Kia bares its 2014 Soul, offering a better ride
Though Kia has, on occasion, missed the mark with聽聽in the United States (such as its聽), there鈥檚 no denying that its Soul 鈥渦rban passenger vehicle鈥� is a solid hit that seems to defy demographics.
Though pitched at Millennial buyers, we鈥檝e seen plenty of fifty-somethings behind the wheel, too. Drive a Soul and it鈥檚 easy to see why: the diminutive MPV is practical, affordable and nimble enough to provide some degree of entertainment value.
For 2014, Kia has聽聽to talk about, and it鈥檚 launching its funky people mover at this week鈥檚 New York聽Show. Kia says the new Soul was born from聽, but the only similarities we see are the new Soul鈥檚 wider stance and聽.
The 2014 Soul is longer, too, and blessed with a stiffened chassis to reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). Though you may not feel it in urban cruising, the new platform鈥檚 28.7 percent increase in torsional rigidity should help in the twisty bits, especially when you factor in the 鈥渟ignificant suspension upgrades鈥� Kia refers to.
Up front, four subframe bushings help reduce ride harshness, the stabilizer bar has been moved rearward and the steering box has been moved forward; Kia claims the result is better on-center feel and improved handling. Out back, the rear shock absorbers have been reoriented and lengthened to boost ride comfort.
The 2014 Soul gets the same multi-setting electric steering unveiled on the聽聽GT. Drivers can choose between Comfort, Normal and Sport settings, but only the steering effort (and not the ratio) actually changes.
Under hood, Base Souls get a direct-injected 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, rated at 130 horsepower and 118 pound-feet of torque and bolted to either a six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic transmission.
Stepping up to the Plus or Exclaim trims gets you a direct-injected 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine, good for 164 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. Plus versions can be had with either six-speed gearbox, but the Exclaim comes only with Kia鈥檚 six-speed automatic.
Base Soul models come with a sizable list of amenities, including Bluetooth connectivity; SiriusXM satellite radio; a six-speaker audio system; a telescoping steering wheel and power locks, windows and side mirrors.
Choose the Soul Plus, and you鈥檒l also get 17-inch alloy wheels; side mirror-embedded turn signals; auto on/off headlights; unique fender trim; a floor console storage box; Kia鈥檚 UVO eServices; a rearview camera and a rear center arm rest.
Atop the range is the Soul Exclaim, which adds 18-inch alloy wheels; fog lights; unique bumpers; projector headlights; LED running lights; LED tail lights; a piano black center console; a cooled glove box; a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob; a 10-way power driver鈥檚 seat and an auto dimming rearview mirror.
The 2014 Kia Soul will hit dealers in the third quarter of 2013, and pricing will be announced closer to launch.
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