A 2010 model car for less than $14,000? Yes, it's true. It's the Kia Soul. Even if you stuff it with every option available, including a moon roof, this bargain on wheels still comes in under $18,000.
The Soul has been popular in Japan, and Kia is bringing it to North America this spring as a 2010 model. Kia is holding down costs by making just four trim levels available.
The basic model is the Soul, plain and simple, with an MSRP of $13,330. Even when you add in the $695 delivery charge, you are still under 14-thou. Next up is the Soul+, which starts at $14,950 and includes keyless entry remote and 16-inch alloy wheels.
The Soul! -- a car with its own exclamation point -- comes with a power moonroof, fog lights and 18-inch alloy wheels, and you get it all for $16,950. The top-of-the-line model is the Soul Sport. Kia says this model is 'designed for those with active lifestyles' -- whatever that means, more active than just driving the car to the grocery store, I suppose, although I think you could drive the Exclamation Point to the beach, too. Anyway, the Sport will look better at the beach or the Superbowl tailgate party with its rear spoiler, 18-inch alloy wheels and pumped up front and rear fascias that make it look like a tuner version of itself. The super Sport starts at $16,950 and tops out at $18,600 with every possible bell and whistle added.
It's the same boxy style as the new Nissan Cube and the Scion xB. And Kia has its eyes on same youthful market, marketing the Soul as "a personal lounge on wheels". It's also an efficient cargo carrier, with 14 storage zones and a 60/40 rear seat split. Although at that price, it's sure to become a second car for a family, or a first car for retirees on a strict budget. That's what happened to the Scion, much to Toyota's surprise, and even the retro-looking Chevrolet HHR.
The basic engine is a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder mated to a five-speed manual transmission, that kicks out around 120 horsepower. Not exactly a Ferrari, but enough horses to get you around town. Or, you can upgrade the Plus, Exclamation Point or Sport to a 2.0-liter four-cylinder 140 hp engine in your choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. Fuel economy for both engines is estimated at 30 or more mpg.
Because of its tall, boxy shape, it sits five adults comfortably. The interior features an uncluttered dashboard with just three dials that handle just about everything, and an instrument cluster brightened by LCD lighting. Even at this price, there's a USB jack in the center console to plug in your iPod. And Kia is offering SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities and three months complimentary service..
Like all Kia models, Soul is covered by a comprehensive 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty, and a five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. There's also a five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan included in the coverage program -- which is a lot of insurance for a car this inexpensive.
by Evelyn Kanter
Green Car Examiner
GreatDrives.net
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