2020 Kia Soul Earns “Top Safety Pick +” Rating Via IIHS

As families prepare for the festive fireworks and picnics with abundant holiday food this 4^th of July week, many cars will be loaded up for the day with a full load of fun-seeking cargo. The further out of the city you may venture in your travels, thoughts drift to safety in the long run. The vehicle that you pick to get you to your holiday destination is one that should provide you with the newest tech features and comfort, while also protecting you in every way possible. The completely redesigned 2020 Kia Soul has now been tested by the IIHS, and the results are off the charts!

Our favorite subcompact crossover here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis earned the absolute highest rating of “Top Safety Pick +”, which is even higher than the previous generation's Top Safety Pick Rating. There is now an improved passenger-side small overlap crash test result, and the Soul also gets the top “Superior” rating in the category of forward collision prevention. This system has the ability to stop the car completely before a collision at speeds up to 25 MPH. Automatic emergency braking is available as a standard feature on S, EX, and GT-Line models, and the system that provides pedestrian detection is available as a standard feature on the upscale and quite awesome turbocharged GT-Line.

Headlight performance came in as “Good” for models with LED headlights, which also helped give the Soul the Top Safety Pick + rating, proving once again that Kia spends such a very large amount of time during research and development to assure that the finished product is one that you can put every ounce of faith in to protect you and your family. The 2020 Soul has stylishly updated the hatchback's boxy look and holds on to the value, quirky personality, and other qualities that make it practical among its competition. The roof now has a “floating” look with the Soul logo dividing the back pillar, and there are plenty of cool contrasting colors to check out within all of the available trim levels!

The very tall interior feels open and roomy, with ample headroom and high chairlike seating. The rear seat is truly a giant step above the rest for a subcompact, with plenty of head and legroom, and a very comfortable seatback angle for full-size passengers. The 2020 model boasts roomier center console storage, and a super cool phone space with wireless charging pad underneath. Ask us about the touchscreen available on the EX and GT-Line Turbo: the 10.25-inch widescreen system has new software and navigation, and maintains a reputation of being among the easiest multimedia systems to use in the industry. You can compare all of the features of the 2020 Soul trim levels here, and get an idea of which of these top-ranked and personality-rich SUV's will be yours!

2020 Kia Seltos Featured in Cnet's “Roadshow” as Offering Style and Tech in Compact Package

Just as it is within the category of movie trailers and many avenues of the book industry, teasers and well-kept secrets tend to make customers like ours here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis very excited about releases in the near future. Hyundai has already debuted the Venue, which is their most compact crossover at the moment, and everyone here at Kia had long been awaiting the first full look at the upcoming Seltos. Last Thursday is when the 2020 Seltos was officially unveiled, and the staff at Cnet's Roadshow Blog claims that despite its smaller size and stance, it does not come up short in the least when it comes to style, tech offerings, or anything else! 

 

This new style was first previewed in concept form earlier this year, with characteristic LED headlights that have plenty of unique flair, and blend well with the signature “Tiger Nose” design on the grille. Three different engine choices will be offered up: the base-level 1.6 – liter turbocharged Inline 4 with 175 horsepower, a 2.0 – liter naturally aspirated Inline 4 with 150 horsepower, and a 1.6- Liter diesel Inline 4 with 134 horsepower. Depending on the engine variant, it comes paired to either a seven-speed dual clutch transmission, a six-speed automatic, or a CVT.

The Seltos will most likely come predominately with front-wheel drive, and an inkling chance of all-wheel drive that is not currently available on the Hyundai Venue. One element definitely worth getting excited about is the 10.25 – inch infotainment screen, which easily displays multiple features at once. The 8-speaker available Bose sound system, as well as ambient lighting, are a few good reasons why millennials will swoon over the very compact ride as the best place to “bring the party”! They are both great examples of the playful and fully-integrated vibe that every new Kia model is known for possessing.

 

This vehicle originally debuted at a special unveiling in Delhi, India and is slated to reach markets during the latter half of this year. You can check out a few sketches of the interior here, showing you the space you'll get familiar with over time as you begin to enjoy the vehicle's spunky character and Drive Mode Select system. You can quickly choose from Normal, Eco, and Sport modes, and explore each very distinct combination of the Seltos' resources to adapt to your current mode. When the days' trip is over, the UVO app allows users to remotely access information such as diagnostic data, and about the most recent trips taken. Celtos is the son of Hercules in Greek Mythology, with speed and sporty stature being two of the predominant traits that will be sure to have your peak satisfaction level in a car satisfied with this American release during drive after daily drive!

Autoblog.com Claims Kia Forte5 Hatchback Sedan May Be Headed Back for U.S. Market

As we look at the future of the Kia lineup, all of us on staff here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis realize how exciting it is to see visions materialize that were once just a faraway idea or blip on the radar. Last week the folks on stuff at Autoblog.com reported on some very juicy findings from Carbuzz: they had discovered an executive order submitted by Kia to the California Air Resources Board that appears to effectively leave a placeholder for a new Forte5.

The previous model was, in essence, the hatchback version of the Forte sedan and was sold in the U.S. until the end of last year. The version sporting the tailgate didn't make the jump to the new-generation Forte sedan that went on sale during the latter part of 2018. After seeing this in the “top secret” report, the question remains as to whether we can really expect a new Forte5 to come our way, or if Kia's U.S. Division is simply in preparation for its possible existence. The CARB filing actually does list four 2020 model-year trim levels: a Forte sedan minus smart cruise control that can be had with Kia's 7-speed dual-clutch transmission or a 6-speed manual, a Forte sedan with SCC that comes with the DCT, a Forte5 with the DCT, and a Forte5 with the SCC and DCT.

All four of these cars will receive a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder, and at this time the only engine of that type within Kia's ranks is a turbocharged GDI unit sporting 201 horsepower, and 195 lb-ft of torque, currently situated in the Soul GT. The Detroit Auto Show was the scene of the Forte sedan's last launching, where the Forte product manager claimed during an interview with Motor Trend that “We're not done with Forte... we have more exciting products that are coming that I can't yet speak of”.

It is already widely-known that there is a production version of the Forte GT now on the way with the 1.6-liter, so that effectively takes care of two of the vehicles situated on the list. At the time the interview took place, Motor Trend definitely wondered if the Kia exec was hinting at a return of the Forte5 hatchback, or in conjunction with the Proceed concept unveiled at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show. Simply one of the most amazing looking wagons to ever exit the gate, it appears even sharper at some angles than the track-tuned and salacious Stinger GT. We know that the Forte GT sedan is supposed to come with nicer and sportier bits like LED headlights and 18-inch wheels in Michelin Super Sport Tires, and if there is indeed a revamped Forte5 hatch soon to be on the way, all of our blog readers right here will be the first to get the scoop!

Kia Telluride Put to the Test by Popular Mechanics On One of North Carolina's Toughest Trails

North Carolina's Uwharrie National Forest is the location of what many claim is the gnarliest trail in the state, named Daniel. This is the kind of place where you are sometimes traversing the area at 2 miles per hour, and defying obstacles that would stop any unworthy trawler dead in its tracks. The USDA Forest Service bestowed upon it a rating of “extremely difficult”, for many different reasons. The most intimidating section requires the driver to basically drive right up a wall of boulders, then negotiate a quick switchback with a long drop situated on the outside corner.

The only time Ezra Dyer of Popular Mechanics was able to run the entire trail was in an American Expedition Vehicles Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, boasting locking differentials and 35-inch tires. The summit can be reached from the milder version of trailhead, but you still have to contend with plenty of steep, rock-strewn climbs. Even on the slightly easier part, you see scraps of bodywork from the less fortunate by the side of the trail. The decision was then made to have this place be where the Kia Telluride was put to the test, and see if it had the necessary gusto to conquer this very untamed section of the wild.

He made the trip with the Telluride EX AWD, sporting Yokohama Geolander tires, and a makeshift skid plate over the oil pan. One of Ezra's first observations was that even if the Telluride does not look particularly off-road oriented to begin with, it has good angles, such an important component in conquering an area such as Uwharrie. Brandishing a 17.0 -degree departure angle is not too far off from the Dodge Ram 4X4's 18.9 degrees, and the departure angle resides at 20.0. This largest-sized member of the Kia lineup also has a very high amount of traction: the center clutch distributes torque front to rear, and it can be locked into a fixed 5 – 50 split, which allows the AWD system to behave like an old-school 4-wheel-drive setup.

Even without front or rear locking differentials, the traction control is able to imitate a locker's steadfast performance with the ability to grab the brake on a slipping tire, sending torque to the side with traction. When he first arrived at the trailhead, he did not have very high expectations, as running this identical route over the last year with a Toyota Tacoma TRD proved to be quite the challenge. The first test for the Telluride was the signature berms which basically proved themselves to be like speed-bumps from hell. The testing crew had once come here with a full-size 4x4 pickup, and had to immediately turn back because there was not enough breakover to clear these.

By making use of an angled approach, the Kia fared well out of the gate. Then, a rock-strewn climb up a very steep grade was in order, rapidly oozing stellar performance during a situation where if you fail, you're going to end up a LONG way down the mountain. The footage here does a good job of showing the complexity of the trail, and the determined stature of the Telluride to conquer it. Even though Ezra had to leave on a donut tire's wing and a prayer while the exhaust lost a hanger, the Telluride lived to tell the tale, and drove like new after the fact! We hope you come down to visit us at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis and check this amazing piece of off-road mastery out this summer: boasting the ability to dominate a trail like this will always set an aggressive and able stature for the hill-climbing SUV that is the best choice out there for summer 2019!

Kia Seltos Caught All of the Way Uncovered by Autoblog Crew

Joel Stocksdale of the Autoblog team has been covering the news hottest off the press regarding cars for years, and was excited to write about our brand this past week. All of us here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis have been closely watching the teasing elements in the media regarding a new, global small crossover with some sketches the past couple of weeks. Now the actual crossover called the Kia Seltos is completely unveiled via the web and is sized between the Kia Soul and the Kia Sportage. 

It also is evident that these photos clearly show that the drawings Kia had previously released were of the production car. Everything looks for the most part identical, and there appears to be a black or contrasting-color roof separated by metallic trim, faux metallic skid plates on the bumpers, and a gradually rising window line at the back. Compared to other cars Kia has released as of late, there are more lines and creases, although the pictures probably are showing a high-level model. There is not a close look at the interior offered here, but if it's anything like what is presented on the outside, it will still appear pretty typical for a Kia.

It is expected to brandish a fairly low, horizontal dash with a large screen protruding from the middle, and as has been seen in the K900 and Kia Telluride, there has now been a newer widescreen available. At a glance of the Seltos's size, it would seem plausible for it to share the naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter and turbocharged 1.6-liter engines found in the Forte and Kia Soul. It cranks out 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, and the 2.0 – liter engine would probably get a CVT, while the 1.6-liter variant would likely be paired to a dual-clutch transmission.

It would seem reasonable for all-wheel drive to be an option, and we'll have to wait and see which trim and powertrain combinations it would be offered on. The official reveal is slated for late summer, so there may just be a couple more months to wait for the specific details. As we gleaned the blogs and news sources online to see what the car-loving aficionados out there in the general public think, many think that it looks truly phenomenal, and “more upmarket than anything it will compete with.” One reader in Nashville claimed, “if the interior is as upmarket and high quality as previously reported, Kia will definitely have a smash hit on their hands.”

We also were able to get our hands on an ultra-cool rendering of the interior here on the Hotcars.com blog. At a glance of these photos, we love how the midsection of the dash pays a bit of homage to something out of “2001 A Space Odessey”, yet still remains taught and functional. We will keep you posted here on the blog about any news we hear before the reveal, and will continue to look forward to the Selto's release in its currently very sought-after segment! 

Yahoo Praises Kia Niro EV For Being “A Solid EV for the Crossover Generation”

Very soon, electric fleets will characterize nearly every auto brand in existence. Amazing as it is, we even are seeing advancements such as an electrically-powered eCopo Camaro, boasting horsepower in the 700-range, and dominating the drag strip while running silent. Yahoo featured a great video story this week about our Niro EV, and addressed its history and finer points. It lays out a bit of history, and shows how Tesla's first big seller in the electric domain was the model S, while Chevy focused on their electric Bolt.

Since the sedan market is not doing so great right now, the next generation of electric cars will absolutely have a high focus on crossover SUV's, one area where Kia is proudly poised and ready. Editor Roberto Baldwin laments on camera that the first time he drove the Niro last year, he was impressed with the zero-to-sixty time right off the bat. While he thought the Niro was a “fantastic crossover”, he also deemed the Niro EV “undoubtedly even better”. The EV is quicker off the line than its hybrid sibling, and brandishes an impressive 239-mile range per charge, putting to rest any anxiety a daily commuter would have about running out of juice.

Roberto also highlights how the regenerative braking can be used during the drive to actually send more current back to the battery itself, helping overall range. The video does a great job of showing the legroom you'll enjoy during a test drive here at Jim Butler, and the 53 cubic feet of storage in the back for any goods you need on the trip. The battery pack actually lowers the Niro's center of gravity, allowing for a pleasant tight and grippy feel while taking corners. Urban driving is where the Niro EV thrives, as it's a snap to parallel park, and has plenty of power off the line to lead the pack effortlessly after a stop light.

Even though it is stressed here that the Niro EV may not necessarily be groundbreaking in it's design, we agree that it does a phenomenal job of simply “not looking the electric part”. Many of our customers that come to us interested in a hybrid or EV say that this is what they want to see more of, and where we feel it really stands out ahead of the Chevy Volt. It blends into everyday culture easily, and is not a loud, barking advertisement of your choice to embrace electric. The interior of the Niro is fairly no-nonsense, and everything is where you'd expect it to be while being easy to reach from the driver's seat. Adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist are standard, and we guarantee that you'll feel great about cutting out trips to the gas station while increasing the lifespan “in the positive” for the planet!

Wards Auto Details Kia's Plans to Launch Small CUV

During this past week, Wards Auto ran a story on their blog about the revealing of a new small CUV debuting this summer. Said to be heavily inspired by the '19 Kia SP Signature Concept, this is a model that is expected to stand apart from its rivals with the capabilities and space of a traditional SUV offered up in a compact package. Head of Styling Byung Chul Juh claims that Kia has now “created a car that stands out everywhere”, and its sporty and robust design will be matched by a wide range of technologies and features that will attract younger buyers.

This model is slated to go on sale in South Korea during the second half of 2019, with release in other regions set to follow soon after. The satisfied customers that have told us here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis that they come back time after time for our awesome warranty department, outstanding service, and promise to provide the best vehicle for the daily drive and beyond. U.S. News.com released their “Best Cars” spread a month ago, and we were happy to see the Kia Sportage residing at the #2 spot for the year!

As we look to the future and speculate upon which models may come into fruition, we always reflect on how we pride ourselves on taking the time to assure our vehicles are heralded as the best quality available. Being a smart buy is a trait that nearly every shopper on the hunt for a vehicle is concerned with, and Kia has long been known for providing the best in value and longstanding quality. The current model Sportage was also the 3^rd place finisher in the “5-year Cost to Own” category from Kelley Blue Book this year. Above class category design elements, amenities, and the optional 240-horsepower turbo engine were all deciding factors for this particular victory.

Kia cars have won the International Car of the Year award every single year since 2013, and we are proud to stand behind a brand that has lately been recognized for environmentally conscious design and aspirations for not only the present time, but the future. It brings a smile to nearly anyone's face when they see our prominent “Tiger nose”: ranging from the compact Kia Soul on up to the full-size Sorento, it is a trait that conveys immediate comfort and familiarity. We invite you to visit us this spring and have a test drive of your own: the welcoming interiors, top-ranked tech, and pledge to be better to an ever-changing planet will leave you fully immersed and ready to take on ownership!