CAR
OF THE MONTH April 2009
2010 Kia Soul Exclaim Review
Edgy Econobox
| In
short: A stylish and customizable value hatchback. |
In a stylistic departure from their previous models, Kia’s Soul boasts a trendy and playfully designed profile that ought to catch the eye of twenty-somethings looking to buy their first ride. Unsurprisingly, given its bold lines, this hatchback is set to compete with youth-oriented cars such as the Scion xB, Nissan Cube and Honda Element. The Soul comes in four different trims (Soul, Soul+, Soul!, and Soul sport) with the top three boasting a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and optional four-speed automatic transmission. There are 50 ways to personalize this cool automobile, with options ranging from a long list of accessories to eleven exterior colors and three interior schemes, one of which shows off glow-in-the-dark seat logos.
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Depending on the upgrade from the base trim, this econobox’s features include rear disc brakes, steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls, tweeter speakers that light up to the music, Bluetooth connectivity and a power moonroof. In all trims, however, the Soul is surprisingly spacious inside, sporting enough room in the front and rear seats to comfortably accommodate tall passengers. A relatively low entry price rounds out the hatchback's offerings, making the Soul a chic and cost-effective city runabout. |
 Read
more about the Kia Soul on Alain Gayot's Blog
View a Kia Soul video by Keith Turner
Warranty/Service:
5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty; 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty; 5-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty; 5-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance.
| QUICK
SHEET |
Base Price: $13,995 / As tested: $18,595 |
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Technical
Specifications |
Vehicle type: front-engine, front-wheel drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback
Engine: 2.0-liter, inline 4-cylinder with continuously variable valve timing
Horsepower: 142 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 137 lb-ft @ 4,600 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual with overdrive
Curb weight: 2,800 lbs
Wheelbase: 100.4 in
Length/Width/Height: 161.6/70.3/63.4 in
Turning circle: 34.4 ft
Brakes: disc in front; drum in rear; all wheels with ABS
Suspension: independent with MacPherson struts and stabilizer bar in front; torsion beam in rear; gas-filled shock absorbers in front and rear |
Traction: electronic stability control
0-60 mph: 9 seconds (est.)
Top Speed: n/a
EPA City: 24 mpg
EPA Highway: 30 mpg
Safety: dual front and front-seat mounted side airbags; full-length side-curtain airbags; tire pressure monitoring system
Likes: cool; roomy; value
Dislikes: can get noisy at high revs
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South Africa's Got Soul
The rumors are true—Kia has come down with a case of football fever (that's soccer to you Yanks). As an official sponsor of the 2010 FIFA World Cup taking place in South Africa this summer, Kia is giving away one of these funky, football-themed Soul 2s to a lucky fan. For details on how to participate in this special giveaway, and for more info on Kia's involvement in the 2010 World Cup, visit www.kia.co.uk/About-Kia/FIFA World Cup.aspx. |
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Photography: AlphaMedia
| PSV020209 |
(Updated
05/27/10 NW) |
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