Every automaker has had at least one trend-setter model in line at some point of its history. Some of the latest ones are Alfa Romeo MiTo, Ford Fiesta 6 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class, which were used by their companies’ as reference for future releases whether in design, technologies or the overall concept. Kia’s rise into becoming as honorable as any other brand such as Chevrolet or Renault has achieved one very important step: the Koreans have managed to consolidate their very own trend-setter car around the world.
First glances might conclude this is only a half-life facelift, but the truth is Soul received a whole new generation, even though it’s only five years old. This comes from the fact that it’s an image car, whose biggest appeal has always been an unique concept, which is specialized into unmatched styling and proposal. Following this path may demand frequent changes in order to keep the car standing in the crowd but, on the other side, each and every update must be carefully planned to avoid losing the image which has been built around that car through all the years. Such difficulties are what makes this kind of car very hard to achieve success, and therefore makes these rare examples so special. Kia decided to improve Soul, rather than trying to surprise once again, and performed this plan with a strategy that reminds of what Suzuki did with the current Swift: there was as much attention inside as few outside. The biggest intention seems to be making the hatchback more imponent, not only by the slightly increased length, wheelbase and width but specially the use of elements which give the idea of solidness: besides of wider fenders, the headlights are bigger and now carry the LED daytime lights on themselves, instead of the additional opening right below. The tail lights have also increased, but even though the red section resemble big telephone handsets, the entire set is more elegant than the previous.
Speaking of the rear section, the trunk lid is 2.4 inches wider and made mostly of glass, with a body-color panel which will probably have special roles when decorating Soul’s future special editions. Opening this or the car’s other doors reveals a completely redesigned central console, whose lots of circular elements make a great contrast with some square ones, giving an overall impression which doesn’t reach to remind Mini Cooper but has no problem with looking very different from what Kia’s vehicle used to have. There are softer-touch materials and improved soundproofing, in order to follow the excellent level saw on the equipment list: the Base trim already brings multimedia sound system and power windows and locks, while Plus adds 17” wheels, automatic headlights, backup camera and UVO infotainment system. The best Soul available comes in Exclaim, which adds 10-way power driver’s seat, 18” wheels, LED external lights and several styling items – all the trims also bring very interesting lists of optional items. This car carries over the entire powertrain set, which features the direct-injected 1.6L of 130 hp and 118 lb-ft for Base, and a 2.0L with the same technology but 164 hp and 151 lb-ft starting on Plus. When it comes to the transmission, Base and Plus’ manual six-speed can be upgraded for the automatic box which comes as standard on Exclaim.
