Kia Soul – Page 2 – Automobiles Review

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

European Debut For 2014 Kia Soul Urban Crossover

2014 Kia Soul Urban Crossover is going to make its European debut at 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show on 10th of September. Then the vehicle will go on sale across the Old Continent in the beginning of next year.

The car’s design was inspired by 2012 Kia Track’ster concept, however the new 2014 Soul has a thoroughly fresh and enchanting appearance with recognizably “Soul” attitude. It retains the outgoing model’s upright stance, squared shoulders, wraparound greenhouse, high-mounted tail lights and confidence-inspiring SUV ride height.

In addition, the new model also includes new interior which is made via higher quality materials and now has more driver-focused design. The car will be also offered with three different roof colours – black, white and red, and eleven exterior paint finishes.

The new Kia model will also be equipped with optional SUV Styling Pack, which includes piano black bumper trim, side skirts, wheel arches and a black painted roof. The biggest highlight here however which is also the biggest technical change, is the adoption of an all-new platform. The latter is based on the one of the latest Kia cee’d.

As a result, the Soul has enhanced ride and handling as well as more mature and refined on-road behavior. In addition, the car also comes with upgraded suspension, 29 per cent stiffer bodyshell and comprehensive soundproofing. The interior noise levels are also minimized.

2014 Kia Soul also has larger dimensions with a longer wheelbase and wider track. This of course effects in bigger cabin space and cargo capacity as well as more leg, head and shoulder room for the passengers.

The model will be fitted with either the 1.6-litre GDi petrol engine or the CRDi diesel one. They will be matched to a as six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. Despite the fact that both engines are carried over from the outgoing model, they have been improved in terms of efficiency and emit less CO2.

A range of new premium features will be also available. Some of them are front LED daytime running lights and rear LED ‘halo’ lights, xenon headlights, keyless entry and push-button engine start, automatic climate control, cruise control, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, heated front and rear seats, panoramic glass sunroof and heated and electrically folding exterior mirrors.

Source: Kia

August 23, 2013

Kia Cee’d at Geneva and More

The new Kia Cee’d premiers to the world at the 82nd Geneva Motor Show. Although South Korean, the Cee’d is quintessentially European – It’s designed, engineered and made in Europe. What we have here, is most definitely a poke in the eye for the big players on the hatchback market.

Building on the success of the old model, this one is longer (4.3 meters in total) and more slippery. Inside, higher quality materials are now being used and the options list is longer than ever.

There will be four engines available through most of Europe – two petrol and two diesel ones among which the most powerful will be a 1.6 GDI (it’s a petrol). The abbreviation stands for “Gasoline Direct Injection” – Kia‘s latest. Power comes in the form of 135 PS and 165 Nm of torque. If you go with Dual Clutch Transmission option you’ll get some additional frugality from the engine.

If economy is what you are after however, a 128 PS diesel version with Kia’s EcoDynamics fuel saving technologies achieves fuel consumption of as low as 3.7 l/100km and CO2 emissions of just 97 g/km.

The Cee’d is not alone at the Geneva stand. There’s an SW (estate) version of it which will go on sale later this year.

Then there’s the Kia Ray EV‘s European premiere – a zero-emission city car with a range of up to 139 km (86 miles) on a single charge. Though developed exclusively for the Korean market, the Ray EV showcases Kia’s technical expertise in developing a battery electric vehicle and highlights its commitment to provide a comprehensive technical solution to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Lastly, the Kia Track’ster Concept with electronic AWD adds some sportiness to the stand. The 1.6 GDI turbocharged engine in that one delivers 38 PS (215 PS) less than the 2.0 Track’ster we saw at the Chicago Auto Show earlier this year. It still is however, a brilliant spin-off of the Kia Soul.

Kia Ceed SW (2012) — Kia Cee'd SW (2012)

Source: Kia

March 7, 2012

Kia Track’ster Revealed

Kia-Trackster-Concept-thumb The Kia Track’ster concept is out of the box. Attenders at the Chicago Auto Show yesterday had the privilege to witness the rather dramatic revealing. And now when the Track’ster is open to the public, we do are not sure from where to start.

Although it is based on the current Soul, in essence it is an entirely different car. The Track’ster is simply exciting to look at thanks to those air-gulping, carbon grille installations across the front and the massive auxiliary LED lights that complement them. The headlights themselves are impressive enough with that flowing figure that seems to be reaching for the fenders. And can you not notice the color of the whole thing? It’s white and orange as if it’s a pair of trainers – The roof and lower front, side and back valances are in, what Kia calls, an ‘inferno’ shade. That burning hue can be noticed as a motive also on the mirrors and at the front air-scooping slit and inside. To do the honor of the overall sculptured body lines of the Track’ster, Kia have fitted four HRE-K1 monoblock billet performance wheels. Ideal tires would be 245/40-19-inch for the front wheels and a stunningly wide and low pair of 285/35-19′s at the back.

More features that set the Track’ster apart from the Soul include the dimensions – 101.2-inches of wheelbase length make the concept almost an inch longer than its production parent. And most certainly, the 14-inch Brembo vented and cross-drilled brake discs at the front and 13.6-inch ones at the back, gripped by six and four-piston calipers respectively, do not come as standard on a Soul but they are present in Track’ster. Such suspension attention on a concept car seems redundant but when we realize that the Track’ster hides a 2.0-liter, straight four turbocharged power plant that develops 250 hp things start to make sense. What also makes sense is the power being channeled trough an electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system in order to prevent any torquesteer, understeer or oversteer tendencies. The transmission is a six-speed, short-ratio manual controlled by a stubby gear stick found on the center console (naturally).

Speaking of the center console, the inside of the car is certainly a place where we or any other car enthusiast might like to spend a great deal of time. The two bucket seats at the front are dressed in gray and orange (inferno) leather. The dashboard, door panels and center console have the same motives with added white patterns. There are standalone gauges on top of the dashboard that indicate things like oil pressure, temperature and battery voltage. Just bellow is a touch-screen interface which deals with the navigation, ventilation and entertainment system. The start button on the other hand, might just be the most exciting feature of all (for a 10 year old).

A part of the Track’ster‘s “street” appeal is lost when we look at the back where, on a normal Soul, one would find rear seats. The Track’ster however stands by its name and occupies the rear space with a section for tools, a sport’s gear compartment, a place for a spare tire and other track-friendly items. It all sounds like a car enthusiast’s dream really. Except one problem – Kia are not thinking of actually making it. It is said that the Track’ster is more of a test for the company’s engineers and their creativity and ability to make perfect, road going, performance superminis. Point taken.

Source: Kia

February 9, 2012

Kia at 2011 SEMA Show

Kia will exhibit several six outrageous sports-themed vehicles in Las Vegas at the 2011 SEMA Show.

This year’s show cars were inspired by Kia’s growing sports marketing portfolio that includes basketball, women’s golf, motor sports and more. Two were built by the world famous West Coast Customs with additional vehicles conceived and built in-partnership with the popular lifestyle magazine, Antenna, as well as GoGoGear.com and Kia’s U.S. racing partner, Kinetic Motorsports.

“Kia is experiencing unprecedented growth and momentum and we’re bringing our most exciting range of show cars ever to this year’s SEMA Show, including several variations on the stylish all-new 2012 Rio 5-door and the fuel-efficient and technology-laden Optima Hybrid,” commented Michael Sprague, Vice President, Marketing & Communications, Kia Motors America.

“Our involvement in the world of sports has dramatically increased awareness and perception of the Kia brand, and together with some high-profile partners we have created a line-up of fun and eye-catching vehicles with unique back stories and plenty of personality.”, he added.

“Slam Dunk” Blake Griffin Optima Hybrid is created by West Coast Customs (WCC). They have created a basketball-themed Optima Hybrid that adds some hardwood flair to Kia’s first-ever hybrid in the U.S.

“Hole-In-One” Michelle Wie Soul is also built by West Coast Customs. It was inspired by Michelle Wie, Kia’s official golf ambassador and one of the most recognisable young athletes around the world.

“Retro Surf” Rio 5-Door is developed by Kia and Antenna. It features lowered and modified suspension set-up for sportier handling, and the aggressive exterior stance is accentuated by eye-grabbing 17” three-piece gold wheels.

“Hat Trick” Forte 5-Door is created by Antenna. The Hat Trick Forte 5-door can handle it all with a custom hockey stick holder that stretches from the trunk through the center of the vehicle into the cabin.

Slam Dunk Blake Griffin Kia Optima Hybrid

Source: Kia

November 1, 2011

2012 Kia Soul Price – £12 495

Kia will launch the all-new 2012 Soul from 3^rd October and the price is as low as £12 495. The model will come with revised 1.6-litre engines and the introduction of a six-speed gearbox on all models improve performance while lowering fuel consumption, emissions and running costs.

The engine range includes two 1.6-litre engines.

The first is a direct-injection (GDi) petrol with 138BHP. It returns 44.1 mpg on combined cycle and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 10 seconds. The emissions are just 149g/km, which saves owners £35 a year compared with the previous model.

The second is a 1.6-litre CRDi with 126BHP, which is capable of doing 57.6mpg and emissions of just 129 g/km of CO2. 0 to 100 km/h in 10.3 seconds, which is 0.6 seconds faster than previous version.

Soul comes as standard with electronic stability control (ESC) and anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution (EBD). ESC intervenes to prevent skids by braking one or more wheels, reducing engine power or both if sensors detect the car may be in danger of going out of control. EBD, meanwhile, automatically ensures that stopping power is directed to the four wheels in such a way as to ensure the car is brought to a halt in the shortest possible distance.

Kia Soul – Performance and Economy figures

Version	Power (bhp)	Torque (lb/ft)	Top Speed (mph)	0-60 mph	Combined mpg	CO₂ (g/km)
1.6 GDi	138 @ 6300 rpm	122 @ 4850 rpm	112	10.0	44.1	149
1.6 CRDi	126 @ 4000 rpm	192 @ 1900-2750 rpm	112	10.3	57.6	129
1.6-litre CRDi auto	126 @ 4000 rpm	192 @ 1900-2750 rpm	110	11.3	47.9	155

Kia Soul – Pricing

Version	Price – On the Road
1.6 GDi 1	£12,495
1.6 GDi 2	£13,595
1.6 CRDi 2	£14,695
1.6 CRDi 2 auto	£15,795
1.6 GDi Hunter	£15,095
1.6 CRDi Hunter	£16,195
1.6 CRDi Hunter auto	£17,295
1.6 GDi Quantum	£15,595
1.6 CRDi Quantum	£16,695
1.6 CRDi Quantum auto	£17,795

Source: KIA

October 3, 2011

2011 Kia Soul Searcher

Soul Searcher is the name of Kia’s latest addition to the renowned Soul Originals, the line-up showcasing the most distinctive, tempting styling schemes for the Soul model. Scheduled to hit the UK market from 4th January 2011, the all-new Soul Searcher boasts a price tag of 16,965 GBP OTR for the manual and 18,025 GBP for its automatic version. (more…)

December 6, 2010

Kia Soul White Tiger Concept

Soul White Tiger Concept is presented by KIA at the 2010 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. The car is inspired by this year’s Asian Lunar year animal (the Tiger) and features all-white exterior with one-of-a-kind tiger-themed graphics and a contrasting jet black leather interior.

The Concept is based on Soul + (Plus) and includes fog lamps, body colored bumpers, sport spoiler, black fender vents, rear bumper cat claw applique and alloy fuel door.

The car stands on white 18” alloys fitted with low-resistant tires to improve fuel consumption. (more…)

November 4, 2010

2010 Kia Soul Echo – more style and luxury

Kia has revealed the key details on its new addition, the Kia Soul Echo, a luxury-packed Kia Soul urban crossover aimed to please the customers with features normally offered on much more expensive rides. (more…)

July 9, 2010

Kia Soul Irmscher Edition 001 – pure Royal-ness

The German-based aftermarket specialist Irmscher has uncovered its latest project, which transforms the urban mini MPV Kia Soul into a stunning eye-catcher with Royal character. (more…)

May 28, 2010

Tag: Kia Soul