First Drives, Kia

First Drive: 2010 Kia Soul

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February 23, 2009

2010 Kia Soul. Click image to enlarge

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Review and photos by Paul Williams

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2010 Kia Soul

Kelowna, British Columbia – It’s not often that a concept vehicle makes it pretty much intact to the showroom floor, but in the case of the 2010 Kia Soul, what you saw is what you get. So congratulations to Kia, Korean maker of sturdy-but-heretofore-conservative vehicles, because the Soul is one of the freshest automotive designs to hit the roads in the past decade.

And lest you think that Kia may have jettisoned its signature value-pricing along with conservative design, don’t worry. The Soul starts at $15,495 for the base 1.6 model, and tops out at $20,995 for the full jam Soul “Burner.” This is a dazzling display of pencil-sharpening from Kia Canada (somewhat diminished by a hefty $1,650 delivery charge).

But first, what is a Kia Soul? It’s a four-door, front-wheel drive, five-passenger tall car based on the Kia Rio (subcompact) platform that’s all about establishing a new identity for Kia in the marketplace. Targeted mainly at younger (20-29) and older (40-54) buyers, the Soul at once delivers a youthful, progressive image in a practical and economical package.

2010 Kia Soul. Click image to enlarge

Four trim levels are offered, starting with the above-mentioned base model and its 1.6-litre, inline four-cylinder engine that makes 122-horsepower and 115 lb-ft torque. This version also arrives with a five-speed manual (only) transmission, rear drum brakes, 15-inch steel wheels with plastic wheel covers, a monotone black interior and optional ($1,000) air conditioning. Standard features are generous, though, and include, power/heated mirrors, power windows and door locks, heated front seats, steering wheel mounted Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, steering-wheel mounted audio controls, USB/Aux ports, external temperature gauge and driver’s armrest.

But even though a split-folding rear seat, six airbags and active front head restraints are also standard, the base Soul exists to set the low end of the price range (a common practice by manufacturers), and is expected to represent only four per cent of Soul sales. Admittedly, it comes with a lot of standard equipment, but if you can manage an extra $2,000, the $17,995 Soul 2u raises the value bar dramatically.

Specifically, the base 1.6-litre engine is replaced with a more suitable inline four-cylinder 2.0-litre that makes 142 hp and 137 lb-ft torque. The standard transmission is a five-speed manual, but unlike in the base Soul, an automatic (four-speed) is available for an additional $1,000. The 15-inch steel wheels become 16-inch alloys, with four-wheel disc brakes and anti-lock, and integrated fender mounted turn signals are fitted, along with deep tint privacy glass, driver’s seat height adjuster, “Soul” pattern seat fabric with luminous lettering, keyless remote entry, air conditioning, electronic stability control, traction control, cruise control and roof rails to complete the package.

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