The signature Soul design is still instantly recognizable, with more than a passing nod to the cutting-edge Track’ster concept that was unveiled last year.

The base Soul is powered by a gasoline direct injection (GDI) 1.6-litre all-aluminum DOHC four-cylinder engine. Other available Soul trims will offer a more powerful 2.0-litre GDI power plant. Both engines have been tuned to provide more low-end torque for an improved around-town driving experience.

Riding on a new chassis that is stiffer, longer and wider, the all-new Soul offers more passenger and cargo room while reducing Noise Vibration Harshness (NVH) levels. Increased torque and significant suspension upgrades make the 2014 Soul a nimble and agile companion in congested urban environments.

Pricing will be announced closer to the Soul’s launch date in the third quarter of this year.

“Introduced in 2009, the Soul began Kia’s design-led transformation and played a vital role in the evolution of the Kia brand,” said Robert Staffieri, Director of Marketing, Kia Canada Inc. “Its iconic design exemplifies Kia’s commitment to deliver a combination of innovative styling, along with enhanced driving dynamics and functionality.”

The new Soul is built on an all-new chassis that is significantly stiffer than before. Engineers put their efforts in strengthening the body at key connection points along the cowl, upper and lower B-pillars, cross members, and at the C-pillars. Fully, 66 per cent of the chassis utilizes either Ultra High Strength Steel (35 percent) or High Strength Steel (31 percent). The application of structural adhesive around the door openings and along the roof also helps improve torsional rigidity.

Fuel consumption ratings, as well as prices and engine specifications will be available closer to launch.

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To earn the Insurance Institute’s “Top Safety Pick,” a vehicle has to earn good ratings in all three tests—and must offer electronic stability control, which comes standard on all Prius models and on the Insight EX model. It’s available as on option on the less expensive Insight LX.

Honda Insight frontal crash test

The Toyota Prius, a midsize sedan with a combined city/highway rating of 50 mpg, is the most fuel-efficient car on the market today. The Honda Insight has an average efficiency rating of 41 mpg.

The insurance group’s side test simulates a collision with an SUV or pickup truck moving at 31 mph. The frontal test mimics 40 mph crashes with vehicles of the same weight as the test car. The IIHS also simulates a stationary vehicle being rear-ended by a vehicle going 20 mph. Side crash test results apply no matter what size vehicles you are comparing, but front impact results are meaningful only when comparing models of about the same weight.

In the Prius’s front crash test, the driver dummy’s head hit the pillar between the front and back windows, but the impact was relatively low. The dummy’s head suffered slightly more of an impact when it hit the steering wheel through the air bag. In the Insight’s frontal test, the side curtain air bag prevented the dummy’s head from hitting any stiff structures, although there was a slight risk of rib fractures in the side impact test.

Small Cars Score Big for Safety

The IIHS gave top safety designations to 10 out of the 27 small cars that were tested. Other small cars with the top safety rating are the 2010 Kia Soul, 2009 Subaru Impreza, 2009 Scion xB, four-door 2009 Honda Civic, 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer, 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit, 2010 Toyota Corolla and two-door 2009 Ford Focus. In past testing, the Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit and Smart ForTwo performed poorly in frontal crash tests with mid-sized vehicles.

“The latest results show that consumers who want good fuel economy can also get a high level of safety,” said institute spokesman Russ Rader. “Because there are so many small cars that test well, there’s no reason to settle for a small car with less-than-stellar safety ratings.”

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Built on the Kia Rio’s subcompact platform, the Soul offers a lot in terms of affordability, practicality, and efficiency. It’s powered by a choice of two small four-cylinder engines. One is a 1.6-liter powerplant yielding a modest 122 horsepower, and the other is a peppier 142-horsepower 2.0-liter. The 1.6 has government fuel economy ratings of 26 in the city and 31 on the highway—while the 2.0-liter rates at 24 in the city and 30 on the highway. The MSRP starts at $13,300.

We put the EPA’s mileage numbers to the test by taking our 2.0-liter Soul out on our regular 114-mile test loop. The first time, we applied harder acceleration and a heavier foot. On this run, we achieved a respectable 25.7 miles per gallon. We were expecting less given the more spirited driving, but the Soul kept a comfortable margin over its city number. On our more passive run, again the Soul out-did its ratings—achieving 33.1 miles per gallon. Sure, the driving style was subdued, and even the heat was turned off, but the final result was encouraging.

From a handling standpoint, the Soul is a fun little car to drive. But due to a higher center of gravity, you have to watch taking corners too fast. There’s more body roll here then the typical subcompact. Electronic Stability Control helps, but the driver still needs to be aware of the vehicle’s limits. Its ride is comfortable and fairly smooth, making it a natural commuter. The only real complaint is the buzziness of the engine. It can get a little loud and annoying on the highway.

The cabin of the Soul is as stylish as the exterior. Its use of color and curved lines give it a very modern appeal. Beyond aesthetics, the Soul has a level of fit and finish that is comparable to rivals from Honda or Toyota. Interior materials feel solid, not plastic-y, a direction Hyundai has been moving in for the last couple of model years. And there’s plenty of passenger room for five—more than the xB. Seats are firm and supportive, and the ones up front offer excellent visibility in all directions. The Soul, however, falls short on cargo room compared to the xB and the Fit. Not to say that it’s unusable—just limited. The overall interior packaging leans toward passenger space over cargo volume.

But the true essence of the Soul’s urban flavor is captured by its 315-watt upgraded stereo system with subwoofer and pulsating speaker lights. No doubt a novelty, but super cool nonetheless. And it delivers sound that’s similar to that of systems found in higher-end luxury automobiles.

In the end, the Kia Soul is a fun, little people carrier, with eye-catching looks, very good fuel economy, and Hyundai’s newfound reputation for quality. Add to that a 10 year/100,000 warranty—the best in the industry—and a base price around $15,000. It’s possible that we may have a cult hit on our hands.

Reviews

“The 2010 Soul is a game-changer for Kia, the first vehicle from the Korean automaker that has a chance of being remembered for more than its low price and long warranty. This Kia has actually got soul.”
Edmunds.com

“Those who were disappointed with the upsized and redesigned second-generation Scion xB may have a new vehicle to consider… The engine provides plenty of power for a vehicle this size, feels significantly quicker than the first-gen xB, and will probably outrun the Fit in a straight line. But it’s somewhat unrefined and noisy (which, considering the price point, isn’t a serious problem).”
MotorTrend

“Driving the Soul is bound to stir memories in those who drove an original VW Beetle in college. The seats sit upright and are fairly firm. The steering is light and the shifter has the same vague rubbery feel as the original Beetle’s. It’s kind of awkward, just like the first time you drove a Beetle, but you soon get used to the feel, clunking it in and out of gear without a second thought. Cruising at 70…feels fairly relaxed.”
TheTruthAboutCars

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