2010 Kia Forte 5-door-Jim Butler KIA

Last year around this time the 2010 KIA Forte Koup and Sedan started showing up in our Saint Louis showroom at Jim Butler KIA. This year we have another addition of the Forte to introduce to the St. Louis area, the 2010 KIA Forte 5-door.

Aside from just adding another door on the back, KIA has used the 5 door as an excuse to enhance other aspects of the Forte thus instilling even more value. The 5-door sits just a little bit lower and firmly set between its rollers. Forte five-door carries with it all the amenities of the Forte line and introduces a new front grille, alloy wheels, lower valence design, center console, paddle shifters, push-button start and navigation in addition to the ostensible fifth door for a distinct appearance and intentional practicality. Forte five-door is available with two efficient engines – 2.0-liter or 2.4-liter – and a new six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

We look forward to the arrival of the new model and hope to see you here in Chesterfield Valley for a Test Drive Soon!

[Source: Kia]

Spied--KIA SOUL Tiger Edition-Will it make it to Jim Butler KIA?

As some of you probably already know, there are people who dedicate their lives to driving around the world stalking vehicle manufacturers to find out what they have up their sleeves. They literally drive through company parking lots and hide in bushes around vehicle test tracks just to get a glimpse of what vehicles will be coming out next.

The latest spy on a KIA model is a possible "Tiger Edition" KIA Soul. We don't know any more specifics but we aren't surprised. The KIA Soul is a great vehicle, we have a hard time keeping them on the showroom floor here at Jim Butler KIA. The next thing is that we noticed everyone loves to make their KIA just a little bit different than the other guy, so a limited production Tiger Edition might be showing up here in Saint Louis. The expected debut for the special edition is at the 2010 SEMA Show in Las Vegas this November.

So will it make it to Jim Butler KIA? I guess we'll see what KIA brings to SEMA in November, then we'll really know. Either way, Jim Butler KIA has a great selection of 2010 and 2011 KIAs, especially KIA Souls. The great thing about buying a KIA Soul from Jim Butler Kia is that we'll use our aftermarket connections to hook you up with one cool looking Soul whether it is pinstripes, racing stripes, window tint, or some cool looking wheels, we got you covered!

[Source: Autoblog.com]

Sneak Peak at the 2011 KIA Optima

The All-New 2011 KIA Optima is being referred to as "one seriously attractive sedan" and is in the running to be its segment style leader, better yet maybe even the best model in the

sector...period.

Here at Jim Butler KIA, we are proud to say that KIA has evolved and then we stand next to one of our great New Models in our beautiful Showroom in Chesterfield Valley off 722 Long Road Drive Crossing behind Walgreens (hint--hint).

While we still have several 2010 KIA Optimas In-stock and we don't know when exactly we will have the 2011 model or if it will actually be called a 2012 model instead, we are tickled at what is in store for us!

The All-New KIA Optima has been completely redesigned and is laced with all the bells & whistles that we can start to expect on every KIA

model. Awesome gadgets like navigation, Bluetooth technology, satellite radio, a cooled glovebox (just in case you forget about that chocolate bar you left in there), Push-Button Start, and available heated leather seats!!

Something that particularly pops out on this model is the paddle-shifters on the steering wheel...hmmm. When you peak under the hood you'll see a more fuel efficient 2.4 ltr four cyclinder engine that makes 200hp. So we have to ask ourselves if this is going to be a fun car to drive or just another sedan, then we looked at all the other great vehicles that KIA has developed in the past year and a half (KIA Soul, Sorento, Sportage), and we are confident that our answer is "YES!".

Although the New KIA Optima does have an awesome design, sportier handling, and cool technology features, it is also projected to get up to 34 mpg/hwy which makes the environment very happy.

[Source: KIA, Autoblog]

2011 KIA Sportage get Top Safety Rating

2011 Kia Sportage Named '2010 Top Safety Pick' By Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

• All-New Compact CUV Receives Highest Recognition from IIHS -- Sportage receives top ratings for front, side, rollover, and rear impact protection -- CUV is fourth new generation Kia vehicle to be named "Top Safety Pick"

IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Joining the 2010 Forte compact sedan, 2010 Soul urban passenger vehicle and 2011 Sorento compact crossover utility vehicle (CUV), the all-new 2011 Sportage CUV has been recognized as a "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the small SUV category when built after March 2010. Arriving in Kia showrooms now, Sportage received the organization's top honor by earning "Good" ratings -- the highest achievable -- in frontal, side, rear and rollover impact crash safety tests. The Sedona minivan was the first Kia vehicle to receive the IIHS "Top Safety Pick," along with the "Safest Minivan Ever Tested" distinction from IIHS, shortly after its launch in 2006, and again in 2007, 2008 and 2009. "The Kia brand is committed to providing consumers with the highest levels of passenger safety by providing a comprehensive list of cutting-edge technologies and features for increased crash protection," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, Kia Motors America (KMA). "The 2011 Sportage's sleek and modern appearance continues Kia's design-led transformation while staying true to the company's core philosophy of providing consumers with exciting, fun-to-drive vehicles with high levels of value, quality and safety." Ratings from the Institute are based on results from frontal, side and rear impact crash tests, and for 2010 a good performance in a roof strength test -- to measure protection in a rollover -- also was required to win. Each vehicle's overall evaluation was based on various measurements specific to each crash angle, and overall impact on crash test dummies inside the vehicle at the time of collision. All vehicles must have electronic stability control available to be eligible. Like all Kia vehicles, the 2011 Sportage is equipped with a long list of standard safety equipment. Both trims come outfitted with driver and passenger advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, side curtain airbags and front active headrests, four-wheel Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and a Brake Assist System (BAS), which recognizes an emergency stop and delivers significant braking power. Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Brake Control (DBC) also come standard on all models, the former assisting in preventing the vehicle from rolling backward when trying to pull away from an uphill gradient, while the latter locks the vehicle at a slow speed down steep grades so the driver can focus their attention on steering. To assist drivers when the vehicle is in reverse, an available back-up warning sensor helps the driver avoid contact with certain objects in the vehicle's path by triggering an audible warning when the vehicle approaches an obstruction, while an available rear-view back-up camera enables drivers to view certain items behind the vehicle. The 2011 Sportage, which utilizes a completely redesigned platform, comes standard with a 2.4-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine with Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT), offering more power (176 hp) and better fuel economy (22/31) than the previous 2.7-liter V6 engine. Sportage also comes equipped with impressive standard technology features throughout, including an AM/FM/CD/MP3/Sat audio system with SIRIUS® Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service(1). Also standard on both trims are auxiliary and USB audio input jacks for connecting with MP3 players and Bluetooth®(2) wireless technology connectivity with steering wheel-mounted voice activation controls to enable hands-free operation for compatible mobile phones.

[source: KIA Motors America]

Kia Soul Named "2010 Top 10 Back to School Cars" list by Kelley Blue Book

Urban Passenger Vehicle Honored for its Affordability, Versatility, Reliability and Fun

• Funky hatchback is an eye-catching way to roll for students headed back to school
• Soul's value driven packaging makes it an attractive ride for students

IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 9 -- The 2010 Kia Soul urban passenger vehicle was recently named to the "2010 Top 10 Back-to-School Cars" list for the second year in a row by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com, a leading provider of new car and used car information. The highly personalizable vehicle was praised for its modern styling, generous interior space and long-list of modern technology features.

"With its unique styling and personalization options and outstanding safety and reliability ratings, the Soul appeals to both younger buyers and their parents," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. "The award-winning five-door urban passenger vehicle, along with the 2011 Sorento and Sportage, reflects Kia Motors' design-led transformation and continues to attract new buyers to Kia showrooms."

Compiled by editors at Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com, all vehicles selected offer reliability, safety, affordability, practicality as well as the latest and greatest safety and technology advancements. Editors considered all new cars with a New Car Blue Book Value less than $18,000 and all used cars 2005 model year and newer with a Kelley Blue Book Suggested Retail Value of less than $12,000.

A 2010 Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Soul has a trophy case full of awards and accolades, including: "Best Family Cars for 2010" by Edmunds.com and Parents Magazine, "Best Hatchback of 2010" by Cars.com, "2010 Top Cars for Families" by Motherproof.com, and 2010 "Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000" from Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. Soul is available in four trims – Soul, Soul+, Soul! (exclaim) and Soul sport. Pricing for the versatile five-door begins under $14,000(1).

Soul stands out from the crowd with modern, unique styling aimed toward the young and young-at-heart and offers a distinctive combination of style, value and personalization options. An available Audio Upgrade Package includes speaker lights that can pulse to the beat of the music or add mood lighting to the interior cabin, enhancing the overall personal lounge feeling. The Soul+ offers funky black cloth seats with "glowing" Soul logo inserts while the Soul! trim comes with a distinctive sand-black interior with houndstooth-patterned inserts, and the Soul sport presents a bold red-black interior trim with red-trimmed cloth seats and metal-finish interior accents.

Kia Motors America in 2010

Kia Motors is in the midst of a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand's continued gains in U.S. market share. With three new vehicle introductions and several other key initiatives planned for 2010, Kia is poised to continue its momentum and build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and with new technology such as UVO powered by Microsoft®(2), an advanced hands-free in-car communication and entertainment system (expected to be available in select Kia models in the U.S. later this year).

For more information about the 2010 Top 10 Back-to-School Cars list by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com please visit http://kbb.us/back2school2010.

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 700 dealers throughout the United States. For 2009, KMA recorded its 15th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline "The Power to Surprise."

Kia Motors America is the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA." Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

(1)Starting MSRP for base Soul excludes $695 destination and handling fee, and title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.

(2)Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

[Source: Kia Motors America]

2011 Kia Sportage--Jim Butler KIA

This fall we are anticipating the arrival of two more great KIA vehicles, the All-New Sportage and Optima. The Sportage seems to be closer to it's debut at Jim Butler KIA with general base model pricing being released last week. The 2011 KIA Sportage is drastically different than it's predecessor.

It has an aggressive design that makes the redesigned 2011 much more aerodynamic, sleek and bold. The versatility of the vehicle remains the same, very practical with the enhanced technology that KIA is pretty much implementing into every vehicle that they are coming out with. The value packed CUV (Cross-over Utility Vehicle), has similar offerings to the Sorento; panoramic sunroof, navigation, push-button start, rear-camera display, LED daytime running lights, assorted voice & touch activated controls, and an air-cooled driver's seat. In late 2010 we should also see UVO by Microsoft, an in-vehicle communication and entertainment system that is much like Ford's "Sync". UVO will allow you to access music files, respond to SMS messages, and much more.

Engines and Efficiency

The all-new exterior design displays noticeable body line changes that obviously decrease aerodynamic drag and that helps the ultimate goal of creating sleek, functional, and fuel efficient vehicles. Let's take a look at the engine options, standard all-new 2.4 liter 176hp 4 cyl. which has improved fuel economy and the same horsepower as the prior models' 2.7 ltr V-6. Want more? KIA is producing a more powerful and more efficient 2.0 ltr turbocharged 4cyl that delivers V-6 power and 270 hp which will be available in the 2011 model year.

The Sportage offers front-wheel drive or the NEW Dynamax AWD system. Dynamax delivers 100 percent of the vehicles power to the front wheels during normal driving conditions, but is continuously monitoring driving conditions in anticipation of AWD requirements. The continuous monitoring is what differentiates this AWD system from the competition. It is anticipating the changes in driving conditions, grip at all four wheels, and potential under/oversteer. The final result is a safer driving experience in all conditions.

Suspension

With a longer wheelbase, lowered stance, wider stance and a hydro-formed lightweight sub-frame combined with independent suspension on all four corners, the 2011 KIA Sportage will drastically outperform the previous model. The all-new Sportage has been designed to deliver a quieter ride as well by using more high-tensile strength steel.

Safety Features

Like all Kia vehicles, the 2011 Sportage is equipped with a long list of standard safety equipment. Both trims come outfitted with driver and passenger advanced front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, side curtain airbags and front active headrests, four-wheel Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and a Brake Assist System (BAS), which recognizes an emergency stop and delivers significant braking power. Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Brake Control (DBC) also come standard on all models, the former assisting in preventing the vehicle from rolling backward when trying to pull away from an uphill gradient, while the latter locks the vehicle at a slow speed down steep grades so the driver can focus their attention on steering.

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[Source: Autoblog, KIA Motors]

2010 KIA Soul - Cool Kid of Cars under $18k- Jim Butler KIA

The 2010 Kia Soul is one of the “Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000″ according to Kelly Blue Book’s kbb.com.

Isn’t it cool to be one of the coolest cars around? Ask Kia’s 2010 Soul. Kelly Blue Book’s kbb.com just named the Soul urban passenger vehicle as one of the “Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000″.

Kelly Blue Book’s kbb.com is a popular and respected site for the information it gives out on new cars and used cars in the market. Kia Motors America (KMA) recognizes the significance of kbb.com’s citation. Michael Sprague, KMA’s vice president of marketing said, “It’s reassuring to know one of the largest and most credible automotive consumer sites recognizes Soul for all it has to offer to a wide array of consumers, including design, practicality, technology features, fuel economy and the Kia brand’s core, standard value package.”

The Soul has caught people’s attention for its fun and funky design. It has personality, versatility, and techno-savvy, as it is affordable. Mr. Sprague also said, “Soul continues to draw more customers into Kia showrooms because of its cool factor and overall value package.”

The criteria to be included in the list of Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000 are the same things that people look for when purchasing a car. These are safety, interior size, comfort, fuel economy, technology, and the X-factor, something that cannot quite be quantified but sets a car apart from the rest.

The 2010 Kia Soul has all of the above, according to the editors of Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com who did the selection.

Checkout our great selection at www.KIASTL.com

[Source: KBB.com, Kia-world.net]