Yuk... a Kia Soul for a 3 day business trip. All they had available in mid / full / std size... I know Kia have got a lot of plaudits for recent models, and the Optima and Elantra look pretty good from the outside (never driven them), but this Soul is awful!
In no particular order ....
Seats that feel like crap, no support, can not be adjusted to a comfortable spot.
Steering that feels like the cliche rubber band connects to the wheels.
An engine that seems designed to be the most efficient way to turn chemical energy into noise, forgetting about generating any power in the process but while using ~ 10l/100km on the highway.
Sadly the noise is horrible, >3k rpm at 120 kph gives a ear-hurting drone that's only partly drowned out by the wind and road noise.
Coupled to a 4 speed auto that has crap acceleration after 60kph
Brakes with zero feel and not much more stopping ability.
USB /iPOD interface that's either broken or won't work with an iPhone
Creaks / rattles / worn interior at < 30k km's
Stupid flashing lights around the speakers ... why did anyone ever think that might be a good idea?
To be fair and balanced, the Bluetooth pairing was pretty easy to figure out and the back seat looks quite roomy. Why would anyone buy one, so many better choices for the money... because they look "cool"
i.e. fugly.
Have to get a note added to rental file to never give me one of these again!
