Barnett Auto Group Blog Four straight in Best Initial Quality, Niro gets highest safety rating possible.

Four straight in Best Initial Quality, Niro gets highest safety rating possible.For the fourth consecutive year, Kia has been recognized by J.D. Power as the number one non-premium brand in its 2018 Initial Quality Study (IQS). Kia maintained its leadership position with segment-leading performances from the Sorento (Midsize SUV) and Rio (Small Car), while Optima (Midsize Car), Sportage (Small SUV) and Sedona (Minivan) placed second and the Forte (Compact Car) placed third in their respective segments.After ranking highest in the entire industry for three years, Kia's reported problem levels remained unchanged from 2017, thereby once again capturing the top mass market automaker spot"Ranking number one among all mass market brands for four consecutive years leaves no doubt as to the world-class quality and craftsmanship instilled in every car and SUV that Kia builds," said Michael Cole, chief operating officer and EVP, Kia Motors America. "With two segment winners and four additional models finishing in the top three of their respective segments, the evidence of Kia's progression and focus on the ownership experience is overwhelming."The annual report analyzed responses from 75,712 respondents with regards to 240 vehicle models across 26 segments. Vehicles were evaluated on driving experience, engine and transmission performance and a broad range of quality issues reported by vehicle owners. Kia owners reported 72 problems per 100 vehicles.Elsewhere, the number of Kia vehicles with 2018 Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick Plus ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) now stands at nine.Newest on the list with the best rating possible-Top Safety Pick Plus (TSP+)-is the popular and practical 2018 Kia Niro when equipped with available Forward Collision Warning System (FCWS) and Autonomous Emergency Braking System (AEB)1 as well high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights. "We're very pleased with this new TSP+ award for Niro," William Freels, President of Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI), the research and development center for Kia Motors America. "It validates our efforts to develop vehicles that meet some of the industry's highest safety standards and it endorses the skill and commitment of our designers and engineers."To qualify for TSP+, the IIHS testing parameters require a vehicle earn "Good" ratings in six crashworthiness tests - driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side impact, roof strength, and head restraint - as well as a "Good" or "Acceptable" rating in the passenger side small overlap front test, an "Advanced" or "Superior" rating for front crash prevention, and a "Good" rating in headlight testing. To qualify for a TSP rating, a vehicle must earn "Good" ratings in five crashworthiness tests-driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests. It also must earn an "Advanced" or "Superior" rating for front crash prevention, and an "Acceptable" or "Good" rating in headlight testing."The Niro is one of our most popular models," said Orth Hedrick, Kia vice president, product planning, "and receiving the highest possible safety rating from IIHS provides yet another reason why it should be the top choice for anyone shopping for a small hybrid SUV."Right now at Barnett there are extraordinary deals on virtually all the highly awarded models from Kia. For example, you can lease a 2018 Kia Forte LX for a low, low $89 a month*. Or the versatile and popular 2018 Kia Sorento L for only just $139 a month*. Ask us for details or click here. You'll also find our other current special offers and deals.And remember, every new vehicle purchased comes with Barnett's exclusive-and FREE-MILLION MILE Warranty. Ask your sales associate for all the details on that, too. Come see us soon at Barnett Kia on Highway 61 in White Bear Lake!Offers end 7/31/18. On approved credit. See dealer for details. *$2,999 down plus first month's payment, tax, title, license, and fees due at signing. 12,000 miles per year. Security deposit waived. KMF lease cash to dealer. For qualified leases. Lease from Kia Motors Finance on approved credit. Does not include military discount.