Soul much to love
The last of the small and funky crossovers is priced just right
Nearly 159,000 Kia Souls were sold in North America last year, making it the South Korean automaker’s most popular model.
Nearly one out of every four new Kias delivered in 2016 was one of these subcompact utility vehicles, meaning this nameplate is a cornerstone of the brand.
But are the Soul’s furry mascots responsible for this blazing showroom success or are there other factors in play? After spending more than a week in the driver’s seat, this is a surprisingly easy question to answer.
The Soul choice Once upon a time, there was a teeming segment of small and funky crossovers. They prioritized interior space, irreverent design and affordability over things like luxury amenities and on-road manners. For better or worse, it ultimately decayed into a class of one.
Looking back, the unloved Nissan Cube went flat in short order, the Honda Element got stripped from the periodic table of vehicles, and Scion’s squared-off xB has been all but forgotten, just like the guy that invented windshield wipers . . . or was it a woman*?
So why has the Soul succeeded so spectacularly while rivals have faded into history? It thrives thanks to a unique blend of style, functionality, efficiency and features, a sweet combination that appeals to youthful drivers and those that are young at heart.
LX, EX and SX The 2017 Kia Soul is offered in three flavours, including an entry-level model (LX), a mid-range “EX” variant as well as the fanciest version, “SX.” Our tester was naturally the richest offering available, though it was still exceedingly affordable, ringing the cashregister bells at a friendly $28,069, including delivery, as well as carpeted floor mats, the Soul (sorry, couldn’t resist!) option.
Still, if you’re hunting for a bargain, the base car is plenty affordable, kicking off at less than $20,000. At that price, it still offers things like power windows and locks, Bluetooth, a six-speaker sound system, air conditioning and even steering wheel-mounted audio controls.
Upping the fanciness-factor, our Soul SX was gussied up with a touchscreen infotainment system brandishing a colourful eight-inch screen display. It also featured automatic climate control, soft plastic on the upper dashboard and door panels, imitation leather on the shroud over the instrument cluster and stylish 18-inch alloy wheels.
It hauls Fanny packs may be incredibly versatile accessories, but no one would call them sexy. Likewise, vehicular storage capacity isn’t something most customers lust after, but that doesn’t diminish its importance. Rear seats folded down, the Soul is capacious as all get out, offering more than 1,736 litres of luggage capacity. Keep the backrests up and there’s around 685 L to play with.
Front and rear, this vehicle’s seats are long-haul ready. Surprisingly, for something with such trim exterior dimensions, the Soul’s aft accommodations are spacious enough that six-footers won’t complain. The Soul’s upmarket infotainment system is easy to use and responds quickly to inputs. The user interface is relatively clean and quick to decipher, attributes that are always welcome.
Triad of power Matching its trio of trim lines, a triad of engines is available for the Soul. Base models are powered by a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder that’s good for a rather measly 130 horsepower. Middle-market models feature a larger 2.0litre unit that cranks out a more livable161 ponies. But for speed freaks, there’s also a new 1.6-litre turbo that imbues this subcompact schlepper with impressive vigour.
Three transmissions are also offered. In the base car, a six-speed manual is the only gearbox available, but opting for the 2.0-litre engine gives you a couple choices, either the three-pedal option or a conventional automatic with six forward ratios. Finally, the turbocharged version comes exclusively with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The drive That 1.6-litre turbo is incredibly smooth. It zips and zings without vibrating the cabin and its passengers; isolation is exemplary. Many small displacement fourcylinders buzz like a swarm of bees when the revs build, but not with this power plant.
It’s just a shame it sounds so sickly. This engine is suitably quiet, but the noises that do make their way into the vehicle are dreadful, a hoarse moaning sound that discourages you from ever touching the accelerator and enjoying the brisk acceleration that’s just a toe-tap away.
Another disappointing aspect of the Kia Soul’s drivetrain is its dual-clutch automatic transmission. Sure, this sevenspeed gearbox shifts seamlessly and in the blink of an eye when you’re underway, but this responsiveness isn’t enough to offset its low-speed shortcomings.
Aside from its transmission woes, the Soul is entirely competent. Its steering is sharp, braking confidence inspiring and efficiency admirable. This rolling breadbox should return 9.1 L/100 km in city driving and 7.7 L on the highway. Combined, it’s rated at an altogether competent 8.5 L/100 km.
The verdict There’s a reason Kia sells boatloads of Souls every year. It’s mostly refined and plenty spacious, offers comfortable accommodations and lots of standard equipment, provides rapid acceleration with the turbocharged engine and remains a strong value even in range-topping trim. It does everything most drivers need, with plenty of youthful flair.
*In point of fact it was. Pardon us for trolling you!