Archive for August, 2013

The Fun To Drive 2013 Kia Soul

Sunday, August 4th, 2013

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The Fun To Drive 2013 Kia Soul

Overview

The 2013, Kia Soul has a few design changes, which include completely redesigned front and rear fascia. The 2013 Soul now has more personality and new badging.

Safety

  • 4-wheel ABS
  • Front and rear head airbags
  • Dual front side-mounted airbags
  • Child seat anchors
  • Emergency braking assist
  • Ventilated front disc / solid rear disc brakes
  • Rear door child safety locks
  • Daytime running lights
  • Front fog/driving lights
  • Auto delay off headlamps
  • Dusk sensing headlamps
  • 2 front headrests
  • 3 rear headrests
  • Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
  • Rear center 3-point belt
  • Front seatbelt pretensioners
  • Turn signal mirrors
  • Stability control
  • Traction control
  • Electronic brakeforce distribution
  • Front height adjustable headrests
  • Rear height adjustable headrests
  • Passenger head restraint whiplash protection system
  • Driver head restraint whiplash protection system
  • Tire pressure monitoring

Driving Impression

The 2013 Kia Soul is fun to drive and has plenty of power from its 2.0 4-cyl-drive train. The 2.0-liter delivers 164-hp and I averaged 26 MPG for the week I had my Soul.

The Soul handled very well in the city and on the highway. I found the Soul to be a fun car to drive. The steering was very responsive and the brakes were adequate.

Under the Hood

The new 2.0-liter is rated 164 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque. My Soul had the six-speed automatic transmission and delivered great gas mileage.

Inside

The interior of the Soul is highlighted with a unique center stack and a host of creature features. The interior is well laid out and offers a nice balance between form and function. Quality materials are used on the interior and highlighted with two-tone leather upholstery in my loaded Soul.

The seats were very comfortable and hold you firmly in position when driving.

The gauges and controls are nicely laid out and easy to use. The optional Infinity audio system’s illuminated trim rings for the speakers flash to the beat of the music and at 1st thought I was seeing things. The Soul’s has a ton of head, legroom. Behind the rear seat is 19 cubic feet of cargo room, which grows to 53 cubic feet with both sections of the 60/40-split rear seatbacks folded down.

Convenience

  • Cruise control
  • Front console with storage
  • Front and rear cupholders
  • Front and rear door pockets
  • Front seatback storage
  • Electric power steering
  • 12V front and 12V cargo area power outlet(s)
  • Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
  • Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel
  • Rear view camera

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Cargo area light
  • Simulated alloy trim on center console
  • Simulated alloy trim on dash
  • Simulated alloy trim on doors
  • Front reading lights
  • Leather trim on shift knob
  • Leather steering wheel
  • Front and rear floor mats
  • Turn signal in mirrors
  • Electrochromatic inside rearview mirror
  • Dual illuminating vanity mirrors

In Car Entertainment

  • Mast antenna
  • Infinity premium brand speakers
  • 8 total speakers
  • 350 watts stereo output
  • AM/FM in-dash single CD player with CD MP3 Playback stereo
  • Sirius XM satellite radio
  • Auxiliary audio input and iPod integration
  • 1 subwoofer(s)
  • 3 Months of provided satellite radio service
  • Radio data system

· USB connection

· Heated Seats

· Navigation

Outside

The Soul styling is unique, quirky and makes a statement. The design has straight lines and square corners and will definitely appeal to a specific car buyer, who is young & hip.

Summary

Overall, the Kia Soul is a great value, fun to drive and a car worth taking a test-drive in before you purchase your next new car.

Specifications

Exterior Measurements

WIDTH 5 ft. 10.3 in. (70.3 in.)

HEIGHT 5 ft. 3.4 in. (63.4 in.)

LENGTH 13 ft. 6.2 in. (162.2 in.)

GROUND CLEARANCE 0 ft. 6.5 in. (6.5 in.)

FRONT TRACK 5 ft. 1.8 in. (61.8 in.)

REAR TRACK 5 ft. 2.5 in. (62.5 in.)

WHEEL BASE 8 ft. 4.4 in. (100.4 in.)

Interior Measurements

FRONT HEAD ROOM 40.2 in.

FRONT HIP ROOM 53.3 in.

FRONT LEG ROOM 42.1 in.

FRONT SHOULDER ROOM 55.2 in.

REAR HIP ROOM 52.7 in.

REAR HEAD ROOM 39.6 in.

REAR LEG ROOM 39.0 in.

REAR SHOULDER ROOM 55.1 in

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