Wednesday, January 26, 2022

2023 Kia Niro with a Signature Tiger-Faced Design!

The 2023 Kia Niro had its first official reveal just a few months ago as an eco-friendly crossover! At the time, there was not as much information provided about its all-important technical specifications on deck. The Carbuzz.com staff now have provided details on everything that will be expected, including safety features, powertrain choices, and interior elements. This next generation of the Niro has been built from the ground up to fulfill the needs of consumers on the hunt for a planet-saving variety of cars with a minimalist approach. 

The crossover’s outside proudly displays the latest generation of the Tiger Face design which first saw its preview with the 2019 HabiNiro concept. The front now features a pair of “heartbeat” design daytime running lights to create a contemporary look while a skid plate and plastic cladding help. At the rear, a new pair of vertical LED taillights are now installed next to a simple tailgate design, which has a stark contrast with a heartbeat-shaped rear reflector and a lower bumper with an integrated skid plate. 

You can select from 9 colors with six contrasting shades to doll up the C-Pillars, and there are also 3 options for the cladding. You can dress up the interior in your choice of Charcoal, Medium Gray, Petrol, or Light Warm Gray. The dashboard’s key feature has a 10.25-inch panoramic display that incorporates the infotainment screen and digital instrument cluster, an integrated infotainment screen, and a set of buttons for the climate controls. 

The trunk capacity is rated now at 15.9 cubic feet, a .6 cubic ft increase over the previous generation, with a hefty dose of success granted to the removal of the 12-volt battery out of the wheelhouse. The Niro can be enjoyed with a hybrid-electric version on top of a fully battery-electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid. All these options drive power to the front wheels and benefits from the Green Zone Drive Mode’s electric-only drive operations that task zero-emissions mobility in select environments. The HEV also features the 1.6-liter 4-cylinder gas engine now rated at 104 horsepower and 106 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, boasting a completely new suspension and steering system.

Keeping the passenger’s consistent safety in mind, the Niro utilizes a high-strength lightweight body that features a multi-load front impact structure. The second-generation model ships standard with our all-new DriveWise intelligent Advanced Driver Assistance System. It features front and blind-spot collision avoidance, high-beam and lane-keeping assist, rearview monitoring, and front and rear park distance warning. 

With the addition of amazing NFC technology, drivers can now unlock and start the vehicle without needing a fob, and the built-in front and rear cameras will also provide support for a dashcam function for more convenience. The SUV with the perfect size and stance can now be all yours! We will stand behind our traditional warranty coverage and years of expertise making up this award-winning and highly practical choice for Missouri roads in 2022! 


Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Kia EV6 Deliveries Display “Anticipation of Spring” Spirit as Officially now Running 3 Months Ahead of Schedule

At Jim Butler Kia, we were on the very spring-inspired news end when we received confirmation this week that the deliveries of our highly anticipated Kia EV6 model reported early delivery!

A verified Reddit user reported their celebrated delivery of the brand-new Kia EV6 just two days ago, and another user in the UK got their model and is prepared to tear up the roads in glee! He wrote in the comments of the original post that he had chosen the “GT-Line All-Wheel Drive with the 77.4kWh battery pack”, and that he was elated with it so far. The Car and Driver team had high praise after their test drive of the EV6 for its slim and low front end, well-sculpted fenders, and generous interior space.

There is a well-positioned USB port on the seatbacks for the rear passengers, and the floating center console is where you’ll find the start/stop button, a round gear selector, and the wireless phone charger. This interior does not attempt to be anything near to conventional and immediately conveys that the EV6 is of a refreshingly futuristic and multi-capable category. The EV6 will immediately get up to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, and you’ll quickly be able to reach the urban-dweller’s virtually reckless and careening speed of 115 mph.

The 800-volt architecture and 350-kW DC fast-charging capability is under the guise of Kia’s promise that you can add nearly 70 miles in less than five minutes and can also get from 10 to 80 percent in under 18 minutes. Tough terrain can be conquered courtesy of the EV6’s front and multilink rear suspension setup, as well as with the precise steering, capable brakes, and minimal body roll. It has been a refreshing feeling to see that more EV’s now have “real” front ends. Many tried-and-true car experts bask in the fact that it’s normal for an electric car to have a commonplace interior.

Much sleeker and sharper than the boxy and retro Kia Soul, the finished concept and well-engineered idea of the coupe SUV leaves plenty of room for both battery packs. The EV6 can cut notable numbers on a twisty road, with 300-plus mile range, fast-charging capability, and stylish appearance all suitably aligned with our goal of being fully carbon-neutral by 2045. We are very excited to see electric cars on the come up in 2022. We can’t wait for everyone at Jim Butler Kia to experience the new, innovative amenities with electric vehicles that we know will change the automotive game forever! 


Wednesday, January 12, 2022

2022 Kia Telluride SX V6 Wows Outdoor Set with Class-Leading Fuel Economy Stats!

The 2022 Kia Telluride has claimed a top spot in a variety of bloggers’ top lists due to its spacious cabin, large cargo hold, and offerings of sleek technology. Snagging a top spot in U.S. News and World Report’s review, it has a 10.25-inch infotainment system, dual-zone climate control, and highway driving assist now standard as brand-new additions for the year. What do drivers love most about the Telluride based on first glance? Its quality materials inside, user-friendly features, and roomy seating for up to 8 across 3 included rows.

Very sharp graphics and simple-to-navigate menus make this interface easy to operate during the daily drive. There are six USB ports onboard along with voice recognition to make every single trip simple and accessible. Other available features include the universal garage door opener, 64-color ambient interior lighting, and dual-pane sunroof. For a midsize SUV, the cargo room is exceptional, possessing 21 cubic feet of space behind the third-row seats. If you fold them down, there are 46 cubic feet available for groceries, clubs, sleeping bags, etc. 

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave this LATCH system the second-highest rating of Acceptable for its ease of use and for each tether anchor being very easy to find. Easily jumping ahead of the competition here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis and snagging up the 2020 SUV of the Year award from Motor Trend. They first off claimed that no one can upend the new car status quo “quite the way Kia does”. The Telluride is pleasing to the eye from the inside and out; it completely shakes up the pre-conceived notion that bargain-basement plastics are not the trait that any affordable brand should be known for.

All 2022 Tellurides are equipped with a 291-hp 3.8-liter naturally aspirated V6 that is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, and AWD is available on every trim level. The EX trim level adds the bonus props of LED dome lights, an 8-way power-adjustable driver seat, heated front seats, and a wireless device charger. EX and SX models offer power-folding side mirrors, an 8-way power-adjustable passenger seat, and a hands-free power liftgate. If you are looking for premium interior space and towing ability, the Telluride’s larger size lines it up much better against rivals such as the Honda Pilot, Chevy Traverse, and Subaru Ascent.

During road testing, the Telluride was at the top of the standings for 5 separate internet publications right off the bat! Its refined driving experience, user-friendly controls, and a large amount of cargo room deem it a winner in a world that is heavily populated by vehicles that just can’t move the meter anywhere over average. Big, bold, and still the very best three-row family SUV in its class. The Telluride cashes in repeatedly on handling much smaller than its initially-conceived bulk’s first appearance would suggest. 

 


Thursday, January 6, 2022

EPA Officially Certifies Class-Leading 310-Mile Range For 2022 Kia EV6

When electrification first became a vital component of auto construction and not just a far-off and futuristic dream here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, many of the inquiries from customers were regarding “how far can you go” on a charge. The all-electric range for the entire EV6 lineup has just been officially announced, and the EPA has certified an AER of 310 miles for the 2022 Kia EV6 when equipped with a 77.4 kWh battery and rear-wheel drive. The all-electric range for the entire EV6 lineup was announced just before the EV6 officially went on sale during the first quarter of 2022.

This rating applies when configured with a 77.4 kWh battery and rear-wheel drive, including EV6 GT-Line RWD and EV6 EX+RWD. It also represents an overall efficiency of 4.0 miles/kWh, and EV6 models fitted with all-wheel drive bear an EPA-certified AER of 274 miles. These figures are an official testament to the efficiency of EV6 in motor performance and aerodynamics. It’s also a generous form of appeal for anyone who has an all-American and average commute of around 16 miles each way per day. 

A brand-new fast-charging system supports 400v and 800v DC duties which works on DC chargers possessing speeds from 50kW to 350kW. The EV6 offers up class-leading performance, available AWD capability, ultra-fast DC charging, and an essential flat-floor interior that puts to use sustainable-friendly materials inside the entire cabin. Among many other achievements, this news officially makes the EV6 more efficient than its twin in the form of the Hyundai IONIQ 5 as the automotive press eagerly awaits mileage status results from the Nissan Ariya. 

What do we think that new buyers are going to absolutely love most about the EV6? The fact that you can nail down up to 210 miles of driving range within 18 minutes with the 800v DC fast charger! When EVs and EUVs first hit the scene, many urban and suburban commuters felt as if their only option was to let things charge overnight. They still were thrilled to do so while paying attention to the needs of the planet and full-on ditching pricey trips to the gas pump. 

“Statically” having 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque, the EV6 boasts a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds and hits the 0-60 mph mark in just 5.2 seconds. You’ll be fully confident and kept safely in tow with Kia’s fantastic 10-year battery warranty. Other features include a 14-speaker Meridian premium sound system, surround-view monitor, blind-spot monitor, augmented reality head-up display, ultra-wide sunroof, vegan leather interior, and heated steering wheel. 


Thursday, December 30, 2021

2022 Kia Carnival Easily Navigates “Small Town America at its Finest” With New +1 in Tow

Here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis, it’s easy to miss out on some of the most practical day-to-day drivers we have, as our stunning offerings such as the Stinger and Telluride command so much attention! This is no surprise; sometimes the vehicle that you didn’t have your eye on at first may be the best companion you could ever imagine. The 2022 Kia Carnival had passed a test with flying colors this past month given by the Cnet.com drive team, who reported back in detail on their blog. 

Their staff auto writer had been assigned the task of bringing home the new family dog and was grateful to have had the Kia Carnival on hand to make the long commute home. He took a highway to retrieve his new best friend that offered up “America at its finest”, with abundant winding roads and two-lane highways. The Carnival was able to navigate seamlessly over road imperfections, all while making a smooth, comfortable ride. 

Here was the perfect opportunity to test out the Highway Driving Assist, which won this team’s opinion as having the best system short of a true hands-free highway driving assistant. With fashionable styling, a well-equipped cabin, and a refined V6 powertrain, the Carnival stands out amongst all the vehicles. 

The driver-assistance features, offered as standard now, include automated emergency braking, a dual-display setup with digital gauges, and a navigation-equipped center touchscreen. There are four available trim levels ranging from the budget-minded LX to the deluxe SX-Prestige. The EX represents the sweet spot between robust features and economy. The EX offers up a power-operated rear liftgate, an in-cabin intercom, and a voice-control system that allows rear-seat passengers to send their commands to the Carnival’s infotainment system. The Carnival also possesses a towing rating of up to 3,500 pounds for the days you need the extra help. 

At the Car and Driver Test track, the Carnival launched to 60 mph in just 7 short seconds. Fuel economy ratings from the EPA for the 2022 Carnival are 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. The SX-Prestige trim comes with leather upholstery and reclining second-row seats with pop-up footrests. During testing 14 carry-on suitcases fit behind the third row of seats, and a total of 48 inches with all seats folded. Up to 9 USB ports are situated in the cabin, and you can enjoy the excitingly booming sounds of a high-quality 12-speaker Bose stereo in the Prestige. 


Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Kia Telluride Snags 2022 Edmunds “Top Rated” Award 3rd Year in a Row

At Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis, we have edged our way through our competitors and continue to stick out amongst the rest with our class-leading engineering, premium warranty coverage, award winning Service Department, and so many more reasons!


Acknowledged by Edmunds for its stellar performance in the market, the Kia Telluride is just as appealing as delicious peppermint bark at the holiday party! Consumers have rallied upon its appeal while boosting sales up over 35 percent year-on-year. 

Continuing to wholeheartedly deliver and achieve excellence, the Telluride has been further enhanced for 2022 as a greater number of consumers. The winner of any Edmunds Top-Rated Award, these vehicles are tested, ranked, and selected by Edmunds editors from a very prestigious finalist group that consists of each classes’ previously highest-ranked eligible new vehicles. Eligible vehicles in nine categories were judged on their driving, comfort, interior, tech, storage potential, and value realized during the daily drive. 

Celebrating an Edmunds top rating sets a jolly mood for the holiday season! For the third time in a row, the Telluride effortlessly tops the popularity contest that many SUVs are now eagerly vying for. We love the fact that it is still big and bold, but also the brand-new Kia badging and redesigned radiator grille comes in as a viable asset. Most consumers come in looking for new vehicles with bigger and better screens, and how can we blame them? Everything from intense and thorough navigation coverage up to entertainment options are even better with a larger-sized viewing area. Not to mention a fully automatic temperature control and the highway driving assist feature are both added to the LX and S trims.


The Motortrend team claimed that “no one upends the new car status quo the way Kia does”, and it did a fantastic job of getting rid of low-grade plastics. The Telluride eagerly enjoys its step-up-to-excellent ride quality, body control, and stellar handling on turns for a machine that weighs in at over two tons. All 2022 Tellurides are equipped with a 291-horsepower 3.8-liter naturally aspirated V6 and 8-speed transmission; AWD is available on every trim level. 

In FWD form, the Telluride nails down 20/26 mpg city/highway and the AWD version earns a 19/24 mpg rating from the EPA. Both the FWD and AWD model received 5-star overall safety ratings from the NHTSA, and the 2022 model features rear cross-traffic braking, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors. The SX trim adds automatic high beams and 360-degree view cameras as standard additions. The EX-level adds LED dome lights an 8-way power adjustable driver seat, heated front seats, and a wireless device charger as standard. 


Thursday, December 9, 2021

EV6 Earns “Crossover of the Year” During Annual TopGear.com Awards


The fully-electric EV6 has earned “Crossover of the Year” in the 2021 TopGear.com Awards. Its unique style, dynamic performance, long electric range, and 800-volt ultra-fast charging all convinced the judges to name the EV6 the winner.

New owners will love its spacious, well-equipped and well-built stature. The EV6 is Kia’s first dedicated electric car, and represents the thrilling potential of the brand-new E-GMP Electric-Global Modular Platform. You’ll have the choice of long-range and standard-range battery packs, with the newly flexed EV6 GT model featuring the long-range variant only. 

The EV6 also features another first: it is our first electric vehicle offering the choice of two-wheel or all-wheel drive options, proving capable in even the most demanding of conditions. Electric power will develop more and more attractive packages that can breathe life into an experience that was once perceived as too rigid and limiting. Sport mode provides much faster throttle response and decidedly heavy steering characteristics.

The EV6 includes advanced driver assist systems and a large head-up display that lies over a large portion of the driver’s view, as well as a pair of 12.3-inch screens for the interior information portal, with a haptic bar on deck to tweak various temperature control elements. The driver with a heavy to-do list will love the space, quiet drive, and capability equipped with the powerful 800-volt bones that maximize the potential of any public charging station you can locate. 

Well-rounded and attractive, the EV6 is poised to win many more awards! Raising the bar for every EV in the future, the EV6 sends a strong message that simply being good enough will never be the best!