The concept of a "muscle car" appeared in the American lexicon ten years before KIA produced its first passenger car in 1974. And 35 years later, the Koreans presented their take on "muscular" cars — a big original named Soul. To understand this unconventional approach, we embarked on a long-term test.
Clichés and templates — what could be more boring? Only the clichés themselves, which KIA, fortunately, is shedding by leaps and bounds. The boredom and monotony that once accompanied the brand have faded into oblivion with the arrival of this extraordinary car, and along with them, predictability has disappeared. The company is clearly ready for bold and unconventional solutions.
You fall in love with this car at first sight — it is so bright, muscular, and provocative. A proud profile, sculpted body shapes, and, most importantly, unique recognizability. The latter is a great reason for new acquaintances: if another KIA Soul pulls up next to you at a traffic light, it means you share a personality type. You are both "Soulists": active, young, positive, and unconventional. Tested in practice!
Further, the relationship develops in an atmosphere of almost complete mutual understanding. You both enjoy the high seating position, the abundance of cup holders and compartments for small items. Together you chuckle at the small trunk, wonder why there is no average fuel consumption display, and equally lament the hard plastic that is easy to scratch. Only the rich equipment — we got the top version Burner — introduces a slight disharmony. Not everyone is ready to overpay for decor: bumper trim, chrome on handles, glossy mirrors, black-and-red interior with metal inserts, and speakers in the front doors that flash in time with the music. Especially since truly useful options — stability control or a rearview camera — are available in cheaper trims.
However, fuel efficiency will be a common reason for joy. Based on first impressions, our Soul with a diesel 128-horsepower engine and automatic transmission consumes just over 9 liters per 100 km, mostly in city driving. So fluctuations in oil prices now worry the editorial team much less than before.
They beat and beat — but didn't break...
The compact KIA Soul confidently passed Euro NCAP crash tests last year, earning 5 stars for passenger protection. This rating once again confirmed: a safe car does not have to be big and expensive. Euro NCAP experts highly rated adult protection (87%) and child protection (86%). However, the Soul cannot boast of pedestrian safety — due to the shape of the hood, it received only 39%.
Driving
First impression: the compact and maneuverable Soul feels great in the city, it is quite dynamic and holds confidently on the highway.
Interior
The hard plastic has already started to creak somewhere in the rear.
Comfort
The rear suspension will shake passengers considerably.
Safety
Despite high crash test ratings, the stability control system is not yet available in the base version for Russia.
Price
By giving up color extravagances, you can save a good amount.
Pros and cons
+ Original appearance, spacious interior, rich equipment.
- Noisy engine, modest trunk.
Specifications
Make and model — KIA Soul 1.6 AT
Dimensions — 4105x1785x1610 mm
Engine — diesel, 1582 cm3, 128 hp/4000 rpm
Transmission — automatic, 4-speed
Performance — 176 km/h; 11.9 s to 100 km/h
Competitors — Skoda Roomster, Suzuki SX4