Soul – Automobiles Review

Kia Soul

2023 Kia Soul - Front Angle

The new 2023 Kia Soul, arriving later this summer, features refreshed design elements inside and out, a simplified lineup, new smile-inducing colors, and two option packages brimming with technology and convenience. Soul redefined the boxy small-car segment when it was first launched in 2009 and has evolved steadily since, appealing to customers across generations with its edgy good looks, practicality, and efficiency. Pricing will be announced closer to the vehicle’s on-sale date.

“The Soul defined a whole new segment of small cars when it first entered the Kia lineup and it continues into the 2023 model year with as much fun, practicality and style as ever,” said Steve Center, COO & EVP, Kia America. “The basic form remains, which is what more than 75,000 happy Soul owners loved so much about the funky runabout last year, representing a nearly 5 percent increase over sales in 2020. The new 2023 Soul is set to continue that trend with its refreshed design inside and out, advanced technology and feature-packed trims.”

Soul has always been set apart by its bold yet functional design and the 2023 model year continues that tradition with an all-new front fascia. The new grill is set off with available LED headlights and redesigned fog lights. New Daytime Running Lamps and turn signals round out the front-end redesign. New available 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels and a redesigned rear fascia and taillights complete the exterior enhancements. A multitude of solid and two-tone exterior paint schemes remain and are complemented by new two-tone paint programs: Clear White with Fusion Black roof, and Surf Blue with a Fusion Black roof.

Inside, what worked best remains and what has changed has made a good thing better. Logically placed switchgear falls readily to-hand while the 10.25-inch (standard on all but LX trim) touchscreen with navigation is a welcome addition to the tech-forward cabin.

Simplifying the lineup for 2023, the Soul is offered in LX, S, EX, GT-Line, GT-Line Tech trimlines, each featuring a long list of standard and available equipment. The X-Line and Turbo have been discontinued, although many of the features are found in the new variants. The new LX Technology Package includes Blind Spot Collision Avoidance (BCA), Rear Cross Collision Avoidance (RCCA), and 16-inch alloy wheels; neatly bundling sought-after features in an already well-equipped offer.

The GT-Line Technology Package ups the ante with a wide range of sought-after features and driver-assist systems. A Harman/Kardon premium audio is accessed through the 10.25-inch color touchscreen and features an external amplifier, subwoofer, and door-mounted tweeters. Multi-colored LED speaker lights pulse in time with the tunes and the heated front seats offer a warm embrace during cold-weather drives. The GT-Line Technology Package also includes:

Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning capability (radar + camera type)2
Highway Drive Assist3
Navigation based Smart Cruise Control
Electronic Parking Brake
Power driver seat
High-gloss interior trim
LED headlights and taillights
Cargo Cover
Dual-level cargo floor

Highlighting Kia America’s commitment to safety and security, a number of previously optional features are now standard across all trims, including:

Forward Collision Avoidance Assist-Pedestrian (FCA-Ped; camera type)4
Lane Keeping Assist + Lane Following Assist5
Driver Attention Warning6
Lane Departure Warning7
High Beam Assist
Rear Occupant Alert (door logic)

For 2023, Soul is powered by a single powertrain. The efficient 2.0-liter inline four cylinder produces 147-horsepower at 6,200 rpm and lays down 132 lb.-ft- of torque at 4,500 rpm through the front wheels. Kia’s Intelligent Variable Transmission is standard across all variants.

May 5, 2022

Kia reveals the exclusive Soul EV Boardmasters Edition

2021 Kia Soul EV Boardmasters Edition Kia has revealed the Soul EV Boardmasters Edition, a recycled and pre-production car saved from the crusher to instead live out on the beach.

Designed exclusively for surfers, the Soul EV is a special vehicle that features a zero-emission drivetrain system and generates a total of 201hp via a 64kWh long-range battery pack.

In terms of design, the Soul EV features an exclusive set of 17-inch aluminum alloys and 215/55 R17 tires, raised ground clearance, muscular proportions, and yet elegant appearance.

One of the most striking features is the exclusive steel roof rack. Created out of lightweight steel, the rack has been hand-crafted exclusively for the Soul EV Boardmasters Edition in order to accommodate a pair of 7ft9 Tahe Bic Malibu surfboards. The shape and low profile allow the vehicle to avoid overhead height restrictors and enable the tailgate to open fully to access the boat.

There are also significant changes to the suspension and drivetrain system that altogether contribute to the overall performance and give a kick to the electric range of the vehicle. Also, thanks to the 64kWh battery pack and efficient motor, the Boardmasters Edition vehicle will offer greater more range compared to other EVs in the same category and class.

August 9, 2021

Kia reveals plans and specs for upcoming 2020 e-Niro and Soul models

2020 Kia e-Niro With its latest update, the new e-Niro and the all-new Soul EV arriving in 2020, Kia will have two distinctive electric cars capable of covering a range of 280 miles range or more with a single charge and zero tailpipe emissions.

The original allocation of the new e-Niro models for the UK has sold out within weeks of going on sale in 2019 and now for 2020, Kia Motors Limited has promised numerous more supplies to clear the existing 3,000 customer waiting list. The plan is to roll out the cars in the first six months of the new year and ensure even more supplies for the second half.

With a relatively affordable price, the new e-Niro grants buyers with LED headlights, Battery Heating System and an enhanced cabin pack with a 10.25-inch Touchscreen Satellite Navigation, Telematics System and UVO Connect Services and Ambient Lighting. Customers who haven’t applied for the waiting already, have the chance to order the model at dealerships now for delivery in July next year.

The all-new Soul EV’s order-bank opened in July and deliveries are due to commence in April. It comes with improved specs and technology over predecessor models and benefits from the same batteries and powertrain as the e-Niro lineup.

Source: Kia

December 2, 2019

2020 Kia Soul is recognized as the winner at a prestigious event!

2020 Kia Soul Kia Motors America’s popular Soul model has been awarded Best Multimedia Quality in its award segment in the J.D. Power 2019 Multimedia Quality and Satisfaction Study. The announcement follows Kia’s award as the highest-ranked mass-market brand in the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study for the fifth consecutive year, with the Soul being chosen among the top 10 machines in the industry.

The new Soul offers sexy exterior styling, agile performance and advanced technology features and urban practicality. What the engineering team has prepared for us for 2020 model year is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, Bluetooth Multi-Connection, Interior mood lightning, a 10.25-inch HD color touch screen with split screen functionality and a 640-watt Harman/Kardon audio system. Neat!

As it comes to the event itself, the J.D. Power Multimedia Quality and Satisfaction Study measures the experience and opinions of automobile owners regarding quality, design and overall satisfaction level with their new machine. Customers are also asked to rate their audio, communication, entertainment and navigation systems. New 2020 Kia Soul has managed to score a 9.0 PP100, which is one of the highest scores ever achieved by a mass-production vehicle.

It is a pleasure to witness how Kia team confidently makes its path towards prestigious awards and recognitions with each one even more important than the previous one!

Source: Kia

September 24, 2019

2016 Kia Soul EV Prepares for Summer With Additional Features

2016 Kia Soul EV is the first mass-produced zero emission Kia vehicle, that uses electricity for its needs. And for 2016 Kia offers and some additional packs. To be precise, there are three of them: Soul EV-e, Soul EV and Soul EV+. In fact, the Soul model (that suspiciously looks like a MINI vehicle) has extended list of additions and furthermore every trim has its own additional offerings. For example, the EV+ trim, the range-topping pack, is further extended and now also offers Sun & Fun pack. Further enhancements include a charge port nozzle lock, illuminated Aux/USB port and two additional colors: Shadow Black and Bright Silver.

2016 Kia Soul EV

The Soul EV-e now provides versatility and good price, while the features of the standard equipment are still with that superior quality. The EV trims also include 8-inch navigation touch screen, Rear Camera Display3 and UVO EV Services2: a special system, that searches charging stations via user’s Smartphone.

And for2016 Soul EV+ comes with the special addition of Sun & Fun. It adds panoramic sunroof, LED interior lightning and speaker lights, There are also ventilated front passenger seats, heated rear seats, leather trimmed seats, Park Assist and folding mirrors.

But the technical goodies aren’t the only one, incorporated in the Soul range. The vehicles also include some improved performance tweaks. For example, the whole lineup offers and EPA of 93 miles and EPA MPGe of 92 miles highway and 120 miles city. The heart of the lineup is a state-of-the-art 27kWh air-cooled, 200-watt-hour/kg Lithium Ion Polymer battery, placed just under the floor.

In fact, the Soul EV vehicles have been honored with a special validation from Underwriters Laboratory (UL) for the innovative use of 52.7 lbs. of bio-based organic interior content. How cool is that? Furthermore, the bio-based materials are used in a total of 19 different interior parts.

Source: Kia

July 14, 2015

Kia to Reveal Mysterious Electric AWD in Chicago

2015 Kia Concept Chicago In exactly two weeks from now Kia is going to premiere a mysterious vehicle at the upcoming Chicago Auto Show. The company is keeping tight-lipped about it and didn’t reveal even the name. What we have just received is the first teaser image of the vehicle and scarce information. The first big thing about it is that it will be advanced and capable electric vehicle, and the second is that it will feature all-wheel drive. This means that it will be an e-AWD concept.

The bold off-roader was created by Kia’s California design studio. Now the car is in real form and aims at the city dwellers seeking the ultimate urban escape. The concept is intended to enable a wide array of outdoor activities such as skiing or snowboarding, camping or hiking, and even mountain biking.

It definitely promises adventures at higher elevations and more importantly – it focuses on the environmental side of the automotive industry. This concept will prove that practical urban wheels can also be rugged and capable.

Rumors say that the off-roader will be based in the Soul EV model. And we are wondering whether it will use its powetrain. The aforementioned vehicle is driven by a 27 kWh lithium ion polymer battery and an electric motor. The motor produces 110 hp (81 kW) and 285 Nm (210 lb.-ft.) of maximum torque. The range that it can cover is around 80-100 miles.

Kia’s newest concept will be fully unveiled at the show in Chicago on 12^th of February.

Source: Kia

January 29, 2015

2015 Kia Soul EV Goes On Sale

After the successful “hamster” advertisement of the new 2015 Kia Soul EV, Kia Motors America is ready to introduce the electric vehicle to the market. The hugely popular urban passenger car in its electrifying trim boasts best-in-class EPA-estimated range of 93 miles and MPGe4 of 92 miles on the highway, 120 miles in the city and 105 miles combined. In addition, the model received industry-first automotive environmental validation by Underwriters Laboratory (UL) due to its innovative use of bio-based materials in the interior.

2015 Kia Soul EV is company’s first mass-market electric vehicle and it is the centerpiece of the Kia’s Clean Mobility program. The zero-emissions EV keeps the funky style and functionality of the Soul model, but it also introduces new and more aerodynamic styling cues.

The car features a 27 kWh lithium ion polymer battery which powers the electric motor. The motor produces 110 hp (81 kW) and 285 Nm (210 lb.-ft.) of maximum torque, and drives the front wheels. The range that it can cover is around 80-100 miles.

The standard specifications of the Soul EV Base include an array of features such as navigation, Rear Camera Display, Bluetooth hands free operation, power windows, power driver’s seat, cruise control, 6.6kW on-board charger. The exclusive HVAC system is also included, and it was designed to extend driving range by minimizing energy draw.

Moreover, every Soul EV comes standard with UVO EV Services that provide real-time battery-level status, distance to empty, and the ability to search for nearby charging stations. There is also an UVO EV smartphone app, which owners can use to preset charging time and charging level ratios, as well as precondition the vehicle cabin with remote control of the HVAC presets.

The next trim is called Soul EV Plus and it adds EV-unique leather trimmed seats, which are tri-level heated and ventilated for front passengers. The rear outboard seats are heated for added comfort. The Plus also includes projection-style fog lamps and power-folding outside mirrors.

2015 Kia Soul EV has a starting price of $33,700 USD and is currently available to order.

Source: Kia

September 12, 2014

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

Incoming Kia Soul Snatches Design Award

Kia-Soul-SUV-Pack--iF-Design-Award-shadow The new Kia Soul has been honoured with the iF Product Design. The Track’ster-inspired compact SUV is supposed to be both radiating the genes of its predecessors and the light of the new age.

“The great challenge we faced when designing the second model generation was to preserve the strong, individual character that made the Kia Soul so successful, and at the same time give the design new impulses”, says Peter Schreyer, President and Chief Design Officer of Kia Motors Corporation.

The new Kia Soul is indeed entirely new. No body panel has been shared with the previous generation. Inside you get more leg and head room than before and a more overall luxurious feel. The base platform of the Soul is akin to that of the Cee’d which is pretty dynamic. There are two engine choices: a 1.6-liter 132 PS petrol one and a 128 PS diesel one.

The Soul happens to be the first Kia model which can have its roof in a different-than-the-rest color. Add the “SUV Styling Pack” and you’ll stand out with a distinctive black roof, piano black bumper garnish, side skirts and wheel arches. The award-carrying Soul has was indeed with that pack.

Kia-Soul-SUV-Pack--iF-Design-Award-medium-2

Source: Kia

January 28, 2014

First Special Edition Of Second-gen Kia Soul: The Red Zone

Kia-Soul-Red-Zone-Edition-shadow Kia-Soul-Red-Zone-Edition-medium

2014 will see the arrival of a special edition of the charismatic Kia Soul called the Red Zone, says Kia Motors America. Inspired by the Kia Track’ster concept, the newcomer will be limited to a 2,000-unit production number. It is the first special edition to be added to the second generation Soul family.

The red zones of the Red Zone can be found on the “aggressively styled” body kit. That is to say, red trimming on the front and rear fascias, the side skirts and around the grille also. The insides too get a fiery treatment – the black cloth seats, leather steering wheel, and black-leather dash hood all employ red stitching. The black floor mats come with red piping on the edges, the gear knob has a red ring on it, the air vents too, and the dash speakers. Even the tray on the console has red all around.

Clearly not red are the 18-inch custom alloy wheels which, nevertheless, do a good job of complementing the visual appeal. Also, the 2.0-liter GDI engine (of unspecified color) sends 164 hp through a six-speed automatic transmission which is pretty neat.

With the Red Zone being based on the 2014 Soul Plus, you are also entitled to a few standard luxuries such as Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), steering wheel-mounted controls, Bluetooth, and indicator side mirrors.

Source: Kia

December 9, 2013

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

YouTube Kia Soul Urban

Kia is an official sponsor of the 2013 YouTube Music Awards, so the manufacturer has decided to unveil a music-focused 2014 Youtube Soul Urban.

As a literal extension of the YTMA partnership, Kia has transformed a 2014 Soul urban passenger vehicle into a mobile video recording booth and multi-screen YouTube player.

Designed by Lux Motorworks under the direction of Harris Publications and RIDES Magazine, key customization elements include a matte white and red exterior paint job with red accents, a wireless keyboard embedded in the rear center armrest, a webcam for high-definition video recording, 10 WiFi-enabled iPad 2 Minis in the rear cargo area and a Mac Mini 2 with high-speed WiFi Hot Spot for instant uploads and streaming.

“As a Presenting Sponsor of the YouTube Music Awards, Kia has the opportunity to tap into the world’s largest online music destination and a new media property that aligns well with our brand’s youthful spirit as well as our marketing pillars of music, pop culture and connected life,” commented Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing & communications, Kia Motors America.

“The first-ever YouTube Music Awards will be a truly unique music experience, and our activities around the sponsorship, including the ‘Soul-Live’ event, are designed to engage and entertain music-loving audiences across the globe.”, he finished.

Source: Kia

October 31, 2013

Tag: Soul

2016 Kia Soul EV