The All-New 2017 KIA Sorento

The 2017 Kia Sorento, as featured in Kia’s recent ads with Bo Jackson and Brian Bosworth, was fully redesigned for the previous model year. This year, the brand has built upon the redesign even further, creating the best Sorento yet and something all St. Louis Kia fans are going to love.

For 2017, the Sorento features better smartphone integration, more advanced safety features, and the option of three different engines. The Sorento also offers two additional trim levels- the new Advanced Technology Package (which features Kia’s latest driver assistance features) and the Advanced Touring Package.

Standard on both the L and LX trims, power comes from a 185-horsepower 2.4-liter engine. A 240-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is exclusive to the EX. In all Sorento trim options, torque is routed through a six-speed automatic transmission.

As far as the interior goes, the 2017 Sorento will offer the ability to configure the cabin for either five-passenger seating or seven-passenger seating- a very popular option in previous years. Regardless of trim, Sorento purchasers can choose from cloth, leather or Nappa Leather upholstery.

In addition to the 2017 Sorento’s upgrades, this vehicle has also earned itself a Top Safety Pick+ status from the IIHS, when equipped with the front crash prevention technology.

To check out this awesome crossover for yourself, be sure to stop by Jim Butler Kia in St. Louis to give it a test drive!

The All-New 5-Door Kia Rio

The 5-door 2017 Kia Rio hatchback will be making its debut at the 2016 Paris Motor Show on September 29. The Kia Rio has earned itself a solid reputation for great fuel economy and being a fun-to-drive car, but the brand was determined to make it even better this time around.

In comparison to later models, the new Rio has grown in size- it is 15 millimeters longer, 5 millimeters wider and a has a wheelbase 10 millimeters longer. With a body just 5 millimeters shorter, the brand wanted to create a sportier, more dynamic version of the Rio.

In hopes to modernize the interior, the dashboard is now angled towards the driver and will house a new infotainment system and touchscreen interface in the center. The infotainment center will likely feature more connectivity options and the smartphone-driven UVO infotainment system. Additionally, the Rio will now be offered with red and black exterior color choices on the LX trim.

Kia plans for the Rio to enter production later this year for the European markets and a 2017 production start and model-year launch here in the US. If you’re a St. Louis Kia buyer, you’ll want to get your hands on this one! We’ll let you know when it arrives to Jim Butler Kia!

Kia Motors Takes Nostalgic Approach For New "Sunday Night Football" Ads

Football has officially made its return for 2016 and Kia is excited to get back in the game. For the third consecutive year, the brand will be the presenting sponsor of the pre-kick and kickoff shows that air right before “Sunday Night Football”. This year they plan to take a nostalgic approach…

Almost 30 years ago now, in what was called a showdown between the two, Bo Jackson tore through Brian Bosworth on his way to a touchdown run. Also occurring about 30 years ago was the release of the classic Tecmo Bowl. The two combined create something quite hilarious. Check it out for yourself--

“At Kia, we are always looking for ways to stand out, and using the Sorento to take football fans inside a beloved video game and bring two legendary players roaring back in all their 8-bit glory was an opportunity that was simply too good to pass up,” stated Michael Sprague, chief operating officer and EVP, Kia Motors America. “Sunday Night Football has been the top-rated primetime show for five straight years, and after our football-themed advertising helped push the Sorento sales up more than 13 percent in 2015, returning this year was a no-brainer.”

In an ESPN 2015 retrospective, this Nov. 30, 1987 game was coined as the night that marked “the birth of Bo and the end of Boz”. We give them both props for the good sportsmanship.

To take the Kia Sorento on a little test drive for yourself, be sure to come visit us at Jim Butler Kia in St. Louis, MO!

Kia Motors America Impresses With August Sales

Yesterday, Kia Motors America announced their August sales performance and it did not disappoint. Led by the Soul and Optima, the company sold a total of 54,248 units. Additionally, the Sedona experienced doubled sales when compared to the same period last year and the Forte family reached their best August sales yet.

Michael Sprague, chief operating officer and EVP, KMA stated, “Despite the signs that the industry-wide sales may have peaked in 2015, Kia is up nearly four percent through August on the the strength of double digit year-over-year increases for Rio, Forte, Sportage and Sedona.”

The year-to-date sales is up 3.8% for Kia Motors, which also happens to be the highest scoring nameplate in the industry, according to J.D. Power. To get in the Kia action yourself, be sure to stop by Jim Butler Kia in St. Louis, MO to check out the 2016 and 2017 Kia vehicle lineup!
 

Coming Soon: The All-New Kia Rio

If you’re a Kia Rio fan, you’re going to want to check this out. Kia has recently unveiled sketches of its all-new, overhauled fourth generation Rio and there is excitement worldwide. The vehicle will make its official world debut at the 2016 Paris Motor show next month. Production for Europe will begin at the end of 2016, however, production times for other regions have not yet been announced.

As you can see, the new Kia Rio has received a sporty makeover- with an even lower and wider look than before. The iconic ‘Tiger Nose’ grille has been stretched out to reach the headlights, which have a slimmer look themselves and straight, smooth lines offer an overall balanced appearance. The interior will house a large display screen, of course featuring “the latest technology features” Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Though we’re not sure when we’ll be getting this car, we are sure it’s going to be a hit, especially for our St. Louis Kia drivers! We’ll be sure to update you when we hear more!

The All-New 2017 Kia Cadenza

The 2017 Kia Cadenza is headed our way with updated technology, a more luxurious interior, and even more convenience. In addition to interior updates, the Cadenza has also received a refreshed, stronger body structure and powertrain enhancements- leading to sophisticated look with improved driving dynamics and efficiency.

Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning at Kia Motors America stated “The new Cadenza adds an extra dose of excitement to the large-car segment with its striking looks and premium refinements. The Cadenza’s cabin has been improved in nearly every way, but it’s underneath where the Cadenza truly shines with a stiffer and lighter chassis, eight-speed transmission and vastly improved driving dynamics.”

Utilizing Kia Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer’s “straight line” philosophy, the exterior of the 2017 Kia Cadenza possesses an overall clean, sleek image. The front fascia has been newly designed with a hexagonal shape and curved grille- giving the “tiger-nose” front end an even more sharp appearance. In the back, LED “piano key” taillights have been added.

The interior of the Cadenza rings true to its luxurious claims- offering tons of space and rich materials. As far as technology goes, the third-generation UVO system has been added which also includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other features include keyless entry and push-button start, Bluetooth, dual zone climate control, and safety features like Advanced Smart Cruise control with stop-and-go functionality and Lane Departure Warning.

Power will come from an improved version of the 3.3-liter V6 engine, which has been revised for better fuel economy and produces 290 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque. The new transmission, and Kia’s first FWD eight-speed automatic, is very efficient and contributes to quick shifts and an overall captivating driving experience.

The 2017 Kia Cadenza should be at Jim Butler Kia in St. Louis, MO sometime this fall, so be on the lookout! We’ll be sure to remind you too!

Kia Takes A Leap Into Next Generation With Worldwide GT Models

Though typically known for their family-oriented model lineup, Kia is planning to take a leap into the next generation with slightly more aggressive and sporty GT versions of their mainstream vehicles. The company’s first GT model- the ProCeed GT- was sold exclusively in Europe in 2013, so those of us in the U.S. (and especially at Jim Butler Kia) are looking forward to this next line being sold globally.

Though GT is not a perfect fit for all Kia models, it will be for the Kia Optima. This Optima GT will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 242 horsepower. Additionally, it’s looking like a GT version of the Rio will be available, packing a three-cylinder turbocharged engine and rivaling the Ford Fiesta ST. Contrary to the Hyundai N division cars, these GT models are not built for the track. The main goal, according to performance boss, Albert Biermann, is to build cars that “drive as well as they look.”
Selling more than 626,000 vehicles in the U.S. just last year, Kia hopes to boost sales even further with the introduction of these GT models.

St. Louis Kia fans- get ready!