2019 Kia Optima Debuts Restructured UVO+ Upgraded Tech at New York Auto Show

The midsize sedan segment is understandably one of the most competitive, as many brands fiercely turn out the best and most able models to keep an edge. The 2019 Optima continues on its successful run as a compelling alternative for this segment, and during this spring at the New York Auto show, it was obvious that the new design cues and expanded tech options were going to solidify the car's great appeal. A completely new UVO infotainment strategy as well as available European-inspired red and black two-tone sport leather-trimmed seats are available on the new model, as well as brand-new alloy wheel choices, ambient LED interior lighting, and a new Passion Red exterior color choice.

All of us on staff here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis recognize that stand-out design is one of the main components that set the Optima apart from other available choices. The 2019 Optima receives a number of redesigned interior and exterior elements, and comes standard with LED daytime running lights inspired by the Stinger, a new 16-inch alloy wheel design, and super awesome matte gray-finish grill. The affordable S model puts emphasis on sportiness and technology, and yields you new projection beam fog lamps, LED taillights, dual exhaust, sport side sills with gloss black trim, a gloss-black grill, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Standard push-button start, smart key, smart trunk, and power front windows with auto up-down functionality also add to the sense of convenience for this selection.

The EX trim level boasts the turbocharged 178-horsepower engine, with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission, and adaptive Smart Shift drive mode. The transmission and the lever communicate via electronic communication control, and shifting is enabled with simple manipulation, and shorter travel. Smart Cruise Control and Stop and Go are standard, and other available options include multi-color interior lighting, and a heated steering wheel.

The redesigned 18-inch wheels are standard on the SX and SX Limited package, and are available with Michelin 235/45R-18 tires. The SX features available European-styled red and black two-tone sport leather-trimmed seats, panoramic roof, Harman Kardon premium audio system with navigation, gloss black door pillars, and a uniquely authentic sport bumper with LED fog lamps. The available black interior adds an amazingly classy touch, and the optional Nappa leather seating surfaces provide upper-end comfort and the essence of the finest in craftsmanship that you can enjoy every time you embark on a new destination.

We have great reason to be proud of our many Advanced Driver Assistance Systems: they work in unison to lessen the severity of a collision, or take great measures to avoid it completely. Forward Collision Avoidance can automatically apply the brakes to reduce speed, which may minimize the damaging effects of a frontal collision. It's hard not to take notice of the high level of effectiveness in regards to Driver Attention Warning, which monitors the driver, and provides visual and audio cues if it senses the attention level will be reduced.

You're going to immediately find lots to love about the UVO's voice recognition: drivers can use their compatible Apple or Android smartphones for navigation, to make calls, send and receive messages, and listen to music all in a manner that allows the driver to stay focused on the trip. UVO offers features like on-demand diagnostics, maintenance alerts, vehicle alarm notifications, geofencing, and speed alerts. UVO link with navigation provides the added benefit of MY POIs and Map Care, which allows for two free useful map updates per year!

Autoevolution Provides Close-up Look of Kia E-Niro on Paris Auto Show Floor

Many of our friends and cohorts here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis have been telling us how loaded the Paris floor is with EVs this year, and the premium German automakers are not the only ones making great strides in the ultimate journey for eco-friendly movement. Autoevolution reported this past week on the South Korean crossover being revealed internationally, and stated right off the bat that the “Numbers are brilliant.” The driving range of the vehicle is right at 301 miles, and the standard unit with a 39.2kWh battery comes with a 194 mile per charge range.

Given the massive success of the hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the Niro, it is no surprise that Kia came up with the all-electric incarnation of the crossover. The tiger-nose grille is where the charging port is, and the writers from Autoevolution were excited that the “regenerative braking system is hidden by the new 17-inch wheels.” We feel that this is truly the vehicle to constantly outshine the Prius, and the good folks at Motorillustrated.com billed it as “the most enjoyable hybrid vehicle you can drive right now in this price range.”

Test drivers have claimed that the handling is sharp and sporty, making it perfect for a winding road, without being uncomfortable or annoying in the city. With 635 liters of cargo space, it is one of the most spacious hybrids you can buy on the market today. Currently offered only as a hybrid, the 2019 Kia Niro will see a plug-in version later on, as well as an all-electric version. Customers are telling us after their first look that they are impressed by the normality of the interior, and that this is the ideal vehicle for those who want “the advantages of driving a hybrid without feeling like they are in a spaceship.”

The large 7-inch infotainment screen has some added functions, such as the ability to find charging points that are close, monitor the state of charge, and use the navigation system to view the driving range. Drivers can tailor the amount of regenerative braking in four stages through steering wheel-mounted paddles: the first level of these is a bit of a coast function, with very little braking. At the other end of the scale, testers said that the regenerative effect is so well-honed, that it is almost a one-pedal ride. One of the greatest assets of the new Niro is the battery's position: it brings a very low center of gravity, meaning the drive feels nimble through twisty sections of any route you choose!

Kia Soul Ranked as one of Car and Driver's “5 Best SUVS for Fuel Economy”

Safety features, the best in technology offerings, and overall appearance are some of the first characteristics that new buyers have in mind when they come to Jim Butler Kia. Prices at the pump are not quite as painful as they once were, but things have been edging up a bit as of late, and many on the search for a new car have the MPG stat as one of the deciding factors. The knowledgeable staff of Car and Driver produced a video featuring the 5 best SUVs for Fuel Economy out there, and we were not at all surprised to see the Soul on the list.

The expressive styling is one of the cues that first intrigues people into taking a test drive. Staff at Car and Driver also ranked the high seating position and commanding view of the road as other standout features, and the EPA ratings are now in at 24 miles per gallon in the city, and 30 mpg on the highway by means of the 6-speed manual transmission. Also sporting an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, the way that the tech is streamlined into the dash is simply awesome: it seems like it was all meant to fit, but still grabs your attention right away.

One of our favorite features to flaunt during test drives is the ultra-cool LED interior lighting that can pulse along with your tunes, a trait that can absolutely inject a healthy dose of ambient positivity into any driving situation! One thing we hear often about the Soul is regarding the interior. Right after you sit down, you realize that many hours have been put into making this interior not only accessible, but ahead of its time. One of the biggest complaints we get after customers test-drive the competition is that the interiors just seem overly crowded with flimsy plastic, one trait you won't notice in our front-running and energetic Soul!

Ask us how the Soul Plus trim adds the automatic transmission, the larger 2.0-liter engine, 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, automatic climate control, Drive Mode Select, heated exterior mirrors, a front center console with an armrest, as well as rearview camera. The Soul Exclaim trim provides 18-inch alloy wheels, a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, larger and very responsive front disc brakes, automatic headlights, power-folding exterior mirrors, leather seating, and push-button start with Smart Key and a leather-wrapped D-shaped steering wheel.

We know that fall is now truly here in all ways, as the leaves begin to fall and the temperatures are getting lower. It's still good to keep In mind that the Exclaim trim is eligible for the Panoramic Sunroof package: when warmer days return, it will no doubt be a boost to any driver's necessary uptick of vitamin D intake!

Dayton Daily News Declares The New Kia Stinger is “Sexy, Sleek, and Stunning”

Car columnist Jimmy Dinsmore claimed in the beginning of his last week's feature that “he both loves and loathes” car names. Many names out there don't really say a thing about the car, and he was very excited to have a chance to share his opinions on the Stinger, which he felt was presented with an ultra-cool title. Beginning with the sentiment that there is so much more to this car than just its descriptive word, he lays out well the fact that it is almost considered a luxury small model, with looks and an engine nudging it noticeably towards the sports car category.

He had already thought that the Stinger was his absolute favorite vehicle from this year's Detroit Auto Show, and was completely won over by its looks for starters. Noting off the bat that he couldn't help but notice how much it seemed like a BMW at times, he recognized that the engine options are the only two needed to really round out an awesome ride: There's the 2.0-liter twin turbocharged 4-cylinder, as well as the power source behind the Stinger GT: the menacing and able V6.

After a test drive of his own, Jimmy concurred that the Stinger has tremendous potential off the line, with little to no turbo lag. His tester car came with optional all-wheel drive, and he thought the steering was responsive, gripping the road well when most needed. Having a very comfortable suspension is key for a car that can be used on the daily to get you around town. While Jimmy claimed that this is one aspect that may prevent the Stinger from commanding a spot in the completely sporty category, he assured that any jaunt within the daily drive regimen is comfy enough to guarantee everyone in tow the smooth ride that you want from any world-class, impeccably-engineered sedan.

Major points were also doled out in this writeup for ample legroom in the back, and the total of 23.9 cubic feet of space behind the second row. The Kia UVO system is one of the most user-friendly on the market, and offers entertainment options, system-analyzing features, and the ability to stream your preferred selection of entertainment to keep your passengers occupied. It seems like just under a decade ago, passengers were bringing their own devices on board with them and making sure they were charged. The infotainment systems of today have been killing it as far as accessibility and features provided, and the UVO variety is as good as it gets. 

What all of us on staff here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis can guarantee you is the tremendous value of the Stinger: Kia worked for a long time to come up with a car that provides raw power and performance, and we think you're going to be absolutely bowled over by it. Come visit us soon for a test drive, and see how amazing this track-conquering and commanding car will be when it becomes your latest vehicle addition!

Kia Soul and Cadenza Honored Via Car and Driver For Best Interiors Under $40,000

We all know that if you are willing to plunk down a large sum of cash, you can purchase a car with an interior that seems fit for a king. But, the reality of the consumer landscape dictates that most of us don't have pockets full of cash to burn, and are leaning towards the much more economical side of the purchasing scale. Car and Driver is one of our esteemed sources for everything happening in the auto world, and is always on deck to dole out the goods regarding features and performance stats. This past month they took a good, hard look at cars that many average folks can purchase, focusing on those with cabins that really impress.

Once again just as in many awards categories, we had two of our vehicles make the cut! The Cadenza fared well in this department because it is “simply great looking inside and out.” As soon as you open the door, the visual flair is noticed immediately, with the available Nappa Leather's diamond-quilted seat bolsters a striking and high-end luster. Once you sit down in the front, this is a very sleek dashboard on hand that could easily be mistaken for Genesis-level design, and the infotainment system layout is clear, quick, and simple, without the massive cluttering effect that takes place inside many other current models. Going low on the plastic factor really helped during this design, and it's real proof that minimalism speaks volumes.

It was also a great excitement to see the Kia Soul make this list, as it is one of the models that customers ask us about most frequently. Who could be disappointed with these well-built insides offered at such a great price? You get to enjoy a large audio display screen, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth, and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls. The Soul is known for its very unique charm, and the fact that it was the back-to-back winner of 10Best awards further solidifies its value and appeal.

The main thing to keep in mind about the interior of a car is that this is where you will be spending your time. If the journey you are taking happens to be a bit longer than average, all of the comfort you can muster for the price is going to make a difference in the long run, when the location where you're spending most of your time brings you comfort. One thing that we love about our brand is the fact that you don't have to pay a largely inflated sum of money to enjoy an awesome interior, and we are thankful to the good people at Car and Driver for pointing out the finer points of these two cars' inner aspects. While you are behind the wheel,  your immediate surroundings define how your entire trip will feel, and at Jim Butler Kia we are beyond proud that two Kia models made the cut for the most clandestine insides around!

Kia Stinger Billed by Car And Driver as “Real Driver's Car with Lithe Responses”

Nearly every automaker over the past year has tried to create a so-called “3-series fighter”, or a trusty car that can somehow go toe-to-toe with BMW. The sports-sedan segment in which it competes has heavier competition than ever, with the space occupied with rivals such as Audi and Mercedes-Benz, and numbers from Jaguar, Infiniti, Cadillac, and our trusty Kia Stinger. The well-seasoned folks at Car and Driverlamented that our prized Stinger is shaped a bit like the sedan's hatchback offshoots such as the Audi A5 Sportback, and the BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe.

After these experienced drive testers got their hands on the Stinger 2.0T, they are now starting to think that this version may fit into a strangely different category, such as a competitor for the Mustang and Camaro. There are definite powertrain similarities, in that all of the cars feature rear-wheel drive, combined with a standard turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The cars are pretty close in length, with the Stinger coming in at 190.2 inches, the Camaro at 188.3, and the Mustang at 188.5 inches. The ways in which the vents, scoops, and trim pieces that pepper the Stinger's smooth body lines also seem closer to the pony-car look than the European sport sedan stylings.

 The staff at Car And Driver thought that the assembly quality of the Stinger 2.0T was easily competitive with the more humble cabins of the Mustang and Camaro, and greatly appreciated the power that can be derived from the turbocharged inline-four. The Stinger's 6.0-second run from 0 to 60 mph was more than half a second behind the quickest times the Car and Driver staff have run in 4-cylinder Mustang EcoBoosts, and Camaro 2.0Ts. The 4-door Kia also possesses more in the weight department that the two pony car coupes: 3688 pounds, to the Mustang's 3556 and the Camaro's 3410. 

Engine-wise, the Stinger was deemed as refined and smooth enough throughout the rev range. It's a car that feels really peppy, and had a clear advantage over the Mustang in a 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, hitting 34 mpg, compared to the Mustang Ecoboost's slightly disappointing 24 mpg. The drive test offered insight on a cohesiveness that's missing from the more nose-heavy six-cylinder car, as the front and rear suspensions seem to work better in tandem to deliver the most confident handling. Damping is satisfyingly tight, steering is weighted well in Comfort mode, and feel and feedback through the steering wheel is definitely on point. We invite you down to Jim Butler Kia of St Louis to check out the best in four-cylinder, rear-wheel drive form, and begin the journey to enjoying your playful, affordable, and practical take on the sports sedan.

 

Kia Rio and Stinger Hailed as Best-of-the-Best in J.D. Power 2018 Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout Study

High awards and accolades are two of the main reasons that many customers repeat their purchases of Kia vehicles. Kia has now earned two more J.D. Power Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout awards for its stylish subcompact, and the powerful fastback sports sedan. This double win helped increase Kia's overall score by 8 points in the last year, while solidifying the brand's spot among the top 10 non-premium contenders. All of us here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis were also pleased with Kia motors being named the highest ranked mass-market brand in J.D. Power Initial Quality Study for the fourth consecutive year, with our beloved Rio also snagging a win in the smaller car segment.

Every Kia is designed with the customer in mind, whether it be a practical commuter car for people needing to get from point A to B, or a sports sedan with up to 365-horsepower for speed-hungry drivers. Securing an award such as this once again demonstrates the level of dedication we put on delivering a superior combination of the desirable features and attributes that today's savvy and demanding car buyers are looking for in their purchase.

The Rio went through a complete redesign for the 2018 model year, outshining the competition in the small car segment, and also being one of the only contenders that scored the highest marks in overall performance and design, comfort, features, and style. Our prized Stinger is the highest-performing vehicle in Kia's history, and also came up quite well when head-to-head with more expensive European counterparts in the very desirable compact premium car segment.

The J.D. Power APEAL study completes the task of measuring new-vehicle owners' overall satisfaction with their purchase during the first 90 days of ownership. The results are divided into 10 categories, and weighted to the specific category: exterior, interior, storage, audio, seats, heating and ventilation, driving dynamics, powertrain, visibility, and fuel economy. Car And Driver rated the Rio with 4 stars, and claimed it as a model that “easily fulfills its modest ambitions.” One of the most refined subcompacts on the market, it is known for very pleasant road manners, and a no-nonsense design inside and out. Powered by a 1.6-liter I-4 with 130 hp, and a 119 lb-ft torque delivery, and don’t forget about the manual transmission available for the base LX trim.

Ask us when you visit about moving up to the S trim: this is when you see the addition of a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, additional USB ports, cruise control, keyless entry, and a six-speaker audio system. The range-topping EX trim adds 15-inch alloy wheels, a 3.5-inch multi-informational display, automatic emergency braking, and Kia's UVO3 infotainment system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration with a 7.0-inch touchscreen. A recent Motor Trend review stated about the Rio that “It's fun and jaunty-looking on the outside, and the interior seals the deal.” We invite you to check out this award-winning and fun SUV before the beginning of the 2019 year, and talk to our staff about a lease to get you situated in a remarkable and award-winning Rio!