The 2010 Soul looks more like a hybrid crossover sedan than a breadbox or cube introduced by Kia’s competitors. It is comfortable and somewhat roomy despite the fact that it gets 24-city mpg and 30 on the highway.
My daughter called the Soul “cute” while her older brother said it was “cool.” Even an old guy like me, who is further from the Y-generation than 20 letters, had a good time driving it.
Now Soul is not the kind of car that can take Mom, Dad, Grandpa, Grandma, and the kids to Disneyland. But you and your spouse and the kids would fit perfectly, and maybe a dog, if it was a small dog like a Chihuahua. Dobermans and Russian Wolfhounds are definitely out.
The only drawback I found was the lack of sufficient power when trying to get back up to your set speed when you come off cruise control. If you are doing 70 with cruise set and get off that speed, then the engine has to strain to get back to that 70 mph.
An anti-lock braking system, electronic stability control, dual front advanced airbags, and full-length side curtain and front active headrests are some of the safety features Kia has in the Soul. “This is the way to roll, drive the Soul,” is a company slogan. Your can roll with the Soul for less then $18,000.
Engine:
2.0 liter 16 valves DOHC 4-cylinder
5-speed automatic transmission
142 hp @ 6,000 rpm
137 lb-ft torque @ 4,600 rpm
Interior:
Air conditioning
Satellite radio
60/40 split folding seats
Tinted glass, tachometer
Exterior:
Body color front and rear bumpers
Variable intermittent front wipers
10-year/100,000 mile powertrain
5-year/5,000 mile bumper to bumper
5-year/24-hour roadside service
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or at dcaussey@sbcglobal.net.
