Go ahead! Jump into the new second-generation Soul. Cool! It has 4-wheel disc brakes and an anti-lock braking system that provides great confidence regardless of location or destination.
The base Soul is equipped with a 130-hp 1.6L GDI engine with a 6-speed manual transmission, while Soul + (plus) and ! (exclaim) models command a 164-hp a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission. There is an available ECO package on Soul + (plus) that includes Idle Stop and Go. It automatically turns off the engine when you come to a complete stop, and then seamlessly restarts the engine when you release the brake pedal. (Fuel economy: 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway). Fuel tank capacity is 12.7 gallons.
My Soul ! (exclaim) had the sand-black houndstooth interior design for seating. Optionally it’s available in leather seat trim with heated front seats. Both ! (exclaim) and + (plus) trims are outfitted with 18-inch alloy wheels, Infinity audio system, and UVO eService in-vehicle infotainment with HD radio and personal device connectivity.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $20,300. And for another $2,600 you get the Sun and Fun Package with features like panoramic sunroof with power sunshade, navigation with 8-inch screen, and Sirius XM satellite radio with traffic.
There is tons of storage space. Just flip down the 60/40 split folding rear seats to expand the cargo space. There is a hidden tray in the cargo floor. There is also an additional 53.4 cu.ft. of rear seat down cargo space. Plus the dual glove box has extra space for the small stuff.
Soul gets its name because of its music. It had standard USB/auxiliary input jacks that let you plug in practically any kind of MP3 player. The new Soul comes with a complimentary trial subscription to over 130 Sirius XM satellite radio stations that offer commercial-free music, plus sports and entertainment. ESPN anyone? Cell phone usage, streaming audio, subwoofer, and external system are words that give some idea of the music technology I’m talking about.
Kia received the 2013 top Safety Pick by The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Also the NHTSA five star side impact crash rating with the 2012 model.
The Kia Soul is airbag laden, including dual front seat, front seat mounted, and full-length side curtain airbags just to name some. Side impact door beams, tire pressure monitoring system, and front active headrests are additional safety features.
The Soul ! (exclaim) handles well in any kind of weather or driving condition. The revised front and rear suspension see to that. Rear leg room is sufficient to be marginally comfortable (40.9 inch front, 39.1 inch rear).
The back space is a little short, but after all, this is a small car. The Soul is a subcompact crossover with a personality that is wide, robust, unusual, and kind of weird. Definitely not for the faint of heart. Open the roof, turn up the music. Let her roll.
Industry-leading warranty program:
10-year/100,000 mile limited powertrain standard warranty
5-year/60,000 mile limited basic warranty
5-year/100,000 mile limited anti-perforation warranty
5-year/60,000 mile 24-hour roadside assistance
You can learn more about the Kia Soul’ uniqueness and view a 360-degree interior and exterior view and all available colors and location of Kia retailers by going to Kia.com or call 1-800-333-4kia.
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or [email protected].
