By Peter A. Hubbard




MotorwayAmerica

(May 22, 2017) When the Kia Soul first hit the streets in 2009 as a 2010 model, it was clearly aimed at entry-level buyers.  Its subcompact size, excellent fuel economy and shaved-box look were clearly aimed at first-time buyers in their early-to-mid 20’s.  The marketing push used for the modest little crossover clearly pitched it as the ultimate party car, with cocky little hamsters posing as “party animals,” ready to roll. 



Going up against competing Asian shoe-box crossovers like the Toyota’s Scion xB, Nissan Cube and Honda Element, the Kia emerged as the clear winner.

Today, seven years later, those other rolling Rubik Cubes are nowhere to be found.  Each has exited the US market, leaving the Kia Soul as the sole survivor. 

What the others lacked, the Soul seemed to possess in abundance — the fun factor.  But fun isn’t reserved just for 20-somethings. 

Not at all. 



Value buyers come in all ages. In fact, a friend of mine in the 60-something demographic purchased one recently and simply loves it.  He appreciates the Soul’s economical demeanor, hatchback versatility, plus its taller stance — ideal   for those in the “silver set” with arthritis and other mobility issues. 

Entry and exit procedures are a breeze, and he claims it doesn’t feel as fragile or “tinny” as some other subcompacts he looked at when shopping around.   We concur. 



We wound up putting a few more miles on the Soul Exclaim test vehicle than usual (around 1000 miles) as the result of an out-of-state visit to see a new grandson.  Not only was it fun to drive, it seems to get smiles from folks young and old, no matter where it goes.  It’s nimble in traffic and is very capable of dodging parking lot goons more focused on their iPhones than the task at hand. 



Highway driving was also a breeze.  The semi trucks didn’t seem to intimidate it any, and the wide stance kept it stable driving in pesky crosswinds.  A late spring cold front zipped through the area, which also helped us prove the little Soul heats up as easily as it cools down. 

The Soul Exclaim also rides on 18-inch rubber, which makes a HUGE difference.   Vehicles of this ilk were once shod with little more than giant donuts — economy tires with diameters of no more than 12 or 13 inches.    



The Soul was restyled in 2014 making it a bit curvier, but for 2017 it gets the only thing it’s been REALLY lacking from the start -- power. Our top-level Exclaim was energized with a 201-hp turbo-charged 4-cylinder that delivers the kind of zip you’d expect from an energy drink on wheels.  Lesser models are equipped with a 130-hp, 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder, or a 161-hp, 2.0-liter 4-banger.

Beyond the Turbo model's extra power, the entire lineup now offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, blind-spot detection, plus additional USB inputs. Our Soul Exclaim came with the optional 8-inch touch screen that manipulates the AM/FM/MP3 and satellite radio and Bluetooth connectivity.  You also get USB ports as well as 12-volt auxiliary jack, a leather-wrapped D-shaped steering wheel (for added leg room) and a back-up camera. 



Base price on the Soul Exclaim is $22,650. Options found on our little red Soul included the $1,000 panoramic sunroof with power sunshade, plus the $3,000 Technology Package that includes a host of safety and luxury upgrades — plus others that are just for fun. 

On the safety side you have the LED taillights, fog lamps and positioning lights, plus blind spot detection signals. 

New deluxe features include the nav system with 8-inch display, multi-adjust power front seats and heaters for your backside, mirrors and steering wheels. Just for fun, you get center console USB chargers, a premium Harman Kardon audio system and trick door speakers with multi-color illuminated brackets — just what the hamsters ordered!  Add the carpeted floor mats for $120 and freight, and the MSRP tops out at $27,620. 

The sticker didn’t disclose the EPA mileage, but the factory claims 26 city and 31 highway, or 28 combined.  Despite keeping a pretty brisk pace most places, we managed roughly 32 mpg combined — so guessing — highway must have been about 35 or 36, without even coasting. 

For the environmentally conscious, be aware that electric Kia Soul models also are available for 2017.  The Soul EV is Kia’s first mass-market zero emissions, battery electric vehicle is offered in three trims — Soul EV-e, Soul EV, Soul EV+.  It includes a long list of standard equipment and ranges in price from $32,250 to $35,950.

Several changes offered for the new model year include: a new dark gray 16-inch wheel cover (EV, EV+), new Cloud White exterior color, a rear center armrest and a new EV-e audio head unit that includes standard rear camera display and a five-inch color screen. Also new for 2017, the fast charge now provides more energy (94% of charge), adding 87 miles in each charge event, and drivers can now set the charge time to end at their convenience.


EXTERIOR

As noted earlier, the design of the Kia Soul has not only proven successful, it’s kind of grown on us.  Despite being a subcompact, you’re not forced to sit eight inches from the pavement.  The sculpted skin and higher seating position give it the kind of racy look, yet practicality that make it a winner.

INTERIOR



The Kia’s cabin in quite comfortable, with seats that were more than supportive, even on long stretches of boring Interstate.  Controls are logical and within easy reach, which rear passengers can ride in equal comfort.  The tallish cabin and panoramic sunroof prevent anyone from feeling the least bit claustrophobic.  You get nearly 40 inches of headroom, both front and rear without the sunroof, and only slightly less — roughly 38 inches — with the glass top attached.

DRIVABILITY



As might be expected given it’s short wheelbase (101.2 inches) and proportionally wide stance (70.9 inches), you get a solid and stable ride.  And unlike other subcompacts, it doesn’t feel the least bit “tinny” or cheap. 

You get gas-filled MacPherson struts at all four corners and coupled torsion bean rear axle.  All in all, it handles bumps and pot holes with agility and grace.   Steering is responsive and direct, and braking response is excellent.

CONCLUSION



Perhaps the inescapable truth about the Kia Soul is that it’s truly fun to drive, and not that expensive to own or maintain.  So it makes no difference if you’re a 20-something party animal and love to prowl, or a 60-something party person and know how to growl, the Kia Soul has the kind of “soul” that will make you glad it’s parked in your driveway.