The former boasts more aggressive-looking headlights and sharper lines, particularly the ones that shape the unique side windows -- taller up front and narrower in the back. Overall, this cute little truck looks chunky and squatty, sort of a predator ready to pounce.
The Nissan cube, meanwhile, is more of a hippie. Styling is more relaxed and asymmetric shapes are found in a few places, like the rear window. This ''cube'' has some soft edges all around and, admittedly, it leaves nobody indifferent. Even when I left the car, curious onlookers wanted to get closer in order to admire it.
Powertrain and chassis
Interestingly, these two contenders weren't created equal in terms of power. While the 2.0-litre engine of the Soul generates 142 horsepower, the cube makes do with 122 ponies... and a continuously-variable transmission.
Yet, despite being one-second slower from 0 to 100 km/h, it's the cube that feels livelier under acceleration and offers a smoother power delivery. When braking from 100 to 0 km/h, the Nissan also feels more competent, stopping one meter ahead of the Kia.
The Soul takes less than 9 seconds to reach the century mark, which is not spectacular but still reasonable. However, the relatively-heavy mass is a handicap that prevents the driver from appreciating the extra dose of power. On the plus side, the automatic transmission of the Kia easily outmatches the CVT of its rival in terms of quick-shifting ability and overall feel.
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| The Kia Soul (left) looks more assertive and more muscular than its rival. |
The Nissan cube, meanwhile, is more of a hippie. Styling is more relaxed and asymmetric shapes are found in a few places, like the rear window. This ''cube'' has some soft edges all around and, admittedly, it leaves nobody indifferent. Even when I left the car, curious onlookers wanted to get closer in order to admire it.
Powertrain and chassis
Interestingly, these two contenders weren't created equal in terms of power. While the 2.0-litre engine of the Soul generates 142 horsepower, the cube makes do with 122 ponies... and a continuously-variable transmission.
Yet, despite being one-second slower from 0 to 100 km/h, it's the cube that feels livelier under acceleration and offers a smoother power delivery. When braking from 100 to 0 km/h, the Nissan also feels more competent, stopping one meter ahead of the Kia.
The Soul takes less than 9 seconds to reach the century mark, which is not spectacular but still reasonable. However, the relatively-heavy mass is a handicap that prevents the driver from appreciating the extra dose of power. On the plus side, the automatic transmission of the Kia easily outmatches the CVT of its rival in terms of quick-shifting ability and overall feel.
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| These two contenders weren't created equal in terms of power. |
Powertrain
| 2010 Kia Soul 4u | 2009 Nissan cube 1.8 SL | |
| Engine | 2.0L L4 16-valve | 1.8L L4 16-valve |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic | Continously variable |
| Power | 142 hp @ 6000 rpm | 122 hp @ 5200 rpm |
| Torque | 137 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm | 127 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm |