2020 Kia Forte GT Highly Noted by Topspeed.com For “Strong Powertrain, Stunning Looks”

The smarter and more powerful twin of the Forte carries on the car's solid tradition of good looks, but adds an even more aggressive stance and vibe to the standard version. Expected to make its debut at the Detroit Motor Show early next year, the folks on staff at Topspeed.com offered up a feature about the car's finer points this past week, and the various reasons there are to be wowed over this awesome display of prime engineering and development.

Next year's model comes equipped with a new black grill sporting red accents, gloss-black mirrors, brand-new side skirts, and new rear spoiler. Ask us here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis about adding the 18-inch Michelin Sport summer tires: they give a ferocious visual boost to the car's proportion, and provide the means for easily traversing through the winding roads of the blissful warm season. Inside, the Forte GT gets a leather-wrapped steering wheel, seats with extra bolstering, and brand-new and responsive floor pedals.

There are two trims slated for availability: the GT1 and GT2. The latter is decked out with ambient lighting and a sunroof, a definite step up and luxurious higher-end choice. The GT will be equipped with features like a rearview camera, heated front seats, automatic climate control, and Kia's UVO Infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Once seated, the experienced staff at Topspeed.com all agreed that it was incredibly cozy, and the all-important NVH levels are very well-controlled.

For 2020, the Forte GT replaces the 2.0-liter, naturally aspirated 4-cylinder with a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine producing 201 horsepower, and 195 lb-ft of torque. This is the same setup that you'll find on the Hyundai Elantra Sport, as well as the GT Sport. You'll have a choice of six-speed manual transmission, or a 7-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. We are more than excited about the manual: far too many current models are passing up this awesome and not entirely old-school means of shifting that really glues together the aspirating and thrilling connection between driver and road.

When you come to visit us for a post-holiday test drive, check out the sports-tuned dual exhaust system: some cars just don't possess the note that the Forte does: there is nothing quite like hearing the raw power idle that you are getting ready to dig in and take a bite out of, while the open road of challenges awaits! Top-notch safety features, the best tech offerings industry-wide, and the promise of an exciting daily driver are all features the Forte possesses, an excellent selection for your next sedan-in-the-making!  

2019 Kia Niro Crossover Deemed the “Favorite Electric Family Car” by Driving Electric

What consumers think of a vehicle is about the most important type of review that anyone could glean: some of the most honest opinions are always going to come from those who did not have a stake in the vehicle's existence. We were happy to see the review from Driving Electric for the upcoming 2019 Kia Niro, and them doing the duty of weighing in on a lengthy test drive. Review expert Vicky Parrot claims that this particular crossover is one of the few that will work to truly ramp up EV adoption for the masses, as a major international shift takes place towards all-electric power.

The Niro's comfort, level of practicality, predictability, acceleration qualities and range factor were all of the elements that easily sold her on the car. Many buyers right here in St Louis and nationwide are on the hunt for a car that you can claim feels “normal” while going about your daily business yet is such a positive contributing factor to making our world a more Eco-conscious place. The reason she billed it as “the best electric family car going” is that it is generally easy to live with, comfortable, and offers the length of range that does not leave the owner over-anxious about range. When you combine all that with the fact that Kia's seven-year 100,000-mile warranty is also the solid foundation of longevity, the price appears beyond reasonable.

The tech-savvy team from the Road Show blog drove the Niro from Namyang to Seosan, Korea during their extended test, and immediately took note of how handy the different driving modes were. Eco, Normal, and Sport are constantly on hand to adjust the never-ending need for balance between performance and range. Right off the bat, the acceleration was much better than they expected, as the 291 lb-ft of torque was an excellent source during driving in the preferred Sport mode setting. Eco and Normal will absolutely add a few more kilometers to the estimated range, but it was well-understood that Sport was where the purest punch-off-the-line factor lied.

The Power Assist feature makes for a lighter-than-average steering feel, which is great for an overall fatigue-free commute. The Niro is a bit more weighty than one might expect for an electric car, and this makes for firmly planted sense and being able to grip without the expected body roll of some. After a 63-mile drive, the battery still held a 77-percent charge, a testament to just how much confidence you can drive with while simply opting to power up during any evening's time. We recognize that there are many among us who are a bit leery of the day when gas stations may begin to disappear in exchange for charging locations, and that there is a still a bit of a way to progress before the most major of changes becomes imminent. In the meantime, the Niro is one of the vehicles that is bridging the gap to massive sustainability, and making a statement for appreciation of the Earth's eye on residing resources!

Road Show Blog Gladly Takes 2019 Kia Forte on an L.A. To San Fran Spin

Citing the new Kia Forte as “more competitive than ever” for 2019, small yet spacious was the name of the game when the Forte was conceptualized and brought to life. Boasting high fuel efficiency and a redesign, the road testing crew from Cnet recently took it on a jaunt from LA to San Francisco. This is one route that is particularly demanding, and has a very high amount of stop and go terrain, where the comfortable driver's seat and quiet cabin provided an environment that had no trouble in “piling on the miles.” The power is derived from a 2.0-liter, naturally-aspirated I4 engine, making 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, which is average in this class of compact sedans.

Because of the well-tuned and continuously variable transmission, the Forte is able to dart up an on ramp or pass satisfactorily, and the Forte EX is rated by the EPA at 30 miles per gallon city, and 40 mpg highway. The FE is the more efficient version, and there is nothing in existence as capable unless you go with a hybrid. Driver assistance is one of the elements that makes the Forte a great choice for long trips: Collision-mitigation braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are on board to protect the driver and passengers constantly, and assure that your destination is reached with ease. Collision-mitigation braking is one of our favorites: it uses amazing technology to detect any possibility of a front collision and sends various warnings to the driver to apply the brakes.

With a couple design cues taken from the Kia Stinger, writer Manuel Carrillo thought that the third-generation Forte is the best-looking one yet, and appreciated the unique accent that the LED taillights connected by a reflective-lens trim piece adds to the mix. In the center stack, you find the 8-inch touchscreen which houses the UVO infotainment system, with the ability to run both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Rear seats measure in at 37.5 and 35.7 inches of head- and legroom, offering up more than the Civic Sedan's rear headroom, and .2 cubic feet more than the popular midsize Toyota Camry.

It was agreed here that the EX trim is where the best in specs and features abound: this is the level in which you enjoy 17-inch wheels, keyless entry with push-button start, dual-zone climate control, a power driver's seat, leatherette upholstery, and ventilated as well as heated front seats. Ask us here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis about the EX Launch Edition package: it ups the stakes drastically in the interior with Fire Orange paint, LED headlights, a rear spoiler, and a graphite finish to deck out the 17-inch wheels. You get the added benefits of embedded navigation, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, wireless phone charger, adaptive cruise control, rear parking sensors, automatic high beams, and a TFT instrument cluster display situated at a now-enlarged 4.2 inches.

Visually enticing, fun-to-drive, and economical, the Forte is a car that prides itself on the value it provides: holding the title ferociously as one of the best bangs for your buck in the compact space, it is a testament to everything engineers have been striving to develop for the last few decades. You can run with a muscular sports car, very large SUV with low mileage, or find your own “sweet spot” in the automotive realm somewhere in between: The Forte is the ultimate choice for those seeking a refined daily driver and option with the newest tech: entry-level options absolutely possess a resonance of true quality, and this is a vehicle that will meet your needs with cheerful and very current breed of appeal!

Consumer Guide Automotive Names Both Kia Rio and Soul “Best Buy Winners”

As the scurrying around getting last minute gifts, sending cards, and sometimes firing up snowblowers has occupied the time of many this holiday season, some St Louis residents are also wondering which subcompact vehicle could be the right one to be idling under their tree! Both the Kia Rio and Soul have been named 2019 Consumer Guide Automotive Best Buy Award winners, once again demonstrating the brand's ability to construct vehicles with high value. Tom Appel, Publisher of Consumer Guide Automotive, claimed that the Kia Soul earned best buy honors primarily for its excellent passenger and cargo accommodations, and its value pricing.

He also claimed that the Kia Rio earned Best Buy honors for its excellent value and amazing refinement for the price. He also added confidently that the “Rio is one of the best-riding and quietest vehicles in its class,” a very noticeable quality for anyone who logs a more-than-average amount of miles on their vehicle. Consumer Guide editors log more than 100,000 miles every year evaluating vehicles, and use objective criteria such as price, features, performance, accommodations, fuel economy, reliability records, and resale value during their assessments.

Decked out with what Car and Driver deemed as “purposeful polish,” the Rio is best-equipped with the Launch Edition Package: it adds flashy red accents to the seats and dashboard, where a large 7.0-inch touchscreen is located in the center stack. The EX model is the trim with which you receive emergency braking, a life-saving and high-tech safety feature found on only a select few subcompacts. The Rio nailed down an impressive 39 mpg in the 75 mph fuel economy test, just one reason why so many urban commuters will find instant favor with it. Ask us to check out the mid-level Rio S: it offers a backup camera, keyless entry, cruise control, and Bluetooth!

The 2019 Kia Soul is just what anyone would think of when “expressive styling” comes to mind, and the high-tech features included are another abundance of appeal. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and LED interior lighting that pulses along with your music selection are all fine points. Its body provides a spacious passenger compartment, with a large amount of glass and a high seating position offering a situated and commanding view of the road. The Car and Driver staff really appreciated the power gleaned from the turbocharged engine, quick-shifting seven-speed automatic, and overall sense of refined ride. In a 200-mile highway fuel economy test, the Soul rang in at 30 mpg. Ranked wonderfully for its interior, infotainment, and cargo, this is one present that would look more-than-perfect under the mistletoe, pine tree, or any other festive fixture this holiday season!

Times Live declares Sportage SUV as “Striking and Exclusively Equipped”

This past week in the Times Live, the caption directly underneath the first photo of the 2019 Sportage reads “looking good, there, Tiger!” All of us here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis have no choice but to agree and we are excited about the Sportage's 25^th year in existence. This was the vehicle that cemented Kia's arrival with scores of serious SUV buyers and established a firm sense of loyalty and longevity.

Regarding the new model, South African writer Phuti Mpyane spent half an exhilarating day huffing and puffing up and down Western Cape roads and was delighted with its performance. Standard on the SA version is automatic headlamp control, LED daytime running lights, electric side mirrors with integrated indicator lamps, a center console armrest with integrated storage box, Bluetooth connectivity, six-speaker sound system, front and rear electric windows, leather-wrapped steering wheel with remote controls, and ultra-cool 16-inch alloy wheels with 215/70 R16 rubber.

The CRDI was given high amount of props for its power, and the powertrain choice is available with the Ignite plus specification, adding auto-folding side mirrors an electro chromatic rear-view mirror, front fog lamps, and 17-inch wheels with 225/60 R17 rubber. The front bumper is completely re-designed, sporting larger air-ducts around a revised tiger nose grille. Rear styling is dominated by a new connecting strip between the tail light clusters, and adding to the visual enhancement is a selection of cool new paint choices, as well as brand-new alloy wheel designs in 16, 17, or 19-inch sizes.

The Sportage is the vehicle that U.S. News and World Report also ranked as having a “spacious, upscale cabin, very smooth ride, and agile handling.” As the holidays are upon us and we know how important the value factor is for so many different families, this was an SUV that was manufactured with those looking for a “bang for the buck” factor without a doubt. We feel that it is the superior choice when put to the test up against the Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson, and Toyota RAV4. Standard features now included a rearview camera, six-speaker audio system, satellite radio, Bluetooth, a USB port, and 5-inch touchscreen.

Of all the extra available features that one could ever ask for, the Harman Kardon audio system is one of the coolest and most characteristic: you will notice a definite change in distinction and decibel amount when you are happily bumping your tunes!! Another quality we really stand behind our beloved Sportage for is handling any imperfections in the road with ease. The Sportage touts a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, making it one of the most beneficial in its class: come test drive a Sportage and find the right trim and Santa setup for you!!

2019 Kia K900 Described like “A Day of Pampering at the Spa” During Automobile Test Drive

Luxury sedans are one of those items that it can be easy to swoon over during the holidays. Graduations are coming up in the spring, those who have tied the knot are celebrating, and consumers whose needs are shifting towards a different style are all candidates for an amazing new vehicle. This past week, Automobile blog ran a great piece on how the K900 has improved over last year's model, as the finish and features immediately won seasoned car writer Eleanor Segura over during her work on the article. She was able to test drive next year's K900 for two days and nights, and at first glimpse thought that it would seem more like a day of pampering at the spa than a routine test drive!

The available ambient lighting with custom colors is one of the reasons why the love for the K900 was so strong: it allows you to choose from 64 hues, and it was appreciated how far beyond the typical green or blue you can choose from. The Lexicon audio system is another reason to appreciate the K900: with a 17-speaker audio system, it does not make room for any disappointment, powered by 900 watts and properly dispersing the audio element of holiday cheer.

It's true that a proper luxury car needs a stylish timepiece in the dash: Mercedes-Benz has IWC Shauffhausen, Bently has Beitling, and the K900 now sports one from Maurice Lacroix. These elements go very nicely with the overall feel of the interior, and add a touch of class that really goes a long way in the aesthetic category. Another super-cool feature of the K900 is the Instrument-cluster Blind-View Monitor: when you signal to turn or change lanes to the left or right, the tachometer and speedometer are minimized in favor of a camera. The engine and vehicle speeds are still visible above the camera image, and having both views is a nice feature that you don't get on other luxury sedans.

Then there is the VIP Package, it includes a pair of switches on the left of the front passenger seatback that gives drivers the ability to quickly move the front passenger seat, allowing for someone in the rear to board faster. You can also adjust the backseat separately, allowing even more room for an important passenger to embark for the ride. Instrument cluster graphics are one feature that can really add a bright light in terms of personality, and when you enter the car or shut off the engine, Eleanor loved the fairy-like character warmly telling you to come back soon.

In busy metros such as St Louis, we know all too well the sensation of having someone follow too closely: it's somewhat of an everyday occurrence. In the K900, you can simply roll up the rear privacy shade when someone gets in your personal space, and when you put the car in reverse, the shade rolls down automatically, so you can be sure your all-important backup path is clear. In the drive modes now featured, automatic driver-seat adjustment is a great additive: for each mode you pick, the seats adjust themselves to an ample level of support. Level of luxury is definitely a deciding factor when it comes to selecting a brand new car, and after a test drive of the K900, you're going to appreciate every single upper-end element that adds comfort and clout to each drive you take!

2020 Kia Soul Confirmed to Grace Stage During L.A. Auto Show

For quite some time now, it's been expected to see the all-new 2020 Kia Soul debut at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show, and now the official word is thankfully out. Gift-wrapped for the holidays along with a teaser image, Kia has now confirmed that the 2020 Soul will have its official review during the 2018 LA Auto Show. We know that the teaser was a bit vague, since all that was shown was a small slice of the taillight, which has a distinctly taller appearance than last year's model. There is also a plastic styling element present on the side profile, spelling out the word “Soul” in engraved letters.

Kia has also decided to use a very bright green car for the teaser. Other details provided were about the availability of drivetrains, which will now include a turbocharged option, as well as an EV. The EV and turbocharged varieties will probably be revealed alongside the brand new Soul in LA as well, and it is currently assumed that the US will be one market receiving the EV model. The Soul EV is rumored to use the same drivetrain as the recently revealed Kia E-niro, and Hyundai Kona Electric. This means that it could plausibly have a driving range of up to 300 miles, which would rank it at the top of its segment.

The Soul is the vehicle that Car and Driver claimed has “unique charm and usability,” with real reasons to buy being the refinement, and available high-tech features. Their testing staff ranked the steering effort light and agreeable, making the Soul a perfect choice for daily driving. One thing that all of us at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis can agree on is the abundant utility value in the Soul: It weight is much higher than you'd get from an ordinary hatchback, and automatic climate control became standard on all trims with this year's model. Safety features such as automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control are now available on the Plus trim, with the addition of the Primo package.

The Soul is also currently available as an EV model, with an EPA-estimated range of 93 miles on a single charge. Standard features on this year's model include 16-inch alloy wheels, the ingenious UVO-interface, a 6-speaker audio system, cloth upholstery, a USB port, and Bluetooth. The NHTSA awarded this year's Soul with a five-star overall safety score, and when equipped with the Primo package, the mid-grade Soul Plus is the recipient of adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, as well as forward collision warning.

The Car Connection ranked this a great buy due to it possessing “the same spunky attitude and powertrains” as previous models, and for offering a very high-quality environment for the price. The packaging grants 4 adults more than enough space for comfort, and the headroom factor is a huge plus considering the confines. The other quote from The Car Connection we want to leave you with regarding the Soul is, “The Kia Soul cheerfully implodes the idea that only expensive cars can look good!”