2010 KIA SOUL

Compiled by Motor Matters Comments 0
Published: October 30, 2009

Kia rolls out the all-new 2010 Soul urban passenger vehicle with modern, unique styling aimed toward the young and young-at-heart.

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Soul's low, wide stance is paired with an angled window line, rounded nose and large flared back headlamps, giving it a playful and youthful appearance.

The beltline rises from the front wheel arch to create a gentle wedge shape and continues under and around the rear side window. The body and wheel arch crease line extends around the bumper for a tough, not rough, style matching the look of the front.

Inside the cabin is where Soul shows its power to surprise as a personal lounge on wheels or an efficient cargo carrier with 14 storage zones. While Soul offers a small footprint, it offers a surprisingly spacious interior.

Soul's interior is decidedly influenced by the highly specified audio system. An uncluttered dashboard with a three-dial instrument cluster, LCD illumination and floating center stack design is the key visual feature and offers enticing access to the AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities. Standard USB and auxiliary input jacks also are in the center console.

Soul offers a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed manual, which produces 122 horsepower and 115 lb.-ft. of torque. For those looking for more power, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is available with either the five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. It generates 142 horsepower with 137 lb.-ft. of torque. Base model estimated mpg: 26/31

Estimated starting price: $13,300