2013 Kia Soul Review

The Kia Soul is a five-door crossover car that got its design tips from the Kia Rio. Last year, it went through a substantial repackaging. Thanks to a higher performing powertrain, it became faster and the fuel efficiency increased. Although all these were achieved, it kept to its standard; the flexibility, value and styling were sweet spot the U.S. market could not resist. The design and styling, standard features, price, powertrain and performance were all exceptional and it was a great hit among those looking to get their first cars especially the youth. With its edgy roofline, bulldog nose, boxy look and practicality, it gave a new idea of how a small car should look like. After going through all these changes in the previous year, the Soul will undergo minimal changes to become Kia Soul 2013 model.

For the Soul 2013 model, three trim levels are available: Base Soul, Soul Plus (Soul +), and the limited Soul Exclaim (Soul !). The five-passenger Base Soul is a front-wheel drive with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine designed to deliver 138-hp. It will have six-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic transmission system. The other two trims will be powered by a 164-hp 2.0-litre four inline engine with a six-speed manual transmission. A 6-speed automatic is also optional on the Soul + but standard on the top-of the-line Soul Exclaim. The estimated mileage expected from the 2013 Kia Soul is 27 and 35 mpg in the city and on the highway respectively.

Also standard on the 2013 Soul exclaim is an engine stop-start system (the feature is optional on automatic-transmission models of the Base Soul and the Soul +). This features automatically shut down the engine when it is in idle mode and restarts the engine immediately after the brake pedal is disengaged. The feature helps to conserve fuel usage.

The interior design of the 2013 Kia Soul did not go through any radical changes; it is versatile and roomy with a minivan-like layout; it can seat five adults comfortably and you can increase the cargo space by folding the rear seats. A rear-view camera and UVO infotainment system are standard on the Soul Exclaim but optional on the Soul+.  Keyless access and ignition, navigation system, heated front seats and leather upholstery are all optional on the Exclaim (!) trim. Power-folding side mirrors is standard on the trim.

With standard safety features like electronic stability control, traction control, anti-lock disc brakes, hill assist control, antiskid system, tire pressure monitor and six front and curtain airbags on all the models, the 2013 Soulgot a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS.

2013 Kia Soul Pros:

• Attractively designed
• Spacious interior
• Top of the class safety features
• High fuel efficiency

2013 Kia Soul Cons:

• Road noise
• Soul 2013 models with the navigation system do not have UVO infotainment system

The Base Price of the Kia Soul 2013 will range from $14,400 to $19,900 depending on the trim level. With an attractive look both in and out, and high value for money features, Kia Soul will remain a class leader and will continue to outsell other box-like cars like the Scion XB and Nissan Cube at least for another year!