(October 29, 2009) Already a recipient of numerous accolades including a “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, being named to the “Coolest New Cars Under $18,000” list by Kelley Blue Book and “Interior of the Year” list by Ward’s AutoWorld, the 2010 Kia Soul has been honored again with the “2010 Automotive Excellence Award” by Popular Mechanics.

Recognized for its appealing style, fuel efficiency, handling and overall value, Soul is one of only 10 vehicles to be acknowledged on the esteemed list.

"Soul has been a game changer for the Kia brand, bringing new consumers to showrooms with its style, value and personalization options as well as paving the way for vehicles like the Forte, Forte Koup and the all-new Sorento CUV," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing of Kia Motors America (KMA). "Popular Mechanics is a well-respected publication and to achieve this accolade from them is both a testament to the Kia brand and the all-new Soul urban passenger vehicle.”

To compile the annual list, Popular Mechanics’ automotive department editors test drove, evaluated and rated new cars and trucks to determine which vehicles and technologies were the most significant, singling out the top 10 in the industry.