2014 Kia Soul – Automobiles Review

The Third Best Cool Car Under $18000 – 2014 Kia Soul

The new urban hatchback 2014 Kia Soul was ranked by Kelley Blue Book’s (KBB). They ranked 10 of the coolest cars which cost under $18,000 in 2014. The editors put the new Soul at third place at the annual contest of the most stylish and new tech-savvy cars. Kia Soul offers a remarkable and funky design and has wide spectrum of available functions at the value of almost $14,700.

Compared with the previous model, the 2014 Soul is longer and wider and rides on a new more solid chassis. Some of the highlights include significant suspension upgrades and increased torque. These improvements make the 2014 Soul a snappy and movable companion in hard urban environments. It has a wide variety of technology gadgets like Sirius XM radio, Bluetooth and Pandora pre-loaded system into the head unit.

“The second generation Soul retains its iconic design but adds modern cues and premium features to enhance our brand’s value proposition,” commented Michael Sprague, executive vice president of sales and marketing, KMA.

“Clearly, these refinements have done nothing to diminish the Soul’s cool factor. In fact, the Soul’s funky persona, roomy cabin and increased cargo space have made it a runaway hit with consumers, and demand continues to climb”, he added.

“The Kia Soul you see here may look familiar, but it’s been totally redesigned for 2014,” commented Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for KBB.

“Along with a new look, the second-gen Soul offers a higher level of refinement and even more cool features. Practicality has always been a Soul strong point, and remains a key part of the appeal”, he added.

The new 2014 Soul is now available on the market. There are three trim levels : Base, Plus and Exclaim. The editors of KBB informed that the 2014 Soul increase best-ever monthly sales result with more than 15,000 units sold in May.

Source: Kia

June 30, 2014

Kia Soul EV Under Development For U.S. Market

Kia Motors are currently developing an all-electric version of the Kia Soul. The EV model is scheduled to go on sale in 2014 and it will be company’s first electric, zero-emissions car marketed outside of Korea.

Soul EV will benefit from the knowledge gained during development of the Ray EV. Of course, the car incorporates the same design philosophy as the recently-launched 2014 Kia Soul. Kia is also promising a range of more than 120 miles at a single charge, which makes it perfect for urban utilization.

Precisely, this EV will be equipped with a 27 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack. In an effort to optimize efficiency and range, the vehicle recycles back into the battery the energy produced while the car is coasting and braking.

The charging of the Soul EV is achieved by plugging it into 240v standard outlet. The time needed for full-recharging is up to five hours, while it takes the car only 25 minutes for a ‘fast’ charge with 100 kW output.

The prototype shown on the picture is powered by a 109 hp (80 kW) electric motor that produces 285 Nm (210 lb.-ft.) of torque. The motor transmits its power to the front wheels through a single speed constant ratio gear reduction unit.

In terms of acceleration, this Kia Soul EV is capable to cover the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 12 seconds on its way to a top speed of 90 mph. What is more, this EV is extremely “quiet” due to the absence of the noise generated by the engine and to the sound-proofing materials used for the construction of the car.

In addition, the car will be also equipped with Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS) which produces audio signals at speeds below 12 mph and whenever the car is in reverse, so that the pedestrians can be more aware of the vehicle in their vicinity.

Soul EV will also offer projection type headlamps, LED positioning lamps, LED rear combination lamps, plus aerodynamically shaped 16-inch alloy wheels and other distinctive exterior features.

The interior is promised to be fitted with Supervision instrument cluster and center stack with an eight-inch display screen. As a matter of fact, the interior will focus on the use of eco-components and will feature increased range of recycled materials such as Bio Plastic, Bio Foam, Bio Fabric and Bio PET Felt, low volatility organic compounds and newly developed antibacterial materials and paint.

Source: Kia

November 12, 2013

Kia’s Soulful Journey at SEMA

SEMA Show is the main topic for the day as different car brands are announcing what vehicles are they to exhibit at the forthcoming event. The famous Korean brand Kia is one of them and it has just announced that it is going to present at the Show not one but five Soul models, modified in different manner.

The company is promising the visitors “A Soulful Journey”, where each of the five Souls is going to be uniquely inspired by the world of music. As a teaser, Kia has released a colorful image of the rear of one of the models that carries the name Vans Warped Tour Soul.

The car expresses the youthful and fun spirit of the Vans Warped Tourexperience, and it is ready to hit the road on a musical journey. In fact, the car has exterior which is eye-catching thanks to the air-brushed job, the red 20-inch wheels with performance low-profile tires and a slide-out barbeque. At last, a barrage of Infinity speakers will deliver a true concert experience for the occupants.

Source: Kia

October 28, 2013

2014 Kia Soul Goes On Sale

2014 Kia Soul Urban Crossover is ready to make its European debut at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. In addition, the new Soul is also ready to go on sale during the fourth quarter of the year.

The model will be offered in three unique trim levels: Base, Plus and Exclaim. Since this Kia was introduced back in 2009 to the automotive marked, it became one of the top-selling vehicles of the brand.

This year’s model is expected to continue this tradition and will provide to its customers more premium features and content and improved driving dynamics. 2014 Soul will offer stiffer, longer and wider chassis, which will result in mode room for the passengers and the cargo.

2014 Kia Soul Base will be equipped with privacy glass, Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC) as standard, while as an option it will be available with 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control with steering-wheel-mounted controls, center console armrest and storage, rear center armrest with cup holders and remote keyless entry.

Furthermore, there is also being offered here a wide range of standard features such as a 1.6L I-4 DOHC gasoline direct injection (GDI), four wheel disc brakes, rack-ready roof with integrated mounting points, air conditioning, power door locks, power windows with driver-side one-touch auto-down, SiriusXMTM Satellite Radio, USB/auxiliary input jacks, Bluetooth® wireless technology and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM).

2014 Kia Soul Plus, will add on the Base equipment the following: 17-inch alloy wheels, gloss black with chrome bezel front upper grille and outside mirrors with turn signal indicators. The Plus will also be available with several optional packages.

The first one is UVO eServices Package which comprises of a Rear-Camera Display and auto on/off headlights. The next one is the Audio Package which includes navigation with an 8-inch display, HD RadioTM, Infinity® Audio system with center speakers, subwoofer and external amplifier, speaker lights and automatic temperature control with cluster ionizer.

Third is the Primo Package that adds to the Kia panoramic sunroof with power shades, leather trimmed seats, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, push-button start with Smart Key and front fog lights. At last, the ECO Package features Idle Stop and Go System (ISG), low rolling resistance tires and 16-inch alloy wheels.

2014 Kia Soul Exclaim is equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, body-colored front and rear bumper tusks, LED positioning lights, LED taillights with LED high-mounted stop light, power folding outside mirrors, UVO with eServices and a Rear-Camera Display.

This trim level will be offered with the optional Sun and Sand Package that provides navigation with an 8-inch display, Infinity Audio system with center speakers, subwoofer and external amplifier, speaker lights and automatic temperature control with cluster ionizer. On the other hand, the Whole Shabang Package adds leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, push-button start with Smart Key and LED positioning lights.

2014 Kia Soul will go on sale in the fourth quarter of this year with the Base trim having a starting price of US $14 700.

Source: Kia

August 29, 2013

Totally Transformed: New Ad For 2014 Kia Soul

2014 Kia Soul was revealed last week and it was also disclosed that the vehicle is going to make its official European debut next month at Frankfurt Motor Show. Now it is time for Kia to present the advertising campaign of the new model.

The brand has already released an official video, which to be honest is my favorite commercial so far. In it the famous brightly clothed hamsters are appearing again. After their debut in 2009 they have become nearly pop icons, and I must confirm that thanks to this video their popularity will become even bigger.

Five years later, the hamsters have slimmed down and slicked their hair back, and come to introduce the latest version of 2014 Kia Soul. The ad carries the name “Totally Transformed” and it features Lady Gaga’s newest hit “Applause”.

In “Totally Transformed”, the hamsters have followed suit by getting fit and developing a new fashion sense that reflects the sophistication of the newly refined Soul.

The redesigned Soul is more refined and functional than ever. It offers more room, more available premium features and materials, improved driving dynamics and an instantly recognizable fresh appearance.

The vehicle’s design was inspired by 2012 Kia Track’ster concept, but it adds more freshness and attitude. It retains the outgoing model’s upright stance, squared shoulders, wraparound greenhouse, high-mounted tail lights and confidence-inspiring SUV ride height. 2014 Soul rides on a new chassis that is stiffer, longer and wider.

In addition, the enhanced torque and significant suspension upgrades make the new Soul an agile companion in city environments. The interior of the model is made via higher quality materials and now has more driver-focused design. It offers a wide range of standard comfort and convenience features, including Bluetooth wireless technology and steering wheel-mounted controls.

Source: Kia

August 26, 2013

Tag: 2014 Kia Soul

The Third Best Cool Car Under $18000 – 2014 Kia Soul

Kia Soul EV Under Development For U.S. Market

Kia’s Soulful Journey at SEMA

2014 Kia Soul Goes On Sale

Totally Transformed: New Ad For 2014 Kia Soul