When the Kia Soul made its debut two years ago, it joined a very small fraternity. The three other members of this "Appliance Moderne" school of auto design — the Honda Element, Nissan Cube and Scion xB — were all known for their angular, function first, anti-style styling.
When the Kia Soul arrived, it vaulted to the head of this class when it came to looks. Granted, the bar was none too high, but Soul cleared it because it managed to make the practical, rectangular Soul kinda cool looking, too.
Two years later, the boxy bunch has three members (the Honda Element departed in 2011), and the Kia Soul is offered in three trim levels (the former fourth — Sport — is no more). Now it's Soul (MSRP: $13,900), Soul+ ($16,300) and Soul! ($19,600).
The functional highlight of Soul's mid-cycle refresh is a power boost. The 1.6 liter, four-cylinder engine (standard on base Soul) now makes 138 hp (+16 over the former engine), while the 2.0 liter four (standard on Soul+ and Soul!) gained 22 hp, for a total of 164. Transmissions for 2012 are also new. Buyers choose from a six-speed manual (formerly five) or six-speed automatic (previously four).
The powertrain upgrades promise improvements in both drivability and fuel economy. While the 1.6 was not available for my test drive, the new, 2.0 was, and it's a noticeable upgrade over the version found in previous Soul models.
The engine is loud at full acceleration, but quiets at cruising speed. It has sufficient power, and predicted mileage, as mentioned, is better than before. The EPA estimates that 2.0 powered Soul's will register 26 mpg's city, and 34 highway. Those figures are +1 city, +4 highway over last year. My test drive week fell short of the mark, though, with Soul averaging 24 mpg's in mostly 'round town driving.
All Soul models are front wheel drive, and have an independent front/torsion beam/ trailing arm rear suspension. Sport models are no longer available, but Soul in general feels nimble, if not out and out sporty.
The car's footprint makes it an easy fit in parking spaces. The upright body lines make for generally good visibility with the exception that Soul's thick c-pillars create blind spots in your 3/4 rear view.
Soul is big enough to fit four adults, and a fair amount of cargo besides. Capacity ranges from a generous 19.3 cubic feet to as much as 53.4 cubic feet. Rear seatbacks fold nearly flat, and you don't have to hoist your gear high to get it in the bay. There's also some added space available in below deck bins. Storage spots in the forward cabin are numerous, if small. Some nits noted in my review of two years ago remain to be picked. The top of the undersized center console doubles as an inside arm rest, but doesn't slide up/back. And while the two-toning brightens the looks, the lack of any soft-touch points disappoints.
Top rung, Soul! models are distinguished from other trim levels by new-for-2012 exterior visuals, like projector headlamps with LED DRLs and taillights and 18-inch alloy wheels. The upgraded Infinity sound system standard on Soul! channels 350 watts through seven speakers. A voice-activated infotainment system is also included in these models. The 4.3-inch touch screen displays what the rear view camera sees.
For those who want their Soul! fully loaded, Kia offers a Premium package. The top line trim option adds leather-trimmed seats (heated in front) automatic climate control.
A navigation system (in place of the voice activated infotainment system) and a smart key with push button start. The Premium package comes at a premium of $2,500.
Two years removed from its debut, Soul remains a fun ride, and a fine blend of fun and function. Powertrain improvements add a little more oomph, and a handful of extra mpg's on the highway.
Unlike some of its boxy cohorts, Soul has found the cool side of the continuum between angular and square.
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