There were 22 international reveals at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show and countless other appearances by some exotic and luxury rides beyond the reach of many in attendance. Fortunately, this model year brings plenty of affordable redesigns of cars very much in the average consumer crosshairs.
Kia bared its new Soul to attendees at this year’s LA Auto Show. While it drew its share of attention from visitors for the last week, automotive journalists had a chance to get to know this fresh Kia during a special drive event earlier this autumn.
The automaker gathered a bevy of reporters in downtown Minneapolis – doling out brand new Souls and inviting the car scribes to enjoy a long highway run along the Mississippi River, through rural Wisconsin and back into Minnesota.
The Soul has always been difficult to categorize. It’s more or less a small SUV built for urban use – as opposed to off-road adventure. But, you might consider it a large hatchback or even a little of that classic station wagon reborn. Kia would seem to opt for that last option.
Whatever you call the Soul, it’s worth considering for drivers in the market for a five seater with welcoming payload capacity – especially with a starting sticker price just south of $16,000.
For 2014, Kia performed a little facelift on their Soul. The vehicle is lowered, making it appear sportier and less top heavy. More stylish design flares around the rear hatch. The redesign was significant enough that several passers by sauntered up to the vehicles while parked noted that this must be the newest Kia Soul.
The driving experience – regardless of transmission – is comfortable and adequately powered. This is not a performance ride. It’s a vehicle designed for basic urban utility – moving people and reasonable cargo around populated environments. It will get that job done.
All trim levels were on hand, including the base four cylinder, 1.6 liter, 130 horsepower engine. This entry trim level includes a gorgeous six speed manual transmission. Bless Kia and all who sail with her for remembering that driving with anything but a manual transmission is really just steering.
Of course, Kia knows full well that a vast majority of the American driving public are lazy feebs who can’t manage driving a stick. So, all versions of the Soul are also available with a six speed automatic gearbox.
At its top trim level, Kia throws in plenty of tricks that the buyer might not expect to find in an affordable mini SUV option. The buyer can get power seats with lumbar support, heated mirrors, rearview camera, privacy glass, alloy wheels and electronic brake force distribution.
And all of that maxes out around $23,000 – making it affordable even for the entry level buyer category.
As sale numbers come in for the model year, time will tell how this new Kia performs in showrooms. But, Kia’s blip has been growing on the industry radar, and this Soul should keep it that way.
