Leakage: 2010 Kia Soul starting at $13,995
Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Kia Soul
A little birdie sent us a memo addressed to Kia dealers outlining the prices and specifications for the 2010 Kia Soul, due to hit dealers this April. The base model, equipped with the 122 hp, 1.6-liter inline-four and mated to a five-speed manual gearbox will be sold at an introductory price of $13,995 (including destination charge), and includes six airbags, ABS, ESC, air conditioning, power windows and door locks, an AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with three months of free Sirius satellite radio, along with USB and auxiliary inputs. For the money, the plain-old Soul is a stonkin' good deal and could cause first-gen Scion xB owners to avoid a repeat trip to the ToMoCo dealer.
The Soul + gets a bump in displacement and output, with a 142 hp 2.0-liter four, 16-inch wheels, rear disc brakes, tinted glass, body matched door handles, power mirrors, Bluetooth integration, keyless entry and cruise control. The Soul + will start at $14,950 with a five-speed manual and rise to $15,900 when equipped with the four-speed automatic.
Both the Soul! and Soul sport get the same 2.0-liter mill, but benefit from 18-inch rollers, fog lamps, an upgraded stereo, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and metal interior trim. The Soul! can be equipped with a sunroof and sand/black seats, while the sport model gets unique front and rear fascias, side sills, rear spoiler, a "sport-tuned" suspension, red/black interior scheme and metal pedals. Both models start at $16,950 with a manual or $17,900 with the four-speed auto 'box.
Kia claims that the Soul will have "the most comprehensive list of accessories ever developed for Kia vehicle" ranging from body kits, to wheels, to interior lighting packages and performance upgrades. We're looking forward to getting behind the wheel to see if the Soul can pick up where the second-gen. xB went astray. Hit the jump to read the memo.
Gallery: 2010 Kia Soul
Click either image for a high-res version
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Tommy 3:10PM (12/30/2008)
I'm ashamed to admit it but I do like the design.
Even though I'd never drive a Kia.
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Auari 3:11PM (12/30/2008)
This car is really cool looking, If it was in a different color of course. Is this car in the same category of CR-V and RAV4?
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Stuka 3:18PM (12/30/2008)
I wouldnt think so. The CR-V and RAV4 are both available with 4wd (well, the CR-V has a 70:30 torque split). This looks to be FWD only. So it looks lmore like a Scion xB competitor.
I LOVE the fact that Reverse is where its supposed to be on the 5sp.
Craig 9:45PM (12/30/2008)
I'm hoping it is based off the same platform as the Hyundai i30. That will guarantee a decent drive.
ASEVENSEE4 3:12PM (12/30/2008)
That's a really good price with ABS and ESC.
I should go test drive a Soul, I've been pretty surprised recently with what Hyundai/Kia has been churning out lately.
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MemphisNET 3:14PM (12/30/2008)
They've def. got a winner on their hands with this.
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TyWright 3:14PM (12/30/2008)
Beautiful.
Korea is the new Japan.
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TyWright 3:16PM (12/30/2008)
Fake vents should be banned though. That 'thing' on the quarter panel better breathe...
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Arumage 3:17PM (12/30/2008)
Atleast it's integrated into the design and not put there as an afterthought.
Hike15 3:18PM (12/30/2008)
wow
this is impressive
seems like a great deal
but how does the car drive?
id consider it, but id be sure to debadge it.
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ack154 3:19PM (12/30/2008)
Soul
Soul +
Soul!
Soul sport
Seriously? No... that's not going to be confusing at all.
That said, not a bad deal all the way around. Would have to drive one first obviously, but this would be the first Kia vehicle I would actual give a look to...
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Rocketboy 3:34PM (12/30/2008)
Wow, when it's time to replace my first year MINI, if the Soul still looks anything like this, it will be on my short list.
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Mark H. 3:39PM (12/30/2008)
This isn't coming out until April? I was just at the DeMontrond dealership in Houston about an hour ago and I'm pretty sure there is a Soul in the showroom. I meant to check it out but got sidetracked.
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Arumage 3:41PM (12/30/2008)
The Soul models in the dealership are Korean spec models. Just get them to open the hood and check out the 1.6L diesel that I wish the US was getting.
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Max 4:00PM (12/30/2008)
The Soul + at $15k seems like a real bargain. You can easily option a Yaris or Versa to this price to get similar equipment and won't have nearly the same car.
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faustuscm 4:10PM (12/30/2008)
Heck I DID with my Yaris. If the MPG isn't the pits I think I'm switching to this. Should have gotten a 4 door!
Prestor John 8:51PM (12/30/2008)
Looks like an envelope opener. Bet it handles like one as well.
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tanooki2003 9:28PM (12/30/2008)
Ahh Yes, Here we go.
There always has to be at least 1 ignorant moron that states a comment that shows that yet once again they are as smart as the wet stuff underneath big rocks.
You Prestor John seriously fail on lack of creativity and intellect. You sir belong with your own kind on Jalopnik.com
Travis 4:09PM (12/30/2008)
Have seen them in Korea, and they're sharp looking. Not thrilled by the rear hatch/door they've got, but overall a good package. When the wife's looking for a new car this (the iQ, and the Cube with e-AWD) will probably be towards the front of the pack.
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tekd 4:10PM (12/30/2008)
That sport interior looks ridiculous in red and black, but the Soul+ does seem like it might be a decent value. The base doesn't seem worth it though since it drops so many features and gets a smaller powerplant.
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