The Allure of the Sizzling 4th Generation Subcompact: The Rio Sedan

Sweeping releases with a very eye-catching design and extensive list of features, the new-for-2018 Rio sedan and 5-door are the latest additions to the exciting Kia family. Designed from the ground up in Kia's European studios as well as the U.S., there are many reasons to be excited about this awesome vehicle that you'll soon see heating up our lot right here in St. Louis. This vehicle has the necessary awesome convenience technologies loaded up on board: the 7-inch touchscreen interface and UV03 with Apple CarPlay will assure that you will be able to do your navigating in style, as well as enjoying your music with the latest and greatest of features. Android Auto is also included, with larger touch targets, an interface that is greatly simplified, and very easy-to-use voice actions.

When you are getting your loved ones from point A to B, or making sure that you get to work on time with a crowded commute, cruising confidently when it comes to quick stops is going to be one of the top items on your list. The autonomous Energy Braking on board is designed to detect and monitor vehicles that are traveling ahead of you, and determine if a crash is remotely possible. If it is, the brakes will automatically be applied, drastically reducing the chance of you having a dangerous accident as opposed to a smooth ride. Since most drivers simply do not have the force to avoid a crash, they sometimes do not break at all, because there may not be sufficient time for them to react. With a system like this that has your back as you are out and about, you can relax a bit and know that the manufacturer has your extended safety on the top of their list.

As far as the front end is concerned, the look is overall a bit sportier and has a loftier air of sophistication than the previous models. The front end sports the latest of the 'tiger-nose' grille, with souped-up headlights that are swept back for an edgier, more modern and playful appearance. The overall length of the Rio sedan has been upped .6", and the 5-door shares the same spec. Both the sedan and the 5-door are lower and wider, which makes for a more aggressive poise than on last year's offering. The rear of the Rio is noticeably more upright, due to shorter overhangs and tail lighting with a thinner aesthetic. The interior has a much more spacious feel, and the dashboard's exterior design give the cabin a feel that is wider.

A higher amount of leg room and shoulder room in the second row will be welcomed warmly if you are making the trip out to any of the amazing neighboring cities in Missouri, or headed to get in touch with nature for a precious view. This car weighs in at around 2,648 lbs, and engineers have sought to cultivate the driving experience with ride comfort that has improved, while your comfort factor for your next ride should be off the charts. Come down to the dealership and visit with us today: we are excited about the arrival of these new vehicles in the fall, and the stock currently on deck. We will see to it that you leave feeling satisfied, and that all of your questions about the most innovative product line in the nation are answered during your decision.

KIA Sets Niro Reveal for Chicago Auto Show in February

All-new hybrid utility vehicle showcases sporty, versatile design with dedicated hybrid powertrain

On the heels of the Telluride concept in Detroit in mid-January, KIA has yet to close the books on its new concepts and potential vehicles. KIA looks to add a fresh take on the CUV market once again with the Niro hybrid utility vehicle (HUV).

Though a few teaser images have been divulged, the true worldwide reveal of the KIA Niro will be at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show the week of Feb. 13 to 21. Designers from both the U.S. and Korea worked together on the sleek and aerodynamic body.

Even with an athletic stance, the Niro HUV looks graceful, and the high LED taillights seem to hint at a uncluttered rear end.

But let’s address the elephant in the room — H-U-V, a hybrid utility vehicle. This all-new offering from KIA will be the first vehicle based on KIA’s new dedicated eco-car platform. KIA estimates the Niro will achieve a sub-90g/km carbon dioxide emissions rating. This is in part due to the downsized gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain.

The Niro will be the next step in KIA’s mission to offer car buyers around the world comfortable and fun-to-drive vehicles that aim for low emissions. Other than the teaser photos and that it will be revealed at the Chicago Auto, not much else has been disclosed about the Niro. Be sure to check back regularly at Jim Butler KIA’s St. Louis KIA blog, our inventory and follow us on social media for the most up-to-date information on the KIA Niro, Telluride and other new KIAs!

To learn more about new KIAs near St. Louis, contact Jim Butler KIA online or give us a call at 636-256-9600!

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KIA Telluride Concept May Foreshadow new KIA Full-size SUV

Hybrid SUV concept based off current generation Sorento one of brand’s showcases at Detroit Auto Show

After a few teaser photos, KIA finally revealed its full-size, three-row SUV concept, the Telluride. Built with a dark green exterior paint color, the KIA concept at the Detroit Auto Show showed what could be one of the next KIA offerings.

No guarantees are being made by KIA as this is just a concept, but KIA has a history of turning its serious concepts into eventual vehicles. What may be even more impressive is that the concept was a hybrid. The Telluride combined a 270-horsepower gas engine with a 130-horsepower electric motor.

The underpinnings are based on the KIA Sorento, but the concept is nearly 10 inches longer overall and nearly five inches wider than a 2016 Sorento like the ones at Jim Butler KIA. While no official word on whether or not the Telluride (or whatever name sticks) will be a real KIA offering, KIA does have all the main components available on its current lineup of vehicles to produce the Telluride.

“The KIA Telluride makes an aesthetic statement for the KIA brand as a bold, all-new luxury SUV with an abundance of advanced technology, focusing particular attention on the experience and comfort of second-row occupants,” Tom Kearns, chief designer, Kia Design Center America (KDCA), said. “... Telluride allows us to envision what a full-size seven-passenger SUV from Kia could look like.”

The interior has some interesting points to note, specifically the second row seating. These two captain seats have footrests similar to a reclining chair that can be folded down when not in use. People won’t start calling “shotgun” if these SUV concept from KIA is made as the second-row seats also have a swipe-controlled media panel behind the front seats. The media from these seats can be selected and scrolled through with a simple swipe of the hand according to KIA.

Behind the tiger nose grille sits a 3.6-liter V6 with the aforementioned 270 horsepower. This engine is paired with a 130-horsepower electric motor to make the Telluride concept hybrid. If the Telluride goes into production, KIA said it will aim for up to 30 mpg highway for all-wheel drive trims.

Are you ready for a full-size hybrid SUV from KIA? If it goes into production, you’ll be able to find it at Jim Butler KIA in Chesterfield Valley! Stay tuned your St. Louis KIA dealer’s blog, inventory and social media for more information on the KIA Telluride. Contact Jim Butler KIA online or give us a call at 636-256-9600 to test drive a KIA near St. Louis.

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