Kia Soul: Flamboyant utility

When we tested Kia’s then-new Soul in 2009, we dinged it for its yawn-inducing acceleration, coarse engine notes and clunky four-speed automatic transmission. Darned if Kia didn’t fix all that and more in 2012, when it debuted two new engines and a pair of new gearboxes. Meantime, the Soul’s stellar standard-features list and class-leading cabin tech set the standard for small econoboxes. The four-passenger, front-drive Soul is a space- and reasonably efficient subcompact wagon. Its energetic sheet metal, flamboyant color palette (including a not-found-in-nature hue called Alien) and such features as round, dash-top speakers target a young, largely urban audience. A snap to park on crowded city streets, its tall profile, drop-down second-row seating and flat load floor provide on-the-go utility. Soul’s three uniquely named trim levels are the Soul ($15,175, including destination) Soul Plus ($17,475) and Soul Exclaim ($20,675). Consistent with Kia’s more-is-more philosophy, even the base trim is well equipped. Standard features include full power accessories, air-conditioning, height-adjustable driver seat, cloth upholstery, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, trip computer, Bluetooth phone connectivity, satellite radio and an iPod/USB audio interface. Check the automatic-transmission box ($16,975) and the base Soul adds keyless entry, rear privacy glass, cruise control and a height-adjustable driver seat. Compatibility issues preclude ordering cruise control with the manual. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine powering the base trim makes 138 horsepower, up 16-hp from the original, and can be paired with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. The two upper trims receive a 2.0-liter four that makes 164 hp, a 22-hp bump from the original. It can be mated only to the new automatic. Both engines use direct injection which, in tandem with the new gearboxes, boosts efficiency as well as power. EPA ratings for the base engine jumped from 26 mpg city/31 highway to 27/35; the 2.0 improved from 24/30 to 36/34. I haven’t driven the small engine, but the new 2.0-liter is quieter and smoother than its predecessor, especially when pushed. The new automatic makes quick, smooth shifts, with none of the hesitance of the old four-speed. The ’13 Soul is quiet and refined at speed. On a jaunt through the wheat fields out to Fort Spokane, four of us conversed comfortably in normal tones. Though they agreed they wouldn’t want to drive to Seattle in the bench-style back seat, our passengers reported a comfortable ride. The seats sit high in the cabin, for that up-high view many drivers like. The Soul negotiated the winding, two-lane road with composure and subdued body lean. The ride is a bit stiffer than that of the competition, but is never uncomfortable. The original’s over-boosted steering has been dialed back and is now nicely weighted, with good on-center feel. With the second-generation, 2014 Soul waiting in the wings, the current model has reached the apex of its development, sans yawns, buzzy engines and reluctant transmissions. No dings this time around for the Soul. Don Adair is a Spokane-based freelance writer. Contact him at don@dadair.com. 2013 Kia Soul ! Vehicle base price: $14,400 Trim level base price: $19,900 As tested: $23,575 Optional equipment included Navigation with Sirius Traffic; push-button start; leather seat trim; heated front seats; automatic climate control. EPA ratings: 23 city/28 highway Regular unleaded fuel specified