The All-New 2017 KIA Forte Is Coming Soon

The Forte family of compact cars has been hugely successful within the last couple of years, with the 2016 model being a top-rated small car in the J.D. Power IQS, and KIA plans to continue on that path with the all-new 2017 model. In 2015, the vehicle experienced best-ever sales and after a few refinements, the company is confident they’ll be seeing that all over again.

In addition to an updated exterior style, the Forte has also been given a new 2.0-liter Atkinson I-4 base engine, making it even more fuel-efficient and improving its performance. Advanced driver-assistance features have also been added- leading to an overall convenient driving experience for those behind the wheel.

To elaborate on the exterior updates, the Forte sports a new front bumper and “tiger-nose” grille. This grille connects to new headlights, which also have the option for Xenon HID lights. Now with a sleeker appearance, the Forte will be available in two designs- one focusing more on its sophisticated personality and the other bringing out a sporty and aggressive side of the vehicle. Redesigned taillights pull the entire look together.

The 2017 model is available in three trims- an entry-level LX, the new sporty S trim, and the EX, which is the top-trim option. The interior cloth upholstery of the LX has been upgraded and the S features an exclusive black cloth with white stitching. Heated front seats and leather upholstery comes standard with the new EX model, in addition to rear vents and push-button start with Smart Key.

As for the driver-assistance features, the Forte will include Autonomous Emergency Braking, a Forward Collision and Lane Departure warnings, Rear-Cross Traffic Alert and Blind Spot detection. Depending on the trim, this vehicle will also house Kia’s navigation and Drive Mode System.

The 2017 KIA Forte should be available at Jim Butler Kia in St. Louis, MO within the next few weeks...we’ll be sure to keep you updated! In the meantime, don’t hesitate to stop in or call us for any questions you may have!

KIA Motors Experiencing Even More Growth After 2016 J.D. Power IQS

 

Last month, KIA Motors was recognized by J.D. Power as the highest scoring nameplate of all 33 makes in the U.S in the 2016 Initial Quality Study. Following this feat, the company has experienced a 15.6 percent rise in sales in June in comparison to the same time period last year, hitting a total of 62,572 sold vehicles. This is the best quarter and half-year performances KIA Motors America (KMA) has seen in its history.

Chief operating officer and EVP of KIA Motors America stated “No auto brand experienced greater growth over the last 20 years than KIA, and J.D. Power’s IQS announcement boosted our momentum with huge increases in online and showroom traffic. By every measure, the ‘New KIA’ is an elite automaker and one of the industry’s greatest success stories.”

The vehicles that contributed to the 328,327 of year-to-date sales for KIA include:

• The Sportage compact CUV, "Highest Ranked Small SUV in Initial Quality"- which also experienced a 76.3 percent year-over-year increase in sales
• Forte compact family- which hit its all-time high of 10,406 units sold in just March
• The KIA Soul, "Highest Ranked Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle in Initial Quality, two years in a row"- still increasing in sales for the seventh year in a row

To check out any of these vehicles for yourself, visit us at Jim Butler KIA located in St. Louis, MO!



2017 KIA Sportage: The Perfect Car For Life In And Out Of The City

Looking for the perfect CUV for life both in and out of the city? The 2017 KIA Sportage is your answer. Designed with flexibility in mind, this vehicle is perfect for your activities around Downtown St. Louis and winery getaways in Augusta. Not to mention, the KIA Sportage is loaded with features to make every drive simple, fun and safe.

Advanced features of the 2017 KIA Sportage include fully active all-wheel drive, which enables the car to handle all kinds of driving conditions. Blind spot detection helps you keep track of other cars on the road and the lane departure warning system will give you a heads up when you may be veering into another lane. To keep you from backing into things, rear-cross traffic alert will let you know when cars are approaching behind you and the Rearview Camera will assist with parallel parking. 

Built with high-strength steel, the 2017 KIA Sportage provides a quiet ride and great handling. Inside, you will find an UVO system, which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The back provides an expanded cargo space for anything you may want to bring along on your travels.

The all-new KIA Sportage is the perfect fit for any driving experience. Make it yours today by visiting Jim Butler KIA in St. Louis, MO!

KIA Tops Rankings in 2016 J.D. Power Study

KIA Motors was recently recognized by J.D Power as the highest scoring nameplate in its annual Initial Quality Study (IQS). All 33 makes in the U.S. are evaluated in this study, so needless to say, it was a huge feat for KIA. This marks the first time in 27 years that a non-premium brand has topped the rankings. 

These IQS rankings are determined by the owners of vehicles, who evaluate the driving experience, engine and transmission performance, and a range of quality-related problems that may occur within the first 90 days of ownership.

Contributing to KIA’s success is the segment-leading performances from the Sportage and Soul. Additionally, the Forte, Rio, and Sorento all ranked in the top three of their respective categories. KIA’s sales in the U.S. have grown consistently over the last four years, as have their performance in the J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study. In 2013, they made it to the the overall top 10, placing second in the industry and led all non-premium makes in IQS in 2015.

Michael Sprague, chief operating officer and EVP, KIA Motors America states, “Ranking number one in the entire industry for initial quality is the result of Kia’s decade-long focus on craftsmanship and continuous improvement, and reflects the voice of our customers, which is the ultimate affirmation. As the highest ranked brand in the industry, there is no doubt Kia is a world-class automaker.” 
 
Visit us at Jim Butler KIA in St. Louis, Missouri to test out the KIA Sportage, Soul, Forte, Rio, or Sorento for yourself!

Source: KIA Media

2016 KIA Optima and Soul Drive Away with Two Great Awards

Both the 2016 KIA Optima midsize sedan and the the 2016 Soul hatchback have been named among the 10 Best Family Cars of 2016 by Parents magazine and Edmunds.com. KIA Motors America is one of just two brands that had two vehicles make the prestigious list.

Parents magazine and Edmunds.com create this annual list after evaluating a variety of factors, which include the quality of the ride, comfort and capacity, fuel efficiency, price and value, safety, and reliability. The Optima and Soul were designed with these qualities in mind, with the Optima earning the title of “Best Sedan” and the Soul being recognized as “Best Budget Vehicle”.

Dana Points, editor-in-chief of Parents magazine stated, “The Soul is a great starter model for young families, with surprising room at a base price of $15,900. Additionally, the redesigned Optima sedan is striking inside and out, with advanced technology, a smooth ride and better fuel economy than the previous car.” 

Customers at Jim Butler KIA enjoy the fuel economy of the Soul and its utility. As for the 2016 Optima, St. Louis drivers appreciate its spacious interior and available technology, in addition to its great safety features. 

Check out and test drive both of these awesome vehicles at Jim Butler KIA in St. Louis, MO! 

Source: KIA Media 

Strategic Vision Names KIA Motors “Highest Quality Brand Under $26,000”

KIA Motors has won yet another award; Strategic Vision recently named KIA the “Highest Quality Brand Under $26,000” (in a tie) in their Total Quality Impact study, which surveys over 39,000 people. This study is considered to be the automotive industry’s most complete measure of the quality of a new vehicle, according to the consultancy’s website. 

The KIA Sorento and Sedona specifically achieved the highest scores of the study. Specifically the Sorento was praised for its value and interior design, which we at Jim Butler KIA can attribute to the 2016 Sorento being a top seller in the St. Louis Area. The Sedona was praised for its features, craftsmanship, and performance which had dramatically increased with the recent redesign.  Orth Hendrick, the vice president of product planning at KIA Motors America commented on this victory, saying “the Sorento and Sedona are prime examples of KIA’s commitment to surpassing consumers’ expectations in everything we do.” We look to see more and more St. Louis car buyers shopping for a new KIA as our award winning lineup keeps growing. 

Jim Butler KIA is proud to provide quality cars at an affordable price. Hurry in to Jim Butler KIA today to test drive one of our award-winning vehicles for yourself!  

KIA Motors Ranks High at the AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards

Jim Butler KIA is proud to announce that KIA Motors ranked first among all popular brands and fifth overall in the industry, beating luxury brands like Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche in the 2016 AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSA). The KIA Soul, Optima, and Sedona have also each been named the Most Satisfying Cars in their segments this year.

The Autoacific VSA’s nominate the most satisfying vehicles for sale based on roughly 65,000 surveys completed by owners of 2015 and 2016 vehicles. Orth Hendrick, vice president of product planning at KIA Motors explains that “AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Awards have become an industry benchmark for measuring how satisfied owners are with their new vehicle…The Soul, Optima, and Sedona…represent just how far the KIA brand has come.” The AutoPacific VSA’s are of to help new-car buyers in making informed vehicle purchase decisions. Come into Jim Butler KIA today and try out one of these award-winning vehicles for yourself!