Which, in the James Brown sense, is good!
Hey, any car that offers me the chance to work a song from the King of Soul into a blog title has to be cool! Now Kia's four-seat Soul (great name for a Korean car) struck me as cool based on its looks.
This car's hip factor further became apparent when my wife and I took it to a concert at Symphony Hall in Boston, and you could notice people (especially young people) giving the car a look. And, being Boston, when a fellow Massaholic on the road started veering into my lane, a hit on the horn button produced a friendly "old-fashion" toot rather than a more conventional blast. Also contributing to the Soul's ambiance was "mood" lighting in the cabin—a ring of LEDs around the front-door mounted bass speakers that can be set to pulse with the music, or periodically, or constantly on/off.
The Soul's strong youth appeal prompted me to bring in a panel of youthful judges to offer their unvarnished insight—and the visiting twin grandsons were quick to offer their judgment.
"It's cool because it looks like a shoe," was the first impression. "I like the pattern on the seats," was the comment highlighting the cabin, where a herringbone-like fabric set off the upper seat backs. (Now when was the last time you saw a herringbone on a car since one of the godawful vinyl roofs of some pre-Iacocca Chrysler products?) My wife and I both thought the pattern was "snappy," as well. The pulsating speaker lights were well received, but, "why aren't they in the back seat for the kids? Why should only the grownups (up front) have them?"
There you have it, wisdom from a pair of six-year olds.
examiner.com
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
2010 Kia Soul first take
Too often, the only virtues cheap cars bring to the market are low price and decent fuel economy, and that latter feature is only a byproduct of a small, inexpensive engine. But Kia's Soul manages to add tech, usable space, and a little bit of fun to the usual features. We realize that the Scion xB did all of this first, but it doesn't necessarily do it better.
We spent a little time driving the Kia Soul, in its Sport trim, at a recent driving event, and had our tech sensibilities thoroughly pleased. The top-of-the-line Sport trim Soul goes for $17,900, while the base model is only $13,300, but both come standard with iPod integration. Better yet, you only have to step up to the $14,950 Plus trim to get standard Bluetooth hands-free system, also a feature on the Sport model.
Lacking an iPod during our drive, we plugged an MP3-laden USB drive into the car's USB port, and navigated through the folders on the car's head unit. The red radio display proved large enough so that it was easy to find music we wanted to hear. And the sound quality was surprisingly good, as the Sport trim Soul comes standard with a 315-watt audio system that complements the usual doors speakers with a center fill and sub.
The fun came in the form of sound-activated lighting in the door speakers. As the bass beats played, red accent lighting pulsed. A dial lets you increase the light's intensity, or switch it to a Mood setting, where it pulses to its own beat. It's a gimmicky feature, but we like it.
Missing from the Soul's tech roster is a navigation system, not terribly surprising for a car in its price range, but a feature we would, nonetheless, like.
As you can probably guess, the Kia Soul is no powerhouse. Everything but the base trim gets a 2-liter four cylinder engine producing 140 horsepower, adequate to get the car around, but don't expect a lot of speed. That engine is made efficient through Kia's continuously variable valve timing, giving it an economy figure of 24 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. This is not bad for a car that can squeeze in five people plus cargo.
This Sport trim model also uses a front stabilizer bar and a more tightly tuned suspension than lower trims, giving it surprisingly good handling. We drove the Soul on the track, and found it was the engine, not the handling, that held it back. Kia gives you the choice of a five-speed manual or a primitive, but serviceable, four-speed automatic transmission at no extra cost in all but the base trim.
by Wayne Cunningham
cnet.com
Friday, May 22, 2009
Borrego is good SUV, bad timing
Will Kia Borrego weather the current economy?
In my recent review of the Volvo XC60, I expounded on consumers and the economy closing the door on big, V-8 body-on-frame SUVs.
Timing is everything with vehicle launches. When the business case was presented for the Borrego, midsize SUVs with three-row seating were hot. Unfortunately for Kia, it had the Borrego already in production when the mid-to-large SUV segment entered its downturn.
The 2009 Kia Borrego is a good vehicle for circa 2006-2007. In 2009 the sweet SUV segment music has stopped, and the Borrego is looking hard to find a parking spot.
The 2009 Borrego is not uncompetitive in terms of pricing or quality; it's just that there are too many choices and not enough qualified buyers.
The Borrego is Kia's first-ever midsize, body-on-frame, seven-passenger V-6 and V-8 SUV, and as such it is the automaker's top SUV offering.
The Borrego's base engine is an all-aluminum 3.8-liter V-6 with 276 horsepower. My test vehicle came with the big 4.6-liter V-8, shared with the Genesis coupe and sedan, packing 337 horsepower. Those are some serious ponies and include 323 pound-feet of torque. A plus is that both V-6 and V-8 models run on regular unleaded. Both engines also are available in either two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive like my test vehicle.
Kia brings a slick-shifting six-speed automatic transmission to the party. While buyers may yearn for more, the Environmental Protection Agency-rated fuel economy of the V-8 slides in at 15 city and 22 highway – not too bad for a midsize, AWD, V-8, seven-passenger SUV.
Towing of up to 7,500 pounds with the V-8 is possible if you can get away for the weekend to take the boat out.
Kia spent a few bucks developing an interior worthy of spending time in. The layout is contemporary, and the build quality of the test vehicle had only a few minor panel gaps and inexpensive looking bits. The seats were above average in comfort, and the quality of leather was good.
The interior of a Borrego sports 156.8 cubic-feet of interior volume. With all seats folded flat there is 97.6 cubic feet of cargo space.
A nice feature for second-row passengers is a sliding second row that increases second-row foot room and eases ingress/egress to the third row.
Borrego can be equipped with a slew of standard convenience features, including air conditioning; power door locks, windows and mirrors; keyless entry; cruise control; and an AM/FM/CD/MP3 six-speaker audio system. Complementing the audio system, Borrego comes standard with USB and auxiliary input jacks and is the first Kia vehicle to offer Sirius satellite radio.
The EX trim level includes an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, four-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat, floor mats, dual-zone automatic climate control, Homelink with compass, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, trip computer and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. There is even a rear seat entertainment package that includes an 8-inch wide-screen television.
The Borrego four-wheelers feature a second generation full-time torque-on-demand system, which uses electronic sensors to monitor road conditions and distribute power to the appropriate wheels.
Kia indicates that the Borrego is built on a front double-wishbone and rear multilink suspension matched with coil-over springs. The front suspension integrates shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar, while the rear incorporates a damper and stabilizer bar. Borrego is built on a hydro-formed frame structure that the company says increases durability and rigidity.
I spent several extended stretches behind the wheel and I can say that you'll be hard pressed to tell the difference in ride quality between the Borrego and some of the established competition.
Safety was also a prime consideration with this vehicle and the Borrego's standard equipment includes front advanced airbags, front-seat-mounted side airbags, full-length side-curtain airbags for all three rows and driver's knee airbag (V-8 models only), four-wheel disc brakes with an antilock brake system that includes an electronic stability control and traction control system, electronic brake distribution, brake assist system and a tire pressure monitoring system.
A standard back-up warning system provides an audible warning using ultrasonic sensors to detect and help prevent hitting hard-to-see objects. Borrego also includes premium features like hill start assist control, which helps prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when trying to pull away from an uphill gradient, as well as downhill brake control, which helps keep the vehicle moving straight and steady down steep grades.
The Borrego is trying to the crash the midsize SUV party that consists of the Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet's Traverse, Trailblazer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook.
Pricing starts at $26,250, but as the upgrades get ladled on the price rises appreciably. My tester was pretty well optioned and the final tally edged just north of $33,000.
So the verdict is good SUV, bad timing. The Borrego was launched in 2008 as a 2009 model. Will the Borrego make it to a second generation? Time (and buyers) will tell.
BY JEFF TAYLOR
Chicago Sun-Times
In my recent review of the Volvo XC60, I expounded on consumers and the economy closing the door on big, V-8 body-on-frame SUVs.
Timing is everything with vehicle launches. When the business case was presented for the Borrego, midsize SUVs with three-row seating were hot. Unfortunately for Kia, it had the Borrego already in production when the mid-to-large SUV segment entered its downturn.
The 2009 Kia Borrego is a good vehicle for circa 2006-2007. In 2009 the sweet SUV segment music has stopped, and the Borrego is looking hard to find a parking spot.
The 2009 Borrego is not uncompetitive in terms of pricing or quality; it's just that there are too many choices and not enough qualified buyers.
The Borrego is Kia's first-ever midsize, body-on-frame, seven-passenger V-6 and V-8 SUV, and as such it is the automaker's top SUV offering.
The Borrego's base engine is an all-aluminum 3.8-liter V-6 with 276 horsepower. My test vehicle came with the big 4.6-liter V-8, shared with the Genesis coupe and sedan, packing 337 horsepower. Those are some serious ponies and include 323 pound-feet of torque. A plus is that both V-6 and V-8 models run on regular unleaded. Both engines also are available in either two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive like my test vehicle.
Kia brings a slick-shifting six-speed automatic transmission to the party. While buyers may yearn for more, the Environmental Protection Agency-rated fuel economy of the V-8 slides in at 15 city and 22 highway – not too bad for a midsize, AWD, V-8, seven-passenger SUV.
Towing of up to 7,500 pounds with the V-8 is possible if you can get away for the weekend to take the boat out.
Kia spent a few bucks developing an interior worthy of spending time in. The layout is contemporary, and the build quality of the test vehicle had only a few minor panel gaps and inexpensive looking bits. The seats were above average in comfort, and the quality of leather was good.
The interior of a Borrego sports 156.8 cubic-feet of interior volume. With all seats folded flat there is 97.6 cubic feet of cargo space.
A nice feature for second-row passengers is a sliding second row that increases second-row foot room and eases ingress/egress to the third row.
Borrego can be equipped with a slew of standard convenience features, including air conditioning; power door locks, windows and mirrors; keyless entry; cruise control; and an AM/FM/CD/MP3 six-speaker audio system. Complementing the audio system, Borrego comes standard with USB and auxiliary input jacks and is the first Kia vehicle to offer Sirius satellite radio.
The EX trim level includes an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, four-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat, floor mats, dual-zone automatic climate control, Homelink with compass, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, trip computer and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. There is even a rear seat entertainment package that includes an 8-inch wide-screen television.
The Borrego four-wheelers feature a second generation full-time torque-on-demand system, which uses electronic sensors to monitor road conditions and distribute power to the appropriate wheels.
Kia indicates that the Borrego is built on a front double-wishbone and rear multilink suspension matched with coil-over springs. The front suspension integrates shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar, while the rear incorporates a damper and stabilizer bar. Borrego is built on a hydro-formed frame structure that the company says increases durability and rigidity.
I spent several extended stretches behind the wheel and I can say that you'll be hard pressed to tell the difference in ride quality between the Borrego and some of the established competition.
Safety was also a prime consideration with this vehicle and the Borrego's standard equipment includes front advanced airbags, front-seat-mounted side airbags, full-length side-curtain airbags for all three rows and driver's knee airbag (V-8 models only), four-wheel disc brakes with an antilock brake system that includes an electronic stability control and traction control system, electronic brake distribution, brake assist system and a tire pressure monitoring system.
A standard back-up warning system provides an audible warning using ultrasonic sensors to detect and help prevent hitting hard-to-see objects. Borrego also includes premium features like hill start assist control, which helps prevent the vehicle from rolling backward when trying to pull away from an uphill gradient, as well as downhill brake control, which helps keep the vehicle moving straight and steady down steep grades.
The Borrego is trying to the crash the midsize SUV party that consists of the Toyota 4Runner, Nissan Pathfinder, Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet's Traverse, Trailblazer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook.
Pricing starts at $26,250, but as the upgrades get ladled on the price rises appreciably. My tester was pretty well optioned and the final tally edged just north of $33,000.
So the verdict is good SUV, bad timing. The Borrego was launched in 2008 as a 2009 model. Will the Borrego make it to a second generation? Time (and buyers) will tell.
BY JEFF TAYLOR
Chicago Sun-Times
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Kia fast-tracks design changes
When Kia launched the new Soul in South Korea last fall, negative comments about some interior features filtered back to the company. Kia quickly mobilized its designers and engineers to fix the issues, not waiting for a yearly model change to make the remedies.
"Things move much quicker here than they do at Ford," says Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing for Kia Motors of America. He came to Kia about a year ago after a stint at Ford.
As an example of quick movement, Mr. Sprague says the Soul concept made its world debut at the Detroit Auto Show in 2006 and went on sale in South Korea in 2008. It's now on sale in the United States as a 2010 model.
The principal complaints of South Korean customers who purchased the Soul focused on the front side doors and the center console between the front seats. Hard plastics in the doors were unacceptable to early South Korean buyers.
The same complaints were voiced by American automotive journalists earlier this year after they tested part of a small fleet of South Korean spec cars brought to California for evaluation. In addition, customers and journalists complained that the center console made it difficult to lift and release the parking brake.
"We will do running changes in the doors starting in June," Mr. Sprague says.
The hard plastic in the door liners below the windows will be replaced with a cloth insert that is softer to the touch. It took only four months to make the change in the front doors from when the problem was first noted by South Korean customers. Kia will use the same kind of cloth inserts in the doors of the new Forte, scheduled to go into production in April and on sale in the United States in June.
Kia will also use a "soft paint" on the grab bars of the Soul's front doors to provide a softer, more lubricious touch. "The soft paint is used by high-end manufacturers a lot," Mr. Sprague says.
Kia collaborates with the same suppliers to effect the changes, he says. The console supplier rushed a redesign of its component through in 30 days so it was ready for production for the U.S. launch of the Soul.
This kind of continuous improvement is part of the Kia drive to respond quickly to customer reaction. When the 2009 Borrego premiered last year, the market asked for an upscale version of the SUV. Kia was able to develop a special limited version into production two months after Job 1. It featured new technology such as a push button start switch. Some early buyers also requested a backup camera, and Kia developed one for a running change starting in September.
The Borrego's ride quality also displeased some customers. Kia engineers designed modifications for four dampeners to smooth ride quality. The running change will go into production in June. Also, the carpeting in the 2009 Sedona drew customer complaints that it soiled too easily. Kia immediately substituted a darker color that was less prone to soiling.
The Soul got off to a fast start in its first month on sale in the United States and has produced more feedback to Kia about customer reactions to the model.
The company is considering even more improvements. "We're keeping the Soul as fresh as possible," a Kia spokesman says. Other interior enhancements will soon be incorporated into the funky new box-shaped Soul.
Mr. Sprague says Kia is determined to remain flexible and nimble when it comes to responding to customer feedback on its products. The quick changes to the Soul are part of the drive to respond to customer concerns quickly and effectively.
When the coup version of the Forte goes on sale early next year, it will also benefit from the same type of changes that Kia incorporated in the Forte sedan, the spokesman says.
Responding quickly to customer comments is costly, but it may be profitable in the long run to keep its buyers satisfied. That may be why Kia is one of the few brands that's faring well in the imploding automotive marketplace. The South Korean brand continues to pick up market share as other brands suffer shrinking sales and fortunes.
By Herb Shuldiner
MOTOR MATTERS
Washington Times
"Things move much quicker here than they do at Ford," says Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing for Kia Motors of America. He came to Kia about a year ago after a stint at Ford.
As an example of quick movement, Mr. Sprague says the Soul concept made its world debut at the Detroit Auto Show in 2006 and went on sale in South Korea in 2008. It's now on sale in the United States as a 2010 model.
The principal complaints of South Korean customers who purchased the Soul focused on the front side doors and the center console between the front seats. Hard plastics in the doors were unacceptable to early South Korean buyers.
The same complaints were voiced by American automotive journalists earlier this year after they tested part of a small fleet of South Korean spec cars brought to California for evaluation. In addition, customers and journalists complained that the center console made it difficult to lift and release the parking brake.
"We will do running changes in the doors starting in June," Mr. Sprague says.
The hard plastic in the door liners below the windows will be replaced with a cloth insert that is softer to the touch. It took only four months to make the change in the front doors from when the problem was first noted by South Korean customers. Kia will use the same kind of cloth inserts in the doors of the new Forte, scheduled to go into production in April and on sale in the United States in June.
Kia will also use a "soft paint" on the grab bars of the Soul's front doors to provide a softer, more lubricious touch. "The soft paint is used by high-end manufacturers a lot," Mr. Sprague says.
Kia collaborates with the same suppliers to effect the changes, he says. The console supplier rushed a redesign of its component through in 30 days so it was ready for production for the U.S. launch of the Soul.
This kind of continuous improvement is part of the Kia drive to respond quickly to customer reaction. When the 2009 Borrego premiered last year, the market asked for an upscale version of the SUV. Kia was able to develop a special limited version into production two months after Job 1. It featured new technology such as a push button start switch. Some early buyers also requested a backup camera, and Kia developed one for a running change starting in September.
The Borrego's ride quality also displeased some customers. Kia engineers designed modifications for four dampeners to smooth ride quality. The running change will go into production in June. Also, the carpeting in the 2009 Sedona drew customer complaints that it soiled too easily. Kia immediately substituted a darker color that was less prone to soiling.
The Soul got off to a fast start in its first month on sale in the United States and has produced more feedback to Kia about customer reactions to the model.
The company is considering even more improvements. "We're keeping the Soul as fresh as possible," a Kia spokesman says. Other interior enhancements will soon be incorporated into the funky new box-shaped Soul.
Mr. Sprague says Kia is determined to remain flexible and nimble when it comes to responding to customer feedback on its products. The quick changes to the Soul are part of the drive to respond to customer concerns quickly and effectively.
When the coup version of the Forte goes on sale early next year, it will also benefit from the same type of changes that Kia incorporated in the Forte sedan, the spokesman says.
Responding quickly to customer comments is costly, but it may be profitable in the long run to keep its buyers satisfied. That may be why Kia is one of the few brands that's faring well in the imploding automotive marketplace. The South Korean brand continues to pick up market share as other brands suffer shrinking sales and fortunes.
By Herb Shuldiner
MOTOR MATTERS
Washington Times
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
2009 Kia Sportage Receives Top Ranking in AutoPacific 2009 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards
Sportage is Highest Ranked in Compact Crossover SUV Category
# Sportage commended for offering consumers value and satisfaction
# Extensive list of standard safety and convenience features recognized
IRVINE, Calif., May 19, 2009 -- Kia Motors America, Inc. (KMA) today announced the 2009 Kia Sportage compact SUV topped the compact crossover SUV category in the AutoPacific 2009 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSA). The AutoPacific VSA is an industry benchmark for objectively measuring how satisfied an owner is with their new car or light truck, and reflects the opinions of consumers nationwide. Sportage was recognized above other vehicles in the segment for offering superior value and satisfaction.
"Sportage, a staple in the Kia Motors lineup since the brand's inception, offers a high level of value and amenities to those looking for a low-cost option in the SUV segment, and buyers recognize that," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, KMA. "We take special pride in this recognition as it is a direct reflection of consumer satisfaction and further proof that our commitment to offering vehicles with a superior blend of value, safety and convenience features is resonating with new car buyers."
Sportage, noted for its passenger and cargo space as well as its off-road capabilities and impressive fuel economy, meets the needs of consumers looking for the total package at a significant value. Sportage offers an extensive list of standard safety and convenience features, including six airbags with full-length side curtain airbags, SIRIUS Satellite Radio with three months complimentary service and USB and auxiliary input jacks, while the 2.0-liter engine delivers impressive fuel economy at 20 mpg (city) and 25 mpg (highway).
The AutoPacific VSA establishes numerical satisfaction ratings for the majority of cars and light trucks in the North American market. Owner satisfaction is measured across 48 categories relating to specific areas of a vehicle's operation, comfort, safety and overall purchase or lease experience. The 2009 ratings reflect input from more than 25,000 buyers and lessees of new vehicles acquired September through December 2008.
About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 625 dealers throughout the United States. For 2008, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline "The Power to Surprise."
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Kia: It's a real Soul machine
Hot new crossover turns heads, delivers fuel efficiency, comfort
It's sleek, stylish, and the kind of car that you'd expect a first-time driver to be cruising down the roadway.
But when it comes to the 2010 Kia Soul -- the new crossover vehicle that combines the style of modern automotive engineering with the reliability of Kia's legendary warranty -- the model destroys the mold of the typical buyer.
According to Kia Country General Sales Manager Dan Espino, the first buyer of the Kia Soul was a lady in her 60's who drove down from the foothills and hadn't purchased a new car in over 15-years.
While age specific additions like Bluetooth connectivity and an iPod ready stereo are at the ready, the roomy interior and the fuel-efficiency -- topping 30 miles per gallon -- help make the Soul appeal to just about everybody.
And when it comes to how the Kia Soul stacks up to the other competitors in its class -- the Scion xB and the Nissan Cube -- the Soul can hold its own in a dogfight with other compact crossovers that are starting to appeal to more fuel and cost-efficient drivers.
According to a Popular Mechanics test earlier this year, the magazine voted the Soul the best of the three competing models with an average combined mileage of 31.2 miles per gallon -- noting that it was the "canyon carver" of the group that claimed the grin-inducing persona that the testers enjoyed.
"This car has done very well for us and it's only been here for a short time," Espino said. "We've had several people say that they were going to look at other models like the Scion and that usually means that we've lost them.
"But we've had two of them come back and purchase the Soul, and that says a lot about what this car has to offer and the impact that it's making on buyers."
For those looking to get outdoors the Soul has a ton of practical features like a hidden tray in the cargo floor, a dual-level glovebox, cruise control, and ample center console storage.
Added features that only make the experience of driving that much more pleasurable include pulsating speaker lights, Sirius satellite radio, and a sunroof.
"This car has something for everybody, and it's something that you really have to look at to believe," Espino said. "Once you get behind the wheel of one you aren't going to want to let go."
By Jason Campbell
Manteca Bulletin
It's sleek, stylish, and the kind of car that you'd expect a first-time driver to be cruising down the roadway.
But when it comes to the 2010 Kia Soul -- the new crossover vehicle that combines the style of modern automotive engineering with the reliability of Kia's legendary warranty -- the model destroys the mold of the typical buyer.
According to Kia Country General Sales Manager Dan Espino, the first buyer of the Kia Soul was a lady in her 60's who drove down from the foothills and hadn't purchased a new car in over 15-years.
While age specific additions like Bluetooth connectivity and an iPod ready stereo are at the ready, the roomy interior and the fuel-efficiency -- topping 30 miles per gallon -- help make the Soul appeal to just about everybody.
And when it comes to how the Kia Soul stacks up to the other competitors in its class -- the Scion xB and the Nissan Cube -- the Soul can hold its own in a dogfight with other compact crossovers that are starting to appeal to more fuel and cost-efficient drivers.
According to a Popular Mechanics test earlier this year, the magazine voted the Soul the best of the three competing models with an average combined mileage of 31.2 miles per gallon -- noting that it was the "canyon carver" of the group that claimed the grin-inducing persona that the testers enjoyed.
"This car has done very well for us and it's only been here for a short time," Espino said. "We've had several people say that they were going to look at other models like the Scion and that usually means that we've lost them.
"But we've had two of them come back and purchase the Soul, and that says a lot about what this car has to offer and the impact that it's making on buyers."
For those looking to get outdoors the Soul has a ton of practical features like a hidden tray in the cargo floor, a dual-level glovebox, cruise control, and ample center console storage.
Added features that only make the experience of driving that much more pleasurable include pulsating speaker lights, Sirius satellite radio, and a sunroof.
"This car has something for everybody, and it's something that you really have to look at to believe," Espino said. "Once you get behind the wheel of one you aren't going to want to let go."
By Jason Campbell
Manteca Bulletin
Monday, May 18, 2009
Kia's new soul-stirring model sure to excite
Bam! Kia has turned it up a notch. The Korean automaker brought automotive scribes here to test drive its new Soul. The five-door run about has the potential to change Kia's public persona from a manufacturer of small affordable but bland looking vehicles to the producer of funky fun to drive cars that are values for the money.
The Soul is an econo-box. It is small, square and relatively fuel-efficient. But Kia's designers angled the roof, the hood and the character lines from front to back so the vehicle looks like it's moving when standing still. That's a pretty nifty feat for a vehicle in this price category.
The Soul is an urban car aimed at youthful drivers. But Kia is realistic. Executives understand that style and value attract older drivers, too. The Soul comes in four trim levels: Soul, Soul+, Soul! and Soul Sport.
Prices begin at $13,300 for the base Soul, while the Soul+ starts at $14,950 and tops out at $17,100 when all options are included. The Soul! Begins at $16,950 and tops out at $17,900. The Soul sport, starts at $16,950 and ends at $18,600. Even when you add the $695 freight charge, any version of a fully equipped Soul will cost less than $20,000.That's not much for a car that will turn heads.
Oomph is provided by a 1.6-liter engine that makes 122 horsepower. There is also a 2.0-liter engine that makes 142 horsepower. Either engine can be mated to a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission. Kia didn't bring Souls equipped with the smaller engine but I got a chance to drive the automatic and the manual.
But first let's talk about the interior. Kia has done an extraordinary job of livening up the Soul's interior with fabric and color. In this price range, we're talking about plenty of fairly hard plastic but in the Soul it has been softened with texture lines and different hues.
Further interior enhancements were provided by two-tone interiors as well as herringbone-emblazoned seats.
Then there was the equipment. With a youthful target, it's about sound. The Soul offered USB and auxiliary jacks. And I was particularly impressed that the Soul was equipped with satellite radio and Bluetooth that turns compatible cell phones into handless car phones. Heck, one option is speakers that will light up in sync with the music. There was also a 315-watt premium audio system with subwoofer.
Leaving downtown's Brickell Island, we drove through Miami Beach. With the Soul's high seating position I never felt like I was oversized by anything on the road. Sight lines were good, so was handling. And the ride wasn't bad. However, we did notice some road noise. We couldn't tell whether it was the car or its tires.
We came back and went to Coral Cables for lunch. From there, we headed to Key Largo. It was during this run that I found my only complaint with the Soul: the car is a little slow.
The Soul is so snazzy looking that I think buyers will expect it to be a lot quicker than it is. In other words, the Soul could use a little more horsepower. But don't get it twisted; the car doesn't have to be a brute. But 20 more ponies should make it quick and just about perfect.
I hope to get a Soul this summer for a week-long road test to gauge reaction to it as well as its reaction to roads that have been ravaged by a particularly cold winter. Still, the Soul is a watershed for Kia. It's got the right price and it's got good looks.
Frank S. Washington
AboutThatCar.com
The Soul is an econo-box. It is small, square and relatively fuel-efficient. But Kia's designers angled the roof, the hood and the character lines from front to back so the vehicle looks like it's moving when standing still. That's a pretty nifty feat for a vehicle in this price category.
The Soul is an urban car aimed at youthful drivers. But Kia is realistic. Executives understand that style and value attract older drivers, too. The Soul comes in four trim levels: Soul, Soul+, Soul! and Soul Sport.
Prices begin at $13,300 for the base Soul, while the Soul+ starts at $14,950 and tops out at $17,100 when all options are included. The Soul! Begins at $16,950 and tops out at $17,900. The Soul sport, starts at $16,950 and ends at $18,600. Even when you add the $695 freight charge, any version of a fully equipped Soul will cost less than $20,000.That's not much for a car that will turn heads.
Oomph is provided by a 1.6-liter engine that makes 122 horsepower. There is also a 2.0-liter engine that makes 142 horsepower. Either engine can be mated to a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission. Kia didn't bring Souls equipped with the smaller engine but I got a chance to drive the automatic and the manual.
But first let's talk about the interior. Kia has done an extraordinary job of livening up the Soul's interior with fabric and color. In this price range, we're talking about plenty of fairly hard plastic but in the Soul it has been softened with texture lines and different hues.
Further interior enhancements were provided by two-tone interiors as well as herringbone-emblazoned seats.
Then there was the equipment. With a youthful target, it's about sound. The Soul offered USB and auxiliary jacks. And I was particularly impressed that the Soul was equipped with satellite radio and Bluetooth that turns compatible cell phones into handless car phones. Heck, one option is speakers that will light up in sync with the music. There was also a 315-watt premium audio system with subwoofer.
Leaving downtown's Brickell Island, we drove through Miami Beach. With the Soul's high seating position I never felt like I was oversized by anything on the road. Sight lines were good, so was handling. And the ride wasn't bad. However, we did notice some road noise. We couldn't tell whether it was the car or its tires.
We came back and went to Coral Cables for lunch. From there, we headed to Key Largo. It was during this run that I found my only complaint with the Soul: the car is a little slow.
The Soul is so snazzy looking that I think buyers will expect it to be a lot quicker than it is. In other words, the Soul could use a little more horsepower. But don't get it twisted; the car doesn't have to be a brute. But 20 more ponies should make it quick and just about perfect.
I hope to get a Soul this summer for a week-long road test to gauge reaction to it as well as its reaction to roads that have been ravaged by a particularly cold winter. Still, the Soul is a watershed for Kia. It's got the right price and it's got good looks.
Frank S. Washington
AboutThatCar.com
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