Pros and Cons*
Pros
The MSRP of the 2013 Kia Soul is well worth a second look. Unique design, miserly fuel consumption, snazzy interior, and snow-clearing ride height gives it a definite edge over the competition.
Cons
Wimpy base engine, plasticky interior, hard seats, smallish trunk and limited rear visibility are some of the negatives of the Kia Soul.
Price
The 1.6L model is equipped with a 1.6 litre engine at a base price of $18,445. It features a 6-speed manual transmission, Bluetooth connectivity, 15-inch wheels, foglights, heated seats and AUX/USB ports. The 1.6 BA version includes an automatic transmission, air conditioning and driver armrest, at an MSRP of $20,845.
The 2.0L 2u, at $20,845, is equipped with standard 2.0 litre engine, 16-inch alloy wheels, roof carrier and steering wheel cruise control button.
For $22,045 buyers can add automatic transmission and driver armrest. The Idle stop/start option on the 2.0L 2u ECO raises the price to $22,645.
The 2.0L 4u model distinguished itself with an ECO-ACTIVE automatic transmission, backup camera, driver armrest, UVO infotainment system, 18-inch alloy wheels, sport suspension, leather steering and sunroof, all yours for $24,545.
$27,425 will get you a 2.0L 4u Luxury with rear spoiler, iPod cable, LED signal lights, navigation system, automatic climate control, and leather seats.
Fuel Consumption
The combination 1.6 litre engine and automatic or manual transmission consumes 8.1 L/100 km city and 6.5 L/100 km highway.
The 2.0 litre manual transmission combination consumes an estimated 8.5 L/100 km city and 6.7 L/100 km highway. ECO mode results are approximately the same.
Automatic versions will consume 8.8 L/100 km city and 7.1 L/100 km highway.
New and Improved
The transmission has been upgraded with the addition of two extra gears in the automatic and one extra gear in the manual version.
Exterior Styling
Unmistakably unique, the 2013 Kia Soul hardly goes unnoticed. The pint-sized front grille and oversized headlights are surrounded by a sculpted bumper that is its unique signature. The Soul’s square stance gives it an aura of character and determination.
Drivetrain
The base 1.6 litre engine produces 138 hp and 123 lb-ft torque. The 2.0 litre variant produces 164 hp and 148 lb-ft torque.
The1.6L, 2.0L 2u and 2u ECO are equipped with a standard 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 6-speed Steptronic unit.
The 4u and 4u Luxury variants are equipped with the 2.0 litre engine and automatic transmission. The entire Soul lineup is front-wheel drive.
Cargo Capacity
Rear cargo volume is an available 546 litres which expands to 1,511 litres when back seats are lowered flat.
Safety
The 2013 Kia Soul comes with 6 standard airbags, electronic stability control, heated side view mirrors, whiplash protection and a variety of additional safety features.
Comparable Models
Nissan Cube, Scion xB, Suzuki SX4, Toyota Matrix
*References
Rufiange Daniel, L’annuel de l’automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.346
Auger Jean-Samuel, L’auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.343
http://www.kia.ca
Pros
The MSRP of the 2013 Kia Soul is well worth a second look. Unique design, miserly fuel consumption, snazzy interior, and snow-clearing ride height gives it a definite edge over the competition.
Cons
Wimpy base engine, plasticky interior, hard seats, smallish trunk and limited rear visibility are some of the negatives of the Kia Soul.
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Price
The 1.6L model is equipped with a 1.6 litre engine at a base price of $18,445. It features a 6-speed manual transmission, Bluetooth connectivity, 15-inch wheels, foglights, heated seats and AUX/USB ports. The 1.6 BA version includes an automatic transmission, air conditioning and driver armrest, at an MSRP of $20,845.
The 2.0L 2u, at $20,845, is equipped with standard 2.0 litre engine, 16-inch alloy wheels, roof carrier and steering wheel cruise control button.
For $22,045 buyers can add automatic transmission and driver armrest. The Idle stop/start option on the 2.0L 2u ECO raises the price to $22,645.
The 2.0L 4u model distinguished itself with an ECO-ACTIVE automatic transmission, backup camera, driver armrest, UVO infotainment system, 18-inch alloy wheels, sport suspension, leather steering and sunroof, all yours for $24,545.
$27,425 will get you a 2.0L 4u Luxury with rear spoiler, iPod cable, LED signal lights, navigation system, automatic climate control, and leather seats.
Fuel Consumption
The combination 1.6 litre engine and automatic or manual transmission consumes 8.1 L/100 km city and 6.5 L/100 km highway.
The 2.0 litre manual transmission combination consumes an estimated 8.5 L/100 km city and 6.7 L/100 km highway. ECO mode results are approximately the same.
Automatic versions will consume 8.8 L/100 km city and 7.1 L/100 km highway.
New and Improved
The transmission has been upgraded with the addition of two extra gears in the automatic and one extra gear in the manual version.
Exterior Styling
Unmistakably unique, the 2013 Kia Soul hardly goes unnoticed. The pint-sized front grille and oversized headlights are surrounded by a sculpted bumper that is its unique signature. The Soul’s square stance gives it an aura of character and determination.
Drivetrain
The base 1.6 litre engine produces 138 hp and 123 lb-ft torque. The 2.0 litre variant produces 164 hp and 148 lb-ft torque.
The1.6L, 2.0L 2u and 2u ECO are equipped with a standard 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 6-speed Steptronic unit.
The 4u and 4u Luxury variants are equipped with the 2.0 litre engine and automatic transmission. The entire Soul lineup is front-wheel drive.
Cargo Capacity
Rear cargo volume is an available 546 litres which expands to 1,511 litres when back seats are lowered flat.
Safety
The 2013 Kia Soul comes with 6 standard airbags, electronic stability control, heated side view mirrors, whiplash protection and a variety of additional safety features.
Comparable Models
Nissan Cube, Scion xB, Suzuki SX4, Toyota Matrix
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| Photo: Kia |
*References
Rufiange Daniel, L’annuel de l’automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.346
Auger Jean-Samuel, L’auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.343
http://www.kia.ca
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