Monday, November 23, 2015

All-new 2016 Optima Garners KBB Best Buy Award

Popular KIA model takes top prize in midsize car category for driving dynamics, value

The 2016 KIA Optima has already started showing trends of being the best in its class with the latest award. Kelley Blue Book (KBB) awarded KIA’s popular nameplate with a 2016 Best Buy Award in the midsize car segment. After narrowing down the field to 49 finalists overall, KBB decided on 12 of what they consider the best 2016 model year vehicles, and the 2016 Optima at Jim Butler KIA made the elite list.

The maturity and ever-evolving refinement of the Optima were just some of the factors that helped set it apart from the competition according to Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning at KIA Motors America.

“To be recognized by the experts at Kelley Blue Book as a Best Buy among some of the toughest competition in the industry is a true honor and strong indication that the all-new Optima is poised to continue its sales success and the ongoing elevation of the KIA brand,” Hedrick said.

KBB knew that the midsize car segment is quite possibly the most competitive and packed in the United States, and this made the victory that much more impressive for the 2016 Optima. The design, features, value and driving dynamics all worked together beautifully to propel the Optima to the No. 1 slot in its category.

“No single attribute set the Optima apart; instead it was the all-new Optima’s combination of high-value elements that prompted us to bestow on it our prestigious Best Buy Award,” Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for KBB.com, said.

The mindset of not only topping the outgoing models but also its segment rivals is clearly seen inside and out for the 2016 KIA Optima. Inside, the cabin is roomy, ergonomic and comfortable. The knobs and switches are all laid out in a convenient fashion, and the trunk space rivals that of a full-size sedan.

Under the hood, new Optima owners have a choice of three engine choices. The 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine comes standard on the entry-level LX and EX trims, while the all-new 1.6-L turbocharged engine is exclusive to the LX 1.6T trim. For more pep in your step, the fun 2.0-L turbo engine powers along the SX and SX Limited options.

The 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty on new KIAs gives new Optima owners in St. Louis confidence. If you’re looking for an award-winning sedan with the style and economy to boot, you can shop our selection of new 2016 KIA Optimas right now!

To learn more about the next-generation Optima or to schedule a test drive of a KIA Optima near St. Louis, call Jim Butler KIA in Chesterfield at 636-256-9600 or contact us online!

Shop new 2016 Optimas near St. Louis!

Monday, November 16, 2015

KIA Teases Updated Cadenza Prior to LA Auto Show

Lower stance among exterior enhancements hinted by KIA sketches

Cutting edge design and premium sedan features will be harmonized into the upcoming updated KIA Cadenza sketches released late last week. The KIA Cadenza has been in production since 2010, and premium sedan fans in St. Louis and all across the United States have enjoyed what the Cadenza has offered since 2013.

A front three-quarter, rear three-quarter and interior sketch have been released to the public to show off what KIA fans can expect from the update Cadenza, possibly the 2017 model year or maybe even the 2016. From the exterior renderings, a longer hood with a lower, wider and more aggressive stance highlight the exterior enhancements for the updated Cadenza.

The exterior expects to look sharper will still maintaining the sleek contour lines that have made the KIA vehicles from Jim Butler KIA renowned in St. Louis. The new KIA Cadenza will be recognizable and able to compete with the more-expensive European badges not just in price but also in looks.

The interior sketch provides us with a taste of what those who drive and ride in the updated Cadenza will see. A more horizontal dash design upgrades the aesthetics and ergonomics of the driver experience. KIA touts this updates Cadenza, saying it will “maintain the progressive, contemporary image of the current model, while introducing higher levels of luxury and refinement to the large sedan segment.”

Last month, KIA revealed some of the specs of the 2016 Cadenza including a new base trim level and more standard features that were options in 2015. Since KIA is also promoting the new Sportage at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this week, we may not see the new Cadenza until the Detroit Auto Show, but releasing the sketches this close to an auto show is usually a good sign of what a dealer will put on stage.

For those seeking a premium large sedan but don’t want to pay the big price tags that Bavarian and German brands may cost, check out the KIA Cadenza at Jim Butler KIA in Chesterfield Valley. To test drive a new KIA Cadenza near St. Louis, contact Jim Butler KIA online or call us at 636-256-9600 today!

Monday, November 9, 2015

Holiday’s On Us Means No Payments Until Spring 2016 on Select New KIAs at Jim Butler KIA

Financing starts at 0 percent for 66 months on top of The KIA Butler making first two payments

The holiday season at the end of the year can be the busiest, especially when shopping for gifts. But what if a new car or CUV has been on your personal list? Maybe you want to start out 2016 on the right foot with a new vehicle. Jim Butler KIA has your answer with perhaps the best new car deal in St. Louis: the Holiday’s On Us event!

KIA is known for its financing starting at 0 percent for well-qualified buyers, and to have that rate for 66 months is already a load off your mind. Add on top of that no payments for 90 days, and you’ve got a deal full of holiday cheer!

Yet Jim Butler KIA isn’t finished with the gifts for those on the nice list. On top of 0 percent financing and no payments for 90 days, those who take advantage of The KIA Butler’s Holiday’s On Us event will also have their first two payments on us! That’s right — your first two payments on eligible new KIAs are on Jim Butler KIA. Use the money you would have spent on your friends and family to get better gifts.

Eligible KIA vehicles for Holiday’s On Us event

Drive into 2016 with a new 2016 vehicle from Jim Butler KIA! The new 2016 KIA Soul, 2016 Sportage, 2016 Forte and the popular 2016 Sorento are all eligible for this deal of the year.

The 2016 KIA Soul adds style and convenience with two new package options, and the functionality of this subcompact CUV makes it a great family vehicle. For a sporty CUV, the 2016 Sportage comes with a long list of standard technology and convenience features combined with cutting-edge design.

Looking for a compact sedan that rolls efficiency and style into a modern package? The 2016 Forte makes for an excellent choice in one of the most competitive segments in America. More and more people have fallen in love with the 2016 Sorento and its available all-wheel drive, and now you can see what all the hype is about during the Holiday’s On Us event!

KIA’s top-selling nameplate is also getting in on the holiday fun as both the 2015 Optima and Optima Hybrid are eligible for the savings as well! The Optima is one of the top-selling models in America for all the right reasons: efficiency, quality, drivability and style. For those wanting to get a hybrid for 2016, the Optima Hybrid is a statement that hybrid doesn’t have to be boring.

Get the best deal on a new car in St. Louis right now at Jim Butler KIA in Chesterfield Valley! The Holiday’s On Us event is going on now!

Contact Jim Butler KIA
Call us at 636-256-9600

Shop new KIAs near St. Louis!

Friday, November 6, 2015

2016 KIA Optima Hybrid Offers Sleek, Eco-friendly Sedan for KIA Fans

Premium features, fuel economy highlights hybrid sedan choice at St. Louis KIA dealerships

The trade-off for hybrid cars and cars with great fuel economy is usually a downgrade in style, or vice versa. With the all-new 2016 KIA Optima Hybrid, St. Louis KIA fans can have both!

The 2.4-liter engine works with a 47-horsepower electric motor that supplies 235 lb.-ft. of torque to the powerplant. This wonderful duo is not only powerful, it is also efficient. The 2016 KIA Optima Hybrid can get up to 40 mpg on the highway!

On the outside, one might not guess that it’s a hybrid car. KIA’s style cues are definitely apparent, as the aerodynamic exterior sets it apart. Additional vents on the front bumper to increase airflow and reduce drag. Low rolling resistance tires are mounted to 16-inch alloy wheels or super low rolling resistance tires are mounted to 17-inch alloy wheels (depending on trim) to help reduce weight and drag. Aluminum instead of steel helps balance the extra weight of the battery.

The available Hybrid Convenience Package turns the hybrid into a premium sedan that rivals the likes of any pure gas one out there. This package adds a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, rear-camera with display, LED front positioning headlights, and an acoustic laminated windshield and front door windows.

The next-step-up Hybrid EX can further be outfitted with the Technology Package, which adds the Panoramic sunroof with gloss black B-pillars, Blind-Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and a Back-up Warning System.

All in all, the 2016 KIA Optima Hybrid offers St. Louis eco-car fans both style and efficiency.

Shop KIA Optima Hybrids at Jim Butler KIA!

Friday, October 30, 2015

KIA Teases Off-road Concept Vehicles Ahead of 2015 SEMA Show

Sorento, Forte get customized off-road accessories for Las Vegas specialty parts show

KIA will show off six highly customized vehicles that highlight different regions of the U.S. to go where few KIAs have gone before. When one thinks off-road adventure, perhaps an expedition vehicle or ATV can be seen traversing the desert or the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest. At the 2015 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, KIA wants to let others know that, even though they’re concepts, KIAs can join in on the fun too.

So far, KIA has given its fans a taste of two of the vehicles it will roll out on display at SEMA this year. From Nov. 3 to 6, those in attendance will get to see the imagination of KIA run wild. First up is the PacWest Adventure Sorento. The humble CUV certainly comes out of its shell with this unqiue concept.

This Sorento goes from CUV to utility vehicle as it takes on a tougher stance with a custom suspension. A snorkel intake and system makes it look like it belongs with the AEV Jeeps. The green exterior paintjob reflects the dense and beautiful forests of the Pacific Northwest. This Sorento would definitely feel at home in the garage of an explorer and in the rainy forests. While we probably won’t see a Sorento such as this at Jim Butler KIA, it is always fun to see what KIA can come up with.

While the Sorento can feel rugged with its available all-wheel drive, KIA took the improbable a step further with one of their vehicles you probably wouldn’t see in a desert environment: the Forte. While you could see a Forte in the suburbs of Chesterfield and St. Louis, it wouldn’t be the first vehicle on many minds when you ask for an off-road vehicle.

But the designers at KIA get to get their hands dirty with the Forte Koup Mud Bogger. The American South is represented by this truly one-of-a-kind Forte Koup. A four-inch body and suspension lift is paired with four 28-inch off-road tires. Though it might look out of its element, the Forte is anything but that. A panoramic roof with a vinyl pushback top was added, and the stripped-down interior where the carpet has been removed; the entire floor is lined with Line-X protective coating. The two Sparco Evo II Red Race Seats have replaced the seats you’d normally find in a Koup.

If you’d like to check out a Forte or Sorento of your own, call Jim Butler KIA at 636-256-9600 or contact us online. As your St. Louis KIA dealer, we invite you to check out our new 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.

Friday, October 23, 2015

KIA Soul Wins Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year for 4th Straight Time

2016 Soul latest model year to best competition in Urban Category at annual award ceremony

The new year hasn’t even begun, and already the 2016 KIA Soul is garnering awards. The new 2016 KIA Soul emerged victorious in the Urban Category at the 12th annual Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year awards in Chandler, Ariz. This marks the four consecutive year that the KIA Soul has won its category.

Local media personnel and athletes rated vehicles from all makes and models to see how they fit with those who lead an active and outdoor lifestyle. The KIA Soul won, yet again, because of its unique combination of style and versatility. The 2016 Soul’s navigability in denser urban areas, such as downtown St. Louis or South St. Louis City, made it the right choice for those who live in the city but love to venture to more outdoor and active areas.

“Combining an iconic design, refined interior, numerous tech features and impressive cargo volume, our urban runabout is a true standout for those seeking a vehicle that supports an active and athletic lifestyle,” Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning at KIA Motors America, said.

For those in the market for a new compact CUV near St. Louis, the 2016 KIA Soul at Jim Butler KIA is already an award-winner! There’s no better time than now to take a look at a new KIA Soul at The KIA Butler. If you live in St. Louis and lead an active lifestyle — running, biking, camping — then the KIA Soul will be your new favorite vehicle!

To learn more about the 2016 KIA Soul or to schedule a new KIA Soul test drive near St. Louis, 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 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.

Shop our new 2016 KIA Souls near St. Louis!

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Refined KIA Optima Drives Gracefully in 2016 as Brand’s Best-Seller

Improved handling, premium interior perfects 2016 Optima in competitive midsize segment

For St. Louis KIA fans, the 2016 Optima has finally been officially revealed by KIA, and the wait was well worth it. The 2016 KIA Optima took what it learned from the previous model year and perfected it.

“The Optima changed the way people felt about the KIA brand, and KIA owes much of its growth and success in this country to the car’s head-turning design and sporty performance,” Orth Hedrick, VP of Product Planning at KIA Motors America, said. “The all-new Optima ... has matured in all the right ways, from the European sport-sedan design to the premium materials to its improved ride and handling.”

2016 KIA Optima’s Premium Interior

A longer, wider and stiffer chassis offers a larger cabin for the refined Optima. With the bigger size comes increased comfort for all five trim levels — LX, LX 1.6, EX, SX and SXL. The Optima’s luxurious K900 and Cadenza cousins definitely see an influence in the design.

According to KIA, real stitching along the dash and doors, complemented by tasteful metallic accents, varying by trim level highlight the interior craftsmanship. The cabin is now even more driver-friendly as a cleaner, more unified design will please drivers of the 2016 Optima. By grouping and reducing the number of functional keys and buttons, KIA’s already-superior ergonomics are improved.

Ride Handling Improved for the 2016 Optima

The Optima’s engineering team worked to help improve the ride and handling for the 2016 model year. A lighter and stiffer chassis improves the steering response, handling and stability.

Under the hood, three engine choices can help new St. Louis Optima owners find the balance they want between sport and efficiency. The previous’ Optima’s two engines carry over — the 2.4-liter I4 (available on the LX and EX models) and the 2.0-L turbo engine, available on the SXL and SX trims. Both engines are mated with a six-speed auto transmission with the Sportmatic shifting. Maximum torque is now available at a lower RPM than 2015 thanks to some retuning. This also helps improve the fuel economy of these two engines.

New for 2016 is a smaller yet still feisty 1.6-L turbo I4 engine, exclusive for the LX trim. This engine churns up to 178 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. This new engine is also mated to a new transmission for KIA with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).

To learn more about the KIA Optima 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 Optimas 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.

Search our new Optima inventory!