Hawkinson Kia in the Matteson Auto Mall / Chicago Kia Dealer
It's clear that budget-minded Kia is serious about reinventing its lineup. The Korean upstart is now fielding capable players in most every segment. The next hurdle is to create inspiring vehicles that inject some fun into getting from point A to point B. In this regard, the nifty new Kia Soul hatchback wagon is helping to lead the charge.
With funky styling and four-cylinder power, the compact Kia Soul is gunning for mainstream economy-car shoppers who want something different. Indeed, the Kia hatchback is avant garde in its approach, boasting a swept-back exterior design with interesting angles and a neat cabin filled with distinctive shapes and vibrant colors. It gives Kia a long-overdue injection of, well, soul to complement its well-earned reputation for competence and value.
Current Kia Soul
Spread across four trim levels -- base, +, ! and Sport -- the Kia Soul compact hatchback is feature-rich given its affordable price. Standard features include antilock brakes, stability control, air-conditioning, full power accessories, satellite radio and a USB jack. Higher trims are eligible for niceties like alloy wheels, Bluetooth, premium audio, a sunroof and a two-tone interior. The Sport model also features a sport-tuned suspension and unique bodywork.
Under the hood, the base 1.6-liter engine makes do with just 122 horsepower and a mandatory five-speed manual transmission. Souls on a higher plane get a 2.0-liter four with 142 hp and either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. In performance testing, a Soul Sport with the manual got from zero to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds. Fuel economy is a bit below average for a four-cylinder economy hatchback.
In reviews, we've noted that the 2.0-liter engine is definitely the one to get, though the five-speed manual feels rather rubbery and vague with either engine. The Kia Soul's power steering is a bit numb, but it's precise enough when you need it to be. The Sport model's sporty ride adds some entertainment on twisty roads, but even the base suspension tackles turns with surprising verve. Ride quality is generally satisfactory; however, the bigger wheels you get (and they go up to 18 inches), the more you'll feel every bump in the road.
As expected, the Kia Soul represents impressive value, yet it also shines thanks to its practical yet playful design, which breaks the dull monotone stranglehold of its rivals. The tall cabin is user-friendly, with generous headroom and high-mounted seating that gives passengers a commanding view plus a fair amount of legroom. However, there's not a lot of space for cargo compared to what you'll find in some competitors. Nonetheless, the Soul's boxy design is convenient for hauling large items.
Overall, we think highly of Kia's new Soul, and recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable yet desirable economy car.
Web: HawkinsonKia.com
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