K900 Leads the Way with Record High Score in Vehicle Satisfaction Awards

Luxury model’s Presidents Award along with three other KIA models rank top in segments

The KIA K900 took a monumental step forward as KIA’s flagship luxury model earned the rare President’s Award from AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSAs). This award is given to the vehicle that achieves the highest-ever overall VSA award. The K900, available at St. Louis’ exclusive K900 dealer Jim Butler KIA in Chesterfield Valley, set the new record in the VSAs.

More than 65,000 owners of new 2015 model year vehicles rated their vehicles in 50 detailed attributes ranging from fuel economy, comfort and convenience. AutoPacific’s survey didn’t just want to give awards based on highest performance or price tag — they wanted to rate the overall experience of owning a new car.

K900 in Rare Company

When the votes were tallied and the numbers calculated, the 2015 KIA K900 was deemed the cream of the crop and became just the third vehicle in the past 19 years to earn the President’s Award.

The K900 not only won the overall award but also bested the competition in the Luxury Car Category. KIA’s luxury entry not only continues to rake in the accolades, but it also goes head-to-head with luxury brands such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Those in St. Louis who are looking for the luxury sedan amenities without the luxury tag should definitely consider the outstanding K900 from Jim Butler KIA in Chesterfield Valley.

The interior and exterior of the K900 both give off the luxury vibe with their attention to details and fine materials throughout. The K900 is powered by the first V8 engine ever in a KIA sedan, and 5.0-liter engine roars out 420 horsepower. Whether under the hood or behind the wheel, the K900 is certainly a luxury sedan for fans to pay attention to.

KIA most awarded brand in 2015 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards

KIA didn’t just stop with the K900. Three other models — the Cadenza, Soul (tie) and Sportage — each came out on top in their categories. The Cadenza in the Large Car format, the Soul tied for first in the Compact car category and the Sportage won the Compact CUV segment.

Each of these three vehicles wowed their owners so much that they took home more awards for the KIA brand, In fact, these four victories gave KIA more category winners than any other brand. KIA also ranked third in overall brand score among non-premium automakers.

Congratulations to all these KIA models for impressing and meeting the needs of all their new owners. You can get in on the fun to with any other these and other KIA models at Jim Butler KIA in Chesterfield Valley!

To learn more about the K900 and other KIA models, call Jim Butler KIA today at 636-256-9600 or contact us online. As your St. Louis KIA dealer, we invite you to check out our KIAs in-person at our Chesterfield dealership. If you’re in the St. Louis, Chesterfield Valley, Creve Coeur or Maryland Heights area, stop by our lot at 722 Long Road Crossing in Chesterfield. Here at Jim Butler KIA, you can make your new vehicle purchase with confidence. We are located in Chesterfield, MO, and serve as your St. Louis, Chesterfield Valley, Creve Coeur and Maryland Heights KIA dealer.

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High-tech Forte5 Cruises into 2016 with European-style Design and Performance

Improved technology packages, new LX trim showcase the versatile hatchback

The KIA Forte5 is not only a tech-savvy hatchback but also has some kick to it. This holds true for the new 2016 KIA Forte5 as improvements to the already advanced technology and a new trim level highlight the latest installment of the KIA hatchback.

New LX trim offers St. Louis KIA fans more value

While it may be the new base trim on the Forte5, the LX models are anything but basic. Standard features on the LX models include: cruise control, keyless entry with remote trunk release, 16-inch alloy wheels, rear camera display, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, MacPherson strut front suspension and Bluetooth wireless technology.

The LX trim along with the EX trim are powered by a 2.0-liter GDI four-cylinder engine.

EX, SX trims complimented by Forte features and technology

The EX and SX trims are back for the 2016 Forte5. Along with the some of the best features in the segment, the Forte EX and SX add to the LX power windows, air conditioning and power heated outside mirrors. Both also ride on the MacPherson suspension but also have the advantage of FlexStreer. This puts the driver in control different settings — Comfort, Normal and Sport — with the touch a button conveniently placed on the steering wheel.

Additional standard features on the EX include a new 4.3-inch rear camera display, 17-inch wheels, LED positioning lights, power folding outside mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

Advanced technology packages are available for the Forte5 EX — the Premium Technology Package and an all-new-for-2016 Premium Tech Package. The Premium Technology Package includes heated front seats, leather seat trim, power sunroof, push-button start with Smart Key, LED taillights and navigation with HD Radio.

The new Premium Tech Package takes a step forward with its two-way power adjustable heated driver’s seat, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and dual-zone automatic temperature control with center console rear vents.

Under the hood, the sporty SX trim’s 1.6-liter turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine is mated standard with a six-speed manual transmission; a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters is available. Also standard on the 2016 Forte5 SX are a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels, larger front brake rotors, LED taillights, sport front and rear bumpers, dual exhaust, push-button start with Smart Key, UVO eServices Telematics and metal pedals.

Overall, the 2016 Forte5 offers a sporty hatchback with loads of technology and performance, great for any other those in St. Louis who have been bitten with the tech-bug and also have racing in their blood. Stay tuned to Jim Butler KIA’s blog for more information on the 2016 KIA Forte5!

To learn more about the KIA Forte5, call Jim Butler KIA today at 636-256-9600 or contact us online. As your St. Louis KIA dealer, we invite you to check out our KIAs in-person at our Chesterfield dealership. If you’re in the St. Louis, Chesterfield Valley, Creve Coeur or Maryland Heights area, stop by our lot at 722 Long Road Crossing in Chesterfield. Here at Jim Butler KIA, you can make your new vehicle purchase with confidence. We are located in Chesterfield, MO, and serve as your St. Louis, Chesterfield Valley, Creve Coeur and Maryland Heights KIA dealer.

Find out what Forte5s Jim Butler KIA has in its inventory!

A Place on the Podium: A Look at the World of KIA Motors Racing

Three racers from around the world drive KIA Optimas, Forte Koups on the track

KIAs are known for providing quality vehicles for daily use and outdoor adventurers. However, KIA also makes statements at the race track thanks to the KIA Motors Racing team!

Recently, KIA’s racing team earn podium finishes in back-to-back rounds in Elkhart Lake, Wis. These place the total number of podium finishes for five for KIA Motors Racing as the 2015 season reaches its halfway point.

But while the KIA racing team piles up the victories on the track, the team itself is a relatively recent development. KIA entered the world of motorsports in 2010 with the introduction of the Forte Koup. In order to show the change that the Koup would bring, it needed a place to demonstrate its prowess.

KIA teamed up with Kinetic Motorsports and its co-founder Nic Jonsson to race the then-new KIA Forte Koup. Jonsson won the GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge Street Tuner Driver Championship in 2011 behind the wheel of a Koup.

Since then, the sporty Optima, one of the best-selling cars in the country, became a mainstay on the KIA Motors Racing roster. The Optima’s racing highlights include besting brands like Forde, Porsche and Aston Martin with two pole positions, two victories and six podium finishes in 2012. In 2013, KIA was the first Korean brand to win the historic Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix, besting Honda, Mazda and BMW in its path.

The drivers behind the racing Optimas

Mark Wilkins

Two drivers take the wheel behind the Optimas in the racing circuit. Canadian Mark Wilkins and Englishman Ben Clucas pilot the turbocharged Optimas for KIA Motors Racing.

Since 2012, Wilkins has been racking up wins for KIA Motors Racing. His career highlights behind the wheel of an Optima include the win at the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix and a third-place finish in the Grand Touring Sport (GTS) Class Driver Championship.

Ben Clucas joined KIA Motors Racing in February of this year after racing Aston Martins for the past few years along with representing Kinetic Motorsports.

Ben Clucas

KIA Motors Racing will next take the track in Rounds 11 and 12 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, July 31 through August 2. KIA and racing fans can watch the previous race in Wisconsin on Wednesday, July 8 on CBS Sports Network at 8 p.m.

We at Jim Butler KIA hope you enjoyed this look at KIA Motors Racing, and good luck to Wilkins and Clucas!

To learn more about the KIA Forte and Optima, call Jim Butler KIA today at 636-256-9600 or contact us online. As your St. Louis KIA dealer, we invite you to check out our KIAs in-person at our Chesterfield dealership. If you’re in the St. Louis, Chesterfield Valley, Creve Coeur or Maryland Heights area, stop by our lot at 722 Long Road Crossing in Chesterfield. Here at Jim Butler KIA, you can make your new vehicle purchase with confidence. We are located in Chesterfield, MO, and serve as your St. Louis, Chesterfield Valley, Creve Coeur and Maryland Heights KIA dealer.

Take a look at our Optima inventory!

Check out our Forte Koup inventory!

Sportage Enters 2016 as CUV Segment Stand-out with Focus on Features

Sportage doesn’t compromise on space and utility, offers St. Louis CUV fans more

The 2016 KIA Sportage CUV will make fans of the 2015 model just as happy with its 2016 offering. Minor changes to the ’16 Sportage make the CUV better-rounded and a boon for any St. Louis family.

Once again, the Sportage will offer three trim levels for 2016: the LX, EX and SX. The biggest focus for KIA on the 2016 was the features and standards for the trim and option packages.

Even the entry LX trim is getting an upgrade for the new model year. The Popular Package on the LX trim adds a touchscreen display with integrated Rear Camera Display as well as auto on/off headlights. This is in addition to the standard features which include a rear spoiler, roof rails, trip computer, rear armrest with cup holders and illuminated sun visors.

The biggest change to the mid-range EX trim is the standard leather trimmed seats, bringing more comfort to the families of St. Louis at a better value! Along with that, a Smart Key with push-button start comes standard. Those who opt for the EX’s Premium Package, they’ll receive the Infinity Premium audio system, front fog lights, integrated turn signals in the heated outside mirrors and a cooled glove box.

For those who live fully loaded, the 2016 KIA Sportage SX is for them. With the SX, new 2016 Sportage owners get everything in the EX Premium Package along with extra features such as dual exhaust pipes, LED Daytime Running Lamps, LED tail lights, aluminum door-scuff plates, unique wheels and grille design and the standard turbocharged engine!

The two classic engine choices will once again be available. The LX and EX models come standard with the 2.4-liter GDI inline four-cylinder engine. This engine is capable of producing 182 horsepower with a maximum 177 lb.-ft. of torque. The SX trim comes with the aforementioned 2.0-L turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine with a booming 260 horsepower and 269 lb.-ft. of torque.

As St. Louis weather can be unpredictable, all-wheel drive is offered across the entire Sportage spectrum. What isn’t unpredictable is the quality and service that Jim Butler KIA offers. If you can’t wait for the 2016 Sportage, we have 2015s available now!

To learn more about the quality KIA vehicles, call Jim Butler KIA today at 636-256-9600 or contact us online. As your St. Louis KIA dealer, we invite you to check out our KIAs in-person at our Chesterfield dealership. If you’re in the St. Louis, Chesterfield Valley, Creve Coeur or Maryland Heights area, stop by our lot at 722 Long Road Crossing in Chesterfield. Here at Jim Butler KIA, you can make your new vehicle purchase with confidence. We are located in Chesterfield, MO, and serve as your St. Louis, Chesterfield Valley, Creve Coeur and Maryland Heights KIA dealer.

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KIA Emerges with Best Finish Ever in J.D. Power Initial Quality Study for 2015

KIA earns spot as best non-premium brand in study as each KIA vehicle improves

As KIA continues to offer quality vehicles to consumers, every current KIA model at Jim Butler KIA in Chesterfield Valley saw an improvement in the 2015 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study (IQS). To top it off, KIA placed second overall and was the highest ranked non-premium make for 2015.

In fact, two vehicles cracked the Top 10 which are the Cadenza and Soul. Other KIA vehicles placing third or better in their respective segments were the Rio, Optima, Sportage, Sedona and Sorento.

In regards to the Sedona, it’s been a habit of redesigned vehicles to take a hit in their first year of redesign in the J.D. Power study — this wasn’t the case with KIA’s minivan.

J.D. Power’s IQS consists of data and surveys from more than 85,000 owners of new 2015 vehicles throughout the first 90 days of purchase. A 233-question study and survey gives manufacturers the critical information they need to improve their vehicles.

KIA “getting it right”

KIA’s sales have more than doubled this decade, and that’s thanks in part to the improving quality and technology of KIA’s vehicles. The labor and passion put into each new KIA, from the versatile Soul to the popular and stylish Optima, is recognized with this latest accolade.

“One of the biggest areas they improved was the audio, communication, entertainment and [navigation], which everyone is struggling with,” Renee Stephens, J.D. Power’s vice president of U.S. Automotive quality, said. “They’re getting it right.”

The ranking is determined by number of problems per 100 vehicles, and KIA found itself placed firmly above such brands as Hyundai, BMW, Lexus, Buick and Mercedes-Benz.

We could go on for days about the Cadenza’s luxurious feel, the Sedona’s top-shelf offerings or the Sorento’s capability, but the best way to learn about the quality of KIA vehicles is to stop by for a test drive and experience first-hand what everyone else is loving about KIA.

To learn more about the quality KIA vehicles, call Jim Butler KIA today at 636-256-9600 or contact us online. As your St. Louis KIA dealer, we invite you to check out our KIAs in-person at our Chesterfield dealership. If you’re in the St. Louis, Chesterfield Valley, Creve Coeur or Maryland Heights area, stop by our lot at 722 Long Road Crossing in Chesterfield. Here at Jim Butler KIA, you can make your new vehicle purchase with confidence. We are located in Chesterfield, MO, and serve as your St. Louis, Chesterfield Valley, Creve Coeur and Maryland Heights KIA dealer.

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KIA Uncovers Specifications, Features for 2016 Sedona

Slight improvements to overall experience include standard back-up camera across all trims

For those in St. Louis who love minivans yet still want a bit more, the 2016 KIA Sedona is just around the corner! KIA has presented an overview of the latest version of its award-winning multi-purpose vehicle and included powertrain, structural, safety and technology specifications.

2015 KIA Sedona

The old cliche “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” certainly holds true for the 2016 Sedona. No major changes were made to the already great 2015 Sedonas at Jim Butler KIA in Chesterfield Valley, but there’s always room for improvement, and KIA made limited changes to its minivan with more.

One change that does stand out, though, is the standard back-up camera across all five trims (L, LX, EX, SX and SXL). This puts a great safety feature in the hands of every 2016 Sedona owner from the entry trim to the highest package. The grand SXL trim sees some exterior additions with an offering of side sills with chrome accents that complement the standard 19-inch chrome wheels according to KIA.

Under the hood, the 2016 Sedona comes with a six-speed Sportmatic automatic transmission mated with a 3.3-liter V6. The V6 is capable of up to 276 horsepower and 248 lb.-ft. of torque.

First-class interior returns

The Sedona breaks the norm of stale and sometimes uncomfortable minivans with its first-class, award-winning interior. The lounge-style seating offers passengers amazing legroom and provides retractable leg rests and airplane-style winged headrests.

2015 KIA Sedona interior

Some styles feature second-row seat cushion heaters for added comfort. The 2016 Sedona SXL trim features standard ultra-soft Nappa leather trim seating surfaces throughout the cabin, the same kind found in the luxurious K900.

Both seven- and eight-passenger seating configurations are available on the ’16 Sedona, while the EX trim level now has standard heated front seats. The L and LX trims are said to have an update on the cloth material’s pattern, and the SX and SXL trim will have eight-passenger seating when equipped with the technology package.

The 2016 Sedona earned itself a NHTSA 5-star overall vehicle safety rating, and a variety of safety and convenience features are available for the new Sedona such as the Surround View Monitor, Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Forward Collision Warning System (FCWS), Smart Cruise Control (SCC), Blind Spot Detection (BSD) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

With these slight changes and upgrades, 2016 KIA Sedona makes the perfect road trip companion or family vehicle! While no release date has been announced, St. Louis KIA fans could expect to see the ’16 Sedona at Jim Butler KIA in Chesterfield Valley by the end of the year.

To learn more about the KIA Sedona, call Jim Butler KIA today at 636-256-9600 or contact us online. As your St. Louis KIA dealer, we invite you to check out the Sedona in-person at our Chesterfield dealership. If you’re in the St. Louis, Chesterfield Valley, Creve Coeur or Maryland Heights area, stop by our lot at 722 Long Road Crossing in Chesterfield. Here at Jim Butler KIA, you can make your Sedona purchase with confidence. We are located in Chesterfield, MO, and serve as your St. Louis, Chesterfield Valley, Creve Coeur and Maryland Heights KIA dealer.

Search our Sedona inventory for one you like!

KIA Motors America Sells All-Time High in May 2015

More than 60,000 vehicles sold across America last month; Jim Butler KIA would like to thank its KIA customers

KIA is gaining popularity quickly as KIA Motors America announced its all-time sales record for a single month with 62,433 for May 2015. This isn’t just a record for the month of May, though — that’s for KIA’s history of selling vehicles in the United States!

Jim Butler KIA would like to thank its customers who purchased a new KIA last month. Without the sales from Chesterfield Valley, St. Charles, Creve Coeur and the entire St. Louis area, KIA would not have numbers like this. When KIA Motors America performs well, it’s a reflection on Jim Butler KIA and vice versa.

KIA’s Top 3 vehicles for May 2015 were the outstanding Optima, the stylish Soul and the strong Sorento, respectively. All three of these vehicles are on pace to sell more than 100,000 country-wide each for 2015, and all three of these excellent vehicles are available at Jim Butler KIA in Chesterfield Valley!



Great lease and financing deals are available at Jim Butler KIA! Right now, the Summer’s on Us sales event offers St. Louis KIA Optima, Sedona and Forte fans quite a treat. Purchase one of these three vehicles new and finance through KMF at 0 percent for 66 months, and Jim Butler KIA will make your first three payments! That’s right; your summer’s payments are on us!

With numbers like these, it’s time to check out what the KIA Butler can do for you! Thanks once again to all our new and loyal St. Louis KIA customers! We couldn’t do this alone. Here’s to an even bigger June!

To learn more about the award-winning KIAs, call Jim Butler KIA today at 636-256-9600. As your St. Louis KIA dealer, we invite you to check out these fantastic vehicles in-person at our Chesterfield dealership. If you’re in the St. Louis, Chesterfield Valley, Creve Coeur or Maryland Heights area, stop by our lot at 722 Long Road Crossing in Chesterfield. Here at Jim Butler KIA, you can make your KIA purchases with confidence. We are located in Chesterfield, MO, and serve as your St. Louis, Chesterfield Valley, Creve Coeur and Maryland Heights KIA dealer.

Search our new St. Louis KIA inventory!