KIA Soul: prices and specifications

Kia Soul Model Range

Kia Soul is a passenger car from the Korean brand Kia Motors. It is difficult to classify into a single category: the model is close to minivans and can compete with the Ford Fusion or Suzuki SX4. The name translates to "soul."

The model's history began with a concept shown in 2006 in Detroit. It was developed by KIA's California design center together with divisions in Seoul and Europe. The project was led by chief designer Peter Schreyer, who worked at Volkswagen until 2006. The concept impressed the public with its panoramic glass roof, rear doors opening against the direction of travel, and a futuristic interior built around a multimedia system. The production version was first shown at the Paris Motor Show in autumn 2008.

First Generation (2008)

The premiere of the production Kia Soul first generation took place at the Paris Motor Show in autumn 2008. The car has a short length but a long wheelbase, providing spaciousness in the cabin. The trunk volume is about 340 liters, with the rear seats folded — 570 liters. In the KIA model lineup, it sits between the Cee'd and Sportage.

Sales started in South Korea in November 2008, in Europe in February 2009, and in North America in April.

On May 18, 2009, in Frankfurt am Main, the model received the "Red dot" award. In the same year, the KIA Soul won the "Towncar of the Year" competition from the British magazine Caravan Club in the category "Best Urban Crossover for Towing a Trailer up to £16,000." AutoWeek magazine in September 2009 included it in the top ten best and safest cars.

Other awards for the model:

• "Top Safety Pick" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (USA)
• "Top 10 Back to School Cars" on the Kelley Blue Book website
• AutoWeek editors' note for style, price/quality ratio, safety, efficiency, and appeal to youth.

2011 Update

In 2011, the updated Soul was presented at the New York Auto Show. It received a new design, additional equipment, and two new engines. The exterior changed significantly: the grille, front and rear bumpers, headlights, fog lights, and taillights were updated. Three new body colors were added. The model is considered one of the safest in its segment. In most trims, it is equipped with the Integrated Active Management System (VSM) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), as well as automatic door locking at speed.

The base engine is a four-cylinder 1.6 Gamma producing 136 hp. It is 12 hp more powerful and 10% more economical than the previous 1.6. City fuel consumption is 8.4 L/100 km, highway — 6.9 L/100 km. This is aided by a new six-speed manual transmission instead of a five-speed. The two-liter naturally aspirated Beta II engine develops 162 hp and 194 Nm. It works with both manual and six-speed automatic transmissions, which replaced the four-speed. Fuel consumption decreased by 10%: 8.7 L/100 km in the city and 7.1 L on the highway, regardless of transmission type. Drive is front-wheel only.

Second Generation (2013)

In 2013, the second generation Kia Soul appeared. Its debut in Ukraine took place in the first half of 2014.

Exterior

From the very appearance of the first KIA Soul, its design was unexpected for the public. Few expected the Korean company to undertake such a bold experiment in Europe. After success, it was time for an update, but the model retained its recognizability and uniqueness, becoming brighter. New colors, two-tone combinations, and "piano black" details were added. Despite the square shapes, the car is harmonious and attracts attention. Family traits such as the rear door insert like a "backpack" and the monolithic rear window merging with the door were preserved.

Interior

The interior of the KIA Soul 2014 is designed in a European style, although it was developed by Korean designers. The quality of the panels is high, the plastic is soft. The car is aimed at a young audience: for example, the speakers light up in time with the music (they can be turned off). The sound is reproduced with good quality.

The front seats are equipped with heating and ventilation, the rear seats only with heating. Thanks to the long wheelbase, there is enough space in the cabin for front and rear passengers. The trunk volume with the seats up is 354 liters, with the seats folded — 994 liters, and when loaded to the roof — 1367 liters.

Engines and Transmission (for Ukraine)

On the Ukrainian market, the second-generation Kia Soul is equipped with a 1.6-liter gasoline engine producing 126 hp and a 1.6-liter diesel engine producing 128 hp.

Gasoline engines work with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, diesel engines only with a manual gearbox.

Safety

The Euro NCAP crash test awarded the Kia Soul five stars. Good results for driver protection, passengers, children in seats, and side impact.

Features

On the road, the car behaves like a passenger car. The New Soul can be driven dynamically, especially with the diesel, but rear passengers may not approve. The car is stable at any speed, on the highway up to 150 km/h it drives calmly. The suspension is somewhat stiff but not tiring.

Popularity in Ukraine

The Soul is quite popular in its class, but due to its unusual appearance and high price, it occupies the last positions in the TOP-50 best-selling cars. In its class, it is in the TOP-10.

Verdict

The new Soul is a practical and modern city car. It looks good, attracts attention, handles well, and is economical. Suitable for the whole family regardless of age: children like the bright appearance, adults like the spacious interior, comfort, and ergonomics.