Autoblog

2012 Kia Soul 1.6L Eco

John Neff — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Crossover, Hatchback, Kia, New Car Reviews

Proving "Base" Means Anything But These Days

The Soul is an unqualified hit. Sales of this playful econobox have increased year-over-year since it was introduced in 2009 as a 2010 model, with over 100,000 people bringing one home last year alone. In fact, the Soul was Kia's second-best-selling model in 2011 behind the Sorento, beating out the critically acclaimed Optima, gorgeous Sportage and entry-level Forte.

Not only is the Soul outperforming products in its own portfolio, it's also slaughtering what little competition there is out there that lines up straight against it. One could argue that the Soul competes with any sub-$20K five-door hatchback on the market, but most agree that buyers considering a Soul are also likely to check out the Scion xB and Nissan Cube. These three vehicles make up a tiny selection of boxy alternatives for people who shun the norm, but in just a few short years, the Soul has run away with the segment, accounting for 76-percent of its sales last year alone.

There are a number of reasons for the Soul's success, not the least of which is an award-winning marketing campaign that stars a peace-keeping troop of intergalactic breakdancing hamsters. Aside from rhythmically inclined rodents, the Soul has achieved what the xB and Cube haven't because its unorthodoxy ends long before alienation sets in. A lot of people just find it charming, and it covers the basics of A-to-B transportation as well as any other vehicle with a starting price below $14,000.

But the Soul wasn't perfect, as evidenced by the number of upgrades it received for the 2012 model year. With new styling tweaks inside and out, new and updated engines and transmissions along with additional features, the 2012 Kia Soul is a lot newer than one would expect of a vehicle just three years old. And while normally automakers are prone to sending out loaded models to review, Kia was confident enough to deliver us this Base 1.6L model for a week-long test.

Continue reading 2012 Kia Soul 1.6L Eco

2012 Kia Soul 1.6L Eco originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How Kia built its show-stopping Track'ster concept

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:45:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Concept Cars, Videos, Hatchback, Kia, Design/Style

We'll admit it: We're totally smitten with the Kia Track'ster Concept that debuted at last week's Chicago Auto Show. And it's not just because we like the idea of a 250-horsepower, all-wheel-drive hot hatch from Korea, it's because this concept shows bits and pieces of what the next-generation Soul could look like, including a possible three-door configuration. Kia, however, has no immediate plans to send the Track'ster into production. In fact, specific elements like the turbocharged engine don't even exist - this is purely a design study, albeit a hot one.

The process of building the Track'ster started a little over nine months ago, and the folks at Motor Trend were able to watch the entire creation process. Ideas and sketches turned into clay models which were later photographed, detailed, and sent over to a company that specializes in building concept cars. As a special treat, we even get to meet the Kia Soul donor vehicle that gave its life for the birth of this concept car.

Follow the jump to watch the short documentary detailing the birth of the hot little Track'ster.

Continue reading How Kia built its show-stopping Track'ster concept

How Kia built its show-stopping Track'ster concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kia start/stop system delayed due to poor feedback from media

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Technology, Hatchback, Kia

The come-hither 2012 Kia Rio has been bolting off dealer lots for obvious reasons that go beyond its $14,350 price. One of its noteworthy features for the U.S. market, especially for the segment, is stop/start, which Kia calls ISG for Idle, Stop & Go. Media feedback, however, has convinced Kia that ISG is not quite ready for prime time, so it's been sent back to the engineers for tweaks.

The same system is also available on the Kia Soul, and that hatchback will be going without for the moment, as well. Apparently, some reviewers found the system's engagement rough. Kia didn't give details about the move, either what might have caused the perceived roughness or what remedy it will use to fix it. If you're holding out for ISG on your Rio or Soul, which is available by checking the special Eco options package, a Kia executive said it will now be arriving in the second quarter.

Kia start/stop system delayed due to poor feedback from media originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AdSpotting: Kia and LMFAO introduce new Soul

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Kia

Company: Kia Motors America

Brand: Kia

Medium: TV, In-Cinema, Social Media

Ad Agency: David&Goliath

Product: 2012 Kia Soul

Campaign: "Share Some Soul"

What We Like: There's no denying that consumers associate the Hamstars with Kia and the Soul. Even if you came upon this commercial part of the way through and saw a giant dancing hamster in hip-hop gear, you'd know what was being shilled. Like previous Hamstar spots, the music here is undeniably catchy. The track by LMFAO is called Party Rock Anthem and recently enjoyed a six-week run atop the Billboard Top 100.

What We Don't Like: The overall concept is pushing further into the realm of ridiculous. Yes, we've already come to a place in our lives where we can accept dancing hamsters as successful spokesanimals. We can't, however, see them using their shuffling skills to end a futuristic war waged by vicious robots/warriors/aliens that are open to the idea of getting foot loose. Also, we already mentioned that the track is catchy, and that is a positive... but it's one that will turn into a negative over time.

Strategy: Kia is reaching out to the demographic it believes is most interested in the Soul. This spot will make its television debut during the upcoming MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), where tweens, teens and college folk will soak it in just as they would the latest episode of The Jersey Shore. The song will resonate with the demographic, and David&Goliath believes those future or current car shoppers will associate it with the 2012 Kia Soul. Still, while we understand the agency wanting to push the Hamstars in a new direction, having them establish galactic harmony through dance is a bit much.

Grade: C

Watch the video after the jump and give it your own grade below.

View Poll

Continue reading AdSpotting: Kia and LMFAO introduce new Soul

AdSpotting: Kia and LMFAO introduce new Soul originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Kia Soul [w/video]

Michael Harley — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Kia, New Car Reviews

Front Runner Improves On All Fronts

The Kia Soul certainly didn't need a refresh. With more than 10,000 units flying out of showrooms each month and a growing list of awards and accolades under its belt, the Korean automaker's boxiest compact is a success story regardless of the angle.

Yet, after just two model years, Kia has invested significantly in its little four-door. Emerging at the 2011 New York Auto Show earlier this year was this considerably updated 2012 Soul sporting a freshened look, innovative new technology and two new powertrains.

These aren't maneuvers from an automaker scrambling to play catch-up. Rather, these are the actions of a company not satisfied with being merely competitive in this important youthful segment. Kia doesn't want to play. Kia wants to win.

Last week, we crossed the expansive Pacific Ocean to get an early drive of the vehicle that promises to leave many Scion xB, Nissan Cube and Honda Fit engineers flustered - scratching their scalps - wondering how to close the gap.

Continue reading 2012 Kia Soul [w/video]

2012 Kia Soul [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Kia Soul priced under $14,000, start/stop coming later in year

John Neff — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 17:40:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Hatchback, Kia

The Kia Soul, otherwise known as Korea's answer to the Scion xB and Nissan Cube, has sold 65,118 units so far this year, close to twice as many as last year, and is now consistently racking up sales every month of over 10,000 units. The refreshed 2012 model will throw gasoline on the fire with updated engines, styling tweaks and new infotainment options, and Kia has confirmed it won't be messing too much with one of the Soul's best selling points: its low price.

A base 2012 Kia Soul will start at $13,900, not including a $750 destination charge, which is $600 more than a 2011 model. Kia can justify the price difference because it's upgraded the Soul's anemic 1.6-liter base engine with the company's GDI direct injection technology that not only makes it more powerful, but also helps it reach 35 miles per gallon on the highway, four mpg more than before. The five-speed manual transmission has also been ditched for a six-speed, and you can now order the base Soul with an automatic transmission for the first time: a six-speed unit that replaces the prior four-speed. The new base Soul with the six-speed automatic starts at $15,700.

Kia has discontinued the range-topping Soul Sport model for 2012, which leaves the Soul + (Plus) and ! (Exclamation) models above the base Soul. A Soul Plus with a more powerful 164-hp (+22 hp) 2.0-liter engine starts at $16,300 for a manual and $17,300 for an automatic, while the Soul Exclamation now starts at $19,600. Each Soul costs a little more than last year's model, but they all still fall under the all-important $20K mark and come well equipped before options, including new ones like an ECO package, the brand's UVO infotainment system and a rear-view camera.

Kia has also confirmed that the Soul will get "Idle, Stop and Go" (ISG) technology, essentially a start/stop system, later in the model year that will further improve its fuel efficiency numbers.

Continue reading 2012 Kia Soul priced under $14,000, start/stop coming later in year

2012 Kia Soul priced under $14,000, start/stop coming later in year originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Aug 2011 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York 2011: Kia updates 2012 Soul with new engines, transmissions and style

Zach Bowman — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Budget, Hatchback, Kia

2012 Kia Soul - Click above for high-res image gallery

Kia has introduced the updated 2012 Soul at the 2011 New York Auto Show. The quirky box has received a slew of styling updates both inside and out alongside a number of mechanical improvements designed to give the vehicle a little extra power and fuel efficiency, to boot. Up front, the Soul gains projection-beam headlights accented with LED daytime running lights, and two new paint colors have been added to the option sheet - Canyon and Moss. Indoors, top-trim buyers are treated to Kia's new Microsoft-branded hands-free connectivity system called UVO or an optional navigation system for the first time.

But the most exciting news comes from under the Soul's hood. The engineers at Kia have fitted an all-new 1.6-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine that produces 135 horsepower and 121 pound-feet of torque. That's a pony increase of 11 percent over the old, non-DI 1.6-liter engine, and Kia says that when coupled to either a new six-speed manual transmission or a similarly minty six-speed automatic gearbox, which replace the old five-speed manual and four-speed automatic, the engine will return 28 miles per gallon in the city and 34 mpg highway.

A more powerful 2.0-liter engine is also still on hand, but Kia has a new version that's more powerful than the one it replaces, producing 160 hp or 18 hp more than the engine its replacing, and it too can now be bolted to the new six-speed transmissions. Fuel economy for the updated 2.0-liter engine is now rated at 27 mpg city and 33 mpg highway for both cogswappers. Follow the jump for the full press blast.

Gallery: 2012 Kia Soul: New York 2011

Gallery: 2012 Kia Soul

Continue reading New York 2011: Kia updates 2012 Soul with new engines, transmissions and style

New York 2011: Kia updates 2012 Soul with new engines, transmissions and style originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Refreshed 2012 Kia Soul to bow at New York Auto Show

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Budget, Hatchback, Kia

2012 Kia Soul spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to a newsletter sent out by the New York Auto Show organizers, Kia will debut its refreshed 2012 Soul hatchback as part of next week's festivities. In addition to a slightly revised front fascia complete with LED running lamps, the funky hatch will receive a number of powertrain enhancements for the 2012 model year.

Most significantly, the Soul will benefit from the addition of new six-speed transmissions, likely in both manual and automatic forms. According to Kia, this means the 2012 Soul will achieve nearly 35 miles per gallon on the highway - a healthy boost over the current car's fuel economy rating of 24/30 mpg city/highway when equipped with the 2.0-liter engine and five-speed manual shifter.

As we reported earlier, Kia will also debut the 2012 Rio in New York, boasting new direct-injection technology and fuel economy ratings of over 40 mpg. Stay tuned for the full details next week.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Next-generation Kia Soul

[Source: New York Auto Show | Images: CarPix]

Refreshed 2012 Kia Soul to bow at New York Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Facelifted Kia Soul hanging out in the cold

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 15:21:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, Wagon, Hatchback, Kia

Spy Shots: Next-Generation Kia Soul - Click above for high-res image gallery

Kia is hard at work crafting an update to its funky little Soul. Our spy photographers in Germany have spotted a camo-clad example hiding an updated look.

Kia evidently plans on keeping up with current automotive trends, so the next-generation Soul will wear LED running lights (which are hiding beneath the amber stripes in the above photo) and sport turn-signal indicators in the mirrors.

Up front and out back, the Kia Soul will get revised bumpers. According to our sources, the Soul's revised mouth will mimic the style found on the Kia Picanto, while the rear bumper cap are expected to seee the fog lights pushed further to the outside edges on Euro models.

There's no word yet on when we'll see this Soul sans-camo, but anything can happen when the auto show season is in full swing. In the meantime, we'll have to use our imagination to figure out what's going on under that camouflage, and you can try do the same by clicking through the gallery below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Next-generation Kia Soul

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Facelifted Kia Soul hanging out in the cold originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 15:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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