just five seconds. 

Road Show Staff After 2020 Kia Seltos First Drive: “This Little SUV Will be Big”

As far as the world of crossover SUV's is concerned, competition is one driving factor that results in the highest of quality, and it's no secret that customers sure do have a wide variety of crossover SUV's to choose from right now. The staff on duty at Road Show provided a close-up focus on the new Kia Seltos this past week after testing, and immediately reflected that it is going to be at the head of successful competition rankings for the Honda HR-V.

The Seltos fits into our Kia lineup right between the fun-and-funky Soul and Niro, flaunting a center-locking differential and all-wheel drive on the offense. The 103.5-inch wheelbase is two inches longer than the Soul, and the Seltos' tall, upright nose and border of black trim around the base make it look very poised and ready for action. The busiest and most noticeable feature is the leading edge, and the trademark Kia “tiger-nose” grille that we have come be so familiar with. The entire array of lighting is much different than the Telluride's which are simple and clean: on the Seltos the multiple inset LEDs and 3-D effect evoke a much more futuristic vibe overall.

The team from Road Show rendered the inside as having plenty of headroom and legroom and loved the reclining heated seats in the second row. Front seats are ventilated, and well-covered in your choice of real or artificial leather or fabric. For infotainment accessibility, you can choose from an 8-inch or 10.2 capacitive touchscreen, running an updated version of Kia's UVO system featuring higher-resolution mapping and choice of Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.  As far as safety, the Seltos roars out strong with six airbags and other passenger-harboring goodies such as automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, rear cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise.

With the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, the testing crew had no trouble at all merging quickly on the interstate, and they also enjoyed the responsiveness from the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The crew was driving the new Seltos over many bumps and potholes in South Korea, and the ride quality with the car's 18-inch wheels was way beyond satisfactory. As far as typical domestic errands such as school runs and weekend trips, they admit that the Seltos seems perfectly suited.

Although some are under the impression that the car was only meant for the Korean market, all of us here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis think that Kia will choose to bring it on over to American shores. With consumers wanting the best in safety features, technology offerings, and specialized size of SUV that perfectly meets their needs, everything about the Seltos aligns with the busy parent, growing business, or career-minded young professional!

Kia All-Electric Concept Revealed at Geneva International Motor Show: Spotlight on 'Imagine'

This past week during the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show, Kia has revealed its new all-electric concept car, 'Imagine by Kia'. Fully recognizing that automotive design is about capturing the heart and making it beat faster, VP of Design or Kia Gregory Guillaume avidly claimed that this new all-electric concept is designed not only to get your pulse racing, but also to signpost a “holistic and emotional approach to electrification.” The drivers of today have questions about range, available recharging network, and whether electric cars will still be dynamic and engaging to drive on a daily basis. 

The blueprint for this new concept was reached by asking questions about electrification purely from an emotional point of view and projecting about how a human-centric attitude can help with development. Kia absolutely prides itself on the power to surprise, which is why moving away from the rational and focusing on the emotional felt necessary. Since electricity is found in every atom, harnessing its potential has propelled us forward from one innovation to the next. This is Kia's first pure electric 4-door passenger car, and it is underpinned by an induction-charged battery pack that is low-mounted and is the power source for a compact drivetrain. 

You can clearly see from the image provided here the sleek and very modern essence the car evokes. All of us here on staff at Jim Butler think that it will be a definite disruptor in the marketplace, and while being somewhat familiar, will also have a completely progressive feel. This prototype features a reinterpretation of Kia's characteristic 'tiger nose' grille, while also sporting the new and illuminated 'tiger mask' that is located circling around the main LED headlamp units. The inspiration for this was the desire to create the look and feel of the headlamps being suspended within a transparent block of glass, and this identifying feature could potentially be used as a unifying design element for Kia's entire electric vehicle offerings in the days to come. 

The paintwork features six hand-applied layers of chrome-effect silver paint, covered in a tanned bronze tint that produces a warm and welcoming vibe. Inside each of the 22-inch alloy wheels are four inserts of transparent acrylic glass, which completes the job of reflecting light almost as a diamond would during the cycle of the wheels. The design team paid very special attention to the aerodynamics of the vehicle, ensuring that turbulence is reduced in terms of air, and range is extended. Reduction of drag is also excellent, a key component that one notices when you bump up the speed a healthy notch and really begin to enjoy the pleasures of the open road. 

When this concept finally becomes a reality and hits the lots, we are excited to check out the 21 individual ultra-high-res screens on the dashboard: with kind of a characteristic slap in the face to those oversized screens you find in many new models, it's a “wall of info” that provides for you climate control, navigation, and various driving media systems. The versatility of the all-electric architecture makes for a layout that is both spacious and open, and it is certain that this is a car that will provide an engaging and very human-focused electric experience. 

Kia Unveils Trail’ster Electric All-wheel Drive CUV Concept

Off-road enthusiasts in St. Louis will soon have a new best friend as Kia Motors America (KMA) debuted its newest concept at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show — an electric, all-wheel drive CUV dubbed the Trial’ster. Those who live in urban areas but also want a vehicle that can handle their off-road fun now have an eco-friendly vehicle to fit their needs.

As it is based on the Kia Soul design, the Trail’ster’s look may not exactly scream rugged like other traditional off-road vehicles, but its rear axle-mounted electric all-wheel-drive system provides surefootedness in the wild. Also, it is two-and-a-half inches higher than the standard Soul. Along with all of that, the Trail’ster has aluminum skidplates around the entire vehicle to protect the undercarriage from jagged rocks.

The exterior is highlighted by a stylish full-length fully retractable, weatherproof rollback canvas roof to create an open-sky environment. Integrated roof rack fittings with aluminum cross rails allow owners to take easily their mountain bikes, snowboards or whatever they need for their outdoor fun.

The interior was inspired by the outdoor and cold weather gear that those who purchase one of these vehicles in the future wear. The focal point of this interior is a tactile and sturdy center console with its AWD controls and a bright red ignition button. The floor mats feature aluminum inlays for all-weather traction. As the Trail’ster is based on the Soul, there is plenty of space for passengers and cargo to boot.

Under the hood, the compact CUV is primarily powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine outputting 185 horsepower and 185 lb.-ft. of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. This is matched to an electric all-wheel-drive system on the rear axle. The electric propulsion system draws energy from a 1.2 kWh Lithium Ion Polymer battery powering a 27 kW, 270 volt AC synchronous permanent magnet electric motor to bring the total power to 220 HP and 285 lb.-ft. of torque.

Stay tuned to Jim Butler Kia in Chesterfield Valley’s blog for more details and information on the Trail’ster.

While those in St. Louis wait eagerly for this concept to become a reality, Jim Butler Kia in St. Louis has a selection of 2015 Kia Souls in our inventory. To learn more about the award-winning Kia Soul, call us today at 888-392-6606. As your St. Louis Kia dealer, we invite you to check out the 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 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 2015 Soul inventory!