KIA SOUL

The Kia Seltos is the All-Wheel-Drive Answer to the Kia Soul

April 21, 2020 by admin 5 Comments

North Carolina’s longest covered bridge at the Ole Gilliam Mill Park, 4717 Carbonton Rd #4637, Sanford, NC 27330.

The all-new Kia Seltos is a subcompact crossover utility vehicle with room for five. It comes with standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive, the latter not available with the similar-size Kia Soul.

Doubtlessly, Kia formulated the Seltos to fill, in part, the lack of an all-wheel-drive option in the Soul, while targeting new competitors in an emerging segment. The 2021 Seltos along with the Soul gives Kia a formidable 1-2 punch in attracting entry-level crossover shoppers.

2021 Kia Seltos Review

Kia offers the 2021 Seltos in five trims: LX ($21,990), S ($21,990), EX ($25,290), S Turbo ($25,490), and SX Turbo ($27,890). These prices do not include the $1,120 destination charge. Those trims equipped with the standard engine come with front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive. The two top trims are all-wheel-drive only.

The 2021 Kia Seltos crosses the Rocky River Truss Bridge, an aged viaduct in Pittsboro, NC.
Constructed in 1921 and refurbished in 1959, this single-lane bridge carries traffic across NC 1953
(GPS Coordinates: 35°37’27.0″N 79°11’58.0″W).

Exterior

Soul fans have long wanted an all-wheel-drive version. The Seltos is as close to one as it gets. Style-wise, though, Kia’s newest crossover is a clean departure from the Soul. Moreover, apart from its familiar tiger-nose grille, the look doesn’t match other Kia crossovers, but that’s not a bad thing.

Indeed, the layout is quite attractive with deep creases running across its nose and hood. The headlights are long and stretch across the fenders. Take note of the honeycomb grille – it is distinct and sporty, and imparts elegance. Fixed within the bumper are vertical fog lights. Thus, the front fascia offers detailing you typically won’t find in this segment.

The Seltos has a high beltline, ample creases, and distinct body lines. Models equipped with the available contrasting roof add substance. From the rear this crossover is dressed in wraparound taillamps connected by a chrome strip.

Most trims come with LED lights. The base trims have 17-inch alloy wheels; the turbo has 18-inch wheels. A rear spoiler and a single exhaust tip are standard. The list of upgrades includes special garnishment, roof rails, power-controlled and heated side mirrors, and a sunroof with a power sunshade.

The Seltos’ beltline pulls up just like the Volvo XC40.

Interior

The 2021 Seltos is one of the roomiest models in its class. That said, the rear-seat legroom is limited and if you plan to sit three in the back, please note that the side-by-side room is tight. Behind the rear seat is 26.6 cubic feet of cargo space. Drop the 60/40 split rear seat down and the storage area mushrooms to 62.8 cubic feet. That’s not too far off the mark from what some larger compact models offer.

We give the Seltos props for its tall, comfortable front seats. The rear seat is above average because it reclines by several inches, which is unusual for this segment. Move beyond the base model with cloth seats and most trims come with premium cloth with contrast stitching. You won’t find rear leather anywhere in the Seltos, but the Sofino premium leatherette material is a decent substitute.

The cabin features an abundance of soft-touch materials with texturized hard plastics, typically included in out-of-the-way places. Piano black trim offers an attractive accent where available.

The list of standard features includes keyless entry, manual front seats, air conditioning, and full power accessories. Among the options are push-button start, LED lighting, illuminated visor vanity mirrors and a cargo cover.

Tech

Kia offers a long list of standard and available tech features. Most models come with an 8-inch touch-screen display, Bluetooth, Android and Apple CarPlay smartphone compatibility, and USB input. A six-speaker audio system is standard.

Choose either turbo model and you’ll find an additional USB port. The top-trim SX has a few unique features, including a 10.25-inch touch-screen navigation system with satellite radio, and the brand’s UVO telematics. This trim also adds an 8-speaker Bose audio system and a wireless charging pad.

Safety

Driver-assist technology is widely available in new vehicles. As for the Seltos, you’ll find several popular features, but not on the base model. Instead, begin your search with the S trim and you’ll find many of the driver-assist technologies you expect, including automatic emergency braking.

These additional features include forward collision avoidance assist with car and pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, lane following assist, lane keep assist, and high-beam assist. Beginning with the turbo models you’ll also find blind-spot collision avoidance assist-rear and rear cross-traffic collision. Head to the top trim and Kia adds such features as smart cruise control with full stop and go, safe exit assist, highway driving assist, and forward collision avoidance with cyclist detection.

Performance

Like the 2020 Soul, the 2021 Seltos comes with a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or an available 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Unlike the Soul, a six-speed manual gearbox is not available.

What does send power to the wheels with the base engine, which makes 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, is an “intelligent variable transmission” or Kia’s name for a continuously variable transmission. A CVT doesn’t offer gears; instead, it utilizes a pulley system for sending power to the wheels. That said, this CVT mimics gear shifts in sport mode, delivering seven forward “gears.” Power is routed to the front wheels or to all four wheels with available all-wheel drive.

The two top trims have the turbocharged engine, which is what powered our test model. This one earns 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque and works with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Unlike with the front-wheel-drive-only Soul, this powertrain transmits power to all four wheels.

The turbo Seltos offers capable off-the-mark acceleration and laudable passing power. Its diminutive size and relatively lightweight frame ensures that this crossover scoots down the left-hand lane with authority.

We did notice the transmission tends to upshift quickly instead of extending gear ranges apart. Thus, the quick shifting tempered forward motion and that means it also slowed its responsiveness. On twisty roads, the Seltos holds it own, but we found the four-wheel suspension system soft. While cornering, the Seltos rolls, then leans while pulling out. We can see further room for improvement in the handling department, perhaps with a dedicated performance model.

Now to interject a few thoughts about the Soul v. the Seltos. The Soul is beloved by many, notwithstanding its lack of all-wheel drive. It does what it needs to do at a budget-friendly price and with three generations of customers behind it.

On the other hand, the Seltos is the new kid on the block and deserves scrutiny. Its higher price point ($4,000 more than the base Soul) will hold back some from making the transition. Although similar in size and market intent, the Soul seems sportier, while the Seltos is more refined. Thus, your choice will likely be based on budget and amenities.

Gravel road adventures with the Kia Seltos.

Competitive Set

Besides the Kia Soul, the Seltos goes up against a formidable and growing list of competitors.

Count the Chevrolet Trax, Toyota C-HR, Ford EcoSport, Honda HR-V, Nissan Kicks and Rogue Sport, Jeep Renegade, Fiat 500X, Mazda CX-30, and the Subaru Crosstrek among them. Some competitors, such as the Kicks and C-HR, are front-wheel drive only, while the Crosstrek comes with standard all-wheel drive.

Our Recommendation

On close scrutiny, nearly every Seltos model offers standard all-wheel drive. That should please Soul fans who have been clamoring for this option for more than a decade.

Start your search with the LX and you’re already getting many of the amenities you’d expect in this segment. Ultimately, however, your purchase decision may come down to engine choices. We’d go with the S Turbo, forgoing some of the pricier amenities for an affordable people mover.

Another one-lane bridge, this one on SR 1628 (Cool Springs Road).
(GPS coordinates: 35°27’01.0″N 79°25’19.2″W)

2021 Kia Seltos Specifications

Kia	2021 Seltos
Segment	Subcompact Crossover
Price Range	$21,990 to $27,890
Destination Charge	$1,015
Engine No. 1	2.0-liter, I4
Horsepower	146 @ 6,200 rpm
Torque (lb.-ft.)	132 @ 4,500 rpm
Transmission	CVT
Engine No. 2	1.6-liter, I4
Horsepower	175 @ 6,000 rpm
Torque (lb.-ft.)	195 @ 1,500-4,500 rpm
Transmission	7-speed manual
Seating	5
Curb Weight (pounds)	From 3,185 to 3,317
Wheelbase (inches)	103.5
Length (inches)	172.0
Width (inches)	70.9
Height (inches)	63.6
Headroom (f,r…inches)	40.0, 38.4
Legroom (f,r…inches)	41.4, 38.0
Shoulder room (f,r…inches)	55.5, 54.7
Hip room (f,r…inches)	53.5, 52.8
Storage (cubic feet)	26.6, 62.8
Gross vehicle weight (pounds)	NR
Towing (pounds)	NR
Payload (pounds)	NR
Fuel	regular
Fuel Tank (gallons)	13.2
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined)	27/31/29
Manufacturing Plant	Gwangju, South Korea

Data compiled by Tom Keegan. Specifications supplied by the manufacturer.

See Also — Merry Hamsters and the All-New 2020 Kia Soul

Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Merry Hamsters and the
All-New 2020 Kia Soul

April 26, 2019 by admin

The Kia Soul is a runaway hit for this Korean manufacturer, a cult favorite with the youth. Kia has long used a team of anthropomorphic hamsters to market the Soul, a boxy model that has outlasted the competition.

Those furry rodents have been in and out of seclusion for the past few years and weren’t part of this model’s Super Bowl introduction in 2019. When asked on Twitter whether they’ll be back, Kia Motors America replied, “Never say never.”

Introduced in 2009, the Kia Soul has already entered its third generation with the 2020 model. Its timing is spot-on as sales of the second-generation model have steadily declined since peaking in 2015. You can blame some of that loss on consumers shifting to crossovers, including to the similar Kia Sportage. Further, the entire segment of boxy entry-level models such as the Nissan Cube and Scion xB has declined as consumers look elsewhere.

With Kia all alone in a sub-sector of compact hatchbacks, this automaker has a chance to reach new customers, while giving loyal Soul fans a fresh model. This makes sense as the Soul outsells the Sportage and gives Kia fans an alternative to its two smallest car lines: the subcompact Rio and the compact Forte.

2020 Kia Soul

2020 Kia Soul Overview

Kia offers the 2020 Soul in six trims: LX ($17,490), S ($20,290), X-Line ($21,490), EX ($22,690), GT-Line ($20,290), and GT-Line Turbo ($27,490). Add $995 for the destination charge.

In typical Kia fashion, the automaker restricts its package offers to just a few trims. In this case two: the EX and GT-Line.

An EX Designer Collection ($1,500) brings in the following LED treatments: headlights, positioning lights, front fog lights and tai llights. It also includes a two-tone roof treatment, designer 18-inch alloy wheels, and imitation leather and cloth seat trim.

The GT-Line Sunroof Package ($1,900) is comprised of a power sunroof with a manual sunshade, keyless entry with push-button start, a cargo management system with a cargo cover, and a wireless charger. This package also adds blind spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic collision warning, and lane change assist.

A Matter of Style

Through three generations, the Kia Soul has retained much of its original looks. Each generation supplies changes, delivering evolutionary updates that keep the Soul true to its mission.

For 2020, the new Soul measures 1.2 inches longer between the wheels and two inches overall. That extra space shows up in the cargo area with passenger volume essentially unchanged.

Before we look inside, the exterior changes are evident in the narrow upper grille highlighted by available LED lights and a gaping lower grille. The upright roof pillars are intact, while the floating roof is a new look. Body sculpting and sharper boomerang tail lamps are among the other changes. Our GT-Line model also had paint trim embellishments.

2020 Kia Soul

Inside, the cabin is clean with a layered dashboard, ample storage pockets, and cloth seats. The GT-Line adds imitation leather seats with orange trim, orange door inlays, and orange door handle pocket surround.

Credit Kia with supplying comfortable seats front and back. Power accessories are limited to the upper trims, which is a bit disappointing. Still, with tall folk seated up front, the rear seat still offers room for two adults or three in a pinch.

Overall, the Kia Soul offers a handsome style inside and out. The interior materials are decent, and improve with the top-trim models. As for fit and finish, Kia has done an admirable job to get this right. We’ve seen enough low-budget models where manufacturers fall short here.

Safety & Technology

Any model with youth appeal must go beyond design to capture an audience. That’s something Kia managed to pull off early on with the Soul and has only gotten better across the intervening years.

The list of standard features is impressive and includes a six-speaker audio system, USB ports and an auxiliary jack, Bluetooth, and both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone compatibility. You’ll also find a 7-inch color touchscreen display. All this is just on the base model.

Move up through the trim levels and the features list expands to include additional USB charging ports, wireless charging, HD Radio, satellite radio, and a 10.25-inch display. Reserved exclusively for the top-trim model is a Harman Kardon audio system. We find Kia’s Uvo system is easy to use with clear displays and accurate get-you-there directions. Even so, we prefer to use our smartphone’s app to take us there.

2020 Kia Soul

Safety features are commonplace on most new vehicles, although you typically must move away from the base trim to find them. The same holds true for the Kia Soul. Beginning with the S trim, Kia bundles such driver-assist features as driver attention warning, lane change and lane keep assist, blind spot collision warning, forward collision avoidance, and rear cross collision warning.

Three advanced features are available only with the top-trim model. These include smart or adaptive cruise control and a head-up display. Also, Kia expands its forward collision avoidance to include pedestrian detection.

The head-up display is a nifty unit, one that activates on ignition by raising a translucent screen on top of the instrument panel. That’s where road and driving information is presented.

We like that Kia offers many driver-assist features across most trims. That said, the base trim seems spartan without any features offered. Further, we’d love to see adaptive cruise control and head-up display availability spread across more trims. The first choice is especially helpful when taking those long trips and as one’s attention begins to falter.

On the Road

Most 2020 Soul models come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. Kia pairs this engine with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission.

Our test GT-Line 1.6T model is the lone trim with the turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. This one makes 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Kia pairs it with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

2020 Kia Soul

We’ve driven various Kia and Hyundai models with the standard engine, including the Hyundai Kona, Kia Forte Sedan, and the Hyundai Ioniq. This engine delivers sufficient step-off acceleration and passing power, and is efficient. That latter attribute is what makes the Soul such a stand-out model as its highway fuel economy reaches a noteworthy 35 mpg on some trims.

As for the turbo engine, it raises the performance quotient, although perhaps not as much as you might expect. We found the dual-clutch transmission hesitates at times, especially in the lower gears. Moreover, this transmission has a history of excessive clutch wear, according to Car and Driver. You might give serious consideration to avoid this powertrain for now.

To drive the Kia Soul invites a relatively fun experience. The ride is comfortable, steering is weighted, and except for pounding twisty roads and pulling out of corners, the Soul stays planted. The brakes are firm with little fade detected. In all, the Kia Soul is ideal for commuting and carrying you and your friends around. Its performance attributes are minimal, at best.

Auto Trends Recommends

Our pick is the Soul EX with the available EX Designer Collection Package. Your final cost comes in at $25,185 and that’s before the usual Kia incentives are added. Typically, you’ll find an owner loyalty bonus, customer cash, and low-rate financing. These offers vary by region and are subject to change, therefore we’re not mentioning specifics.

All in all, the 2020 Kia Soul shines in a sub-segment all of its own. Its nearest rivals are a pair of front-wheel-drive-only small crossovers — the Toyota C-HR and the Nissan Kicks. All three appeal to first-time buyers who place an emphasis on style, technology, and affordability.

2020 Kia Soul

2020 Kia Soul Specifications

Sticker price from $17,490 (plus a $995 destination fee)

Price as tested: $28,485

Seats 5

Engine No. 1: 2.0-liter gas inline-four

147 horsepower @ 6,200 RPM

132 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,500 RPM

6-speed manual or continuously variable transmission

Engine No. 2: 1.6-liter turbocharged gas inline-four

201 horsepower @ 6,000 RPM

195 foot-pounds of torque @ 1,500 to 4,500 RPM

7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission

Wheelbase: 102.4 inches

Length: 165.2 inches

Width: 70.9 inches

Height: 63 inches

Passenger volume: 96.7 cubic feet

Storage volume: 24.2/62.1 cubic feet

Maximum towing capacity: NR

EPA: 29/35/31 (I4); 27/32/29 (turbo) city/highway/combined mpg

Unleaded regular gasoline

Fuel tank: 19.4 (I4); 21.7 (V6) gallons

Curb weight: From 2,802 to 3,036 pounds

IIHS safety rating: Top Safety Pick (2019)

Limited vehicle warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles

Powertrain warranty: 10 years/100,000 miles

Corrosion warranty: 5 years/100,000 miles

Vehicle assembly: Gwangju, South Korea

2020 Kia Soul

See Also — Hybrid Hatchback: 2017 Kia Niro

All-New Kia Rio Delivers Value and Amenities

September 18, 2017 by admin 10 Comments

Fourth-generation Kia Rio rolls out.

The 2018 Kia Rio is all-new, continuing its affordable price point while now
offering available automatic emergency braking.

Demand for small cars is down, but don’t tell that to Kia Motors. The Korean automaker is well entrenched in the segment, offering both the subcompact Rio and the compact Forte.

The Kia Rio rolled out in 2001 and we’ve seen it grow since, although it remains Kia’s smallest and least expensive model, slotting beneath the Forte. Kia has always offered a Rio sedan; early on you could also choose a small wagon, but that body style was soon replaced by a five-door hatchback.

For 2018, the fourth-generation Kia Rio arrives, offering a fresh take in a segment desperately needing something new. Indeed, as automakers continue to build more SUVs, entry-level models see few updates or manufacturers may abandon them altogether. The Kia Rio along with the Hyundai Accent are the newest models in the “B” class, with competitors such as the Toyota Yaris and Yaris IM, Chevrolet Sonic, Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta, Nissan Versa and Versa Note, and Volkswagen Golf also present.

The 2018 Rio sedan and five-door hatchback come in LX, S, and EX trims (the sedan receives the S trim for the first time). Price information wasn’t available at testing, but we expect very little movement from 2017 prices, which was $14,165 for the sedan and $15,495 for the hatchback. Add $895 for the destination fee.

All models have a four-cylinder engine paired with a manual or an automatic transmission.

Exterior Highlights

The 2018 Rio offers the latest expression of the brand’s trademark tiger nose grille.

2018 Kia Rio The front fascia also has a large lower grille opening and oversized headlamps. My test model included fog lamps, found within deep pockets located at the far corners of the front.

Large wrap around tail lamps accent the rear. Hatchback models add a tailgate wiper.

Steel 15-inch wheels come standard; alloy wheels dress the EX trim. Heated side mirrors are standard, except on the base trim. Overall, the look is tidy, yet sporty. Happily, the 2018 Rio doesn’t scream “budget car.”

Interior Features

Most small cars may claim room for five, but utilizing that space for four is ideal. Even then, tall passengers may find rear legroom wanting.

2018 Kia Rio After spending many hours behind the wheel of the Rio, I can say that seat comfort is adequate at best. Happily, I avoided the back pain similar cars have given me, so there is that attribute. Kudos to Kia for supplying the Rio sedan with such a large trunk — 13.7 cubic feet, although I think the utility of the hatchback would suit most people.

You’ll find soft-touch materials, plastic surfaces and brightwork trim throughout the Rio’s cabin. Textured surfaces provide a pleasing appearance — I like what automakers such as Kia have done to give extra attention to their smallest models. Low cost shouldn’t mean cheap.

Standard equipment includes cloth seats; a red accent leather package option is on the EX grade. The top trim also has a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. All models have air conditioning and locking doors. Power windows, cruise control, and a center console with a sliding armrest and storage area are in the S and EX models.

Safety Highlights

If there is an inherent weakness with the Kia Rio, it has been the compact’s safety scores.

2018 Kia Rio The previous generation model received top scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in three categories: moderate overlap front, roof strength, and head restraints & seats. In side testing, the Rio picked up an acceptable score; in small overlap front testing the score was marginal.

We’re expecting scores to improve once the Institute completes its testing. That said, small cars routinely have difficulty achieving top scores for one important reason: size.

All 2018 Rio models have a full suite of airbags, stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes, and hill-start assist.

Technology Features

The standard audio package is a four-speaker system with satellite radio, MP3 capability, an audio input jack, and a 5-inch display.

You have to move away from the base model to get a USB port. By doing so, you’ll also find Bluetooth connectivity, two tweeter speakers, and a 7-inch screen. Only the S and EX trims have a rearview camera.

This year, customers will find automatic emergency braking on the top-trim EX model. What’s important about this feature, few budget models currently offer it.

Performance: On the Road

The 2018 Rio comes with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 130 horsepower and 119 pound-feet of torque. Only the base LX model has the 6-speed manual gearbox; all other models come with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The Rio is chiefly a Point A to Point B model. This means it gets you where you’re going, with the emphasis on reliability and efficiency, not performance. But it isn’t especially pokey, especially when you need to floor it. We found this out when navigating a 254-mile round trip excursion to the North Carolina coast for a soccer contest. My youngest son, a player friend and myself spent many hours in the car, pushing above 70 mph from time to time. On occasion, the shift points seemed to extend under hard acceleration, but there was no slippage detected.

Of course, fuel economy is this vehicle’s strong suit — we averaged 35 mpg on our trip. That’s a bit better than the combined 32 EPA-estimated fuel economy for the 2018 Rio.

2018 Kia Rio

Kia Rio Parting Thoughts

If you want a small car, Kia has you covered. Besides the Rio, you’ll find the compact Elantra sedan and hatchback, the Soul activity vehicle, and the Niro hybrid. Add the Sportage to the mix if you’re looking for a compact SUV.

As for the Rio, this car makes new vehicle ownership attainable. In the ongoing research I’ve been conducting for a client about Kia pricing, the standard Rio is one of the most affordable vehicles available. Personally, I recommend the top-trim model as it has the amenities most people want with a well-equipped sedan retailing for approximately $19,000 and the hatchback adding about $2,000 to that price.

2018 Kia Rio

Sticker price from $15,000 (estimate)
Seats five
Engine: 1.6-liter four-cylinder gas
130 horsepower @ 6,300 RPM
119 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,850 RPM
6-speed manual or automatic transmission
Wheelbase: 101.6 inches
Length: 160 (hatch); 172.6 (sedan) inches
Width: 67.9 inches
Height: 57.1 inches
Passenger volume: 90.5 (hatch) 89.9 (sedan) cubic feet
Storage volume: 17.4/32.8 (hatch); 13.7 (sedan) cubic feet
Towing capacity: NR
EPA: 29/37 mpg city/highway (est.)
Regular gasoline
Fuel tank: 11.9 gallons
Curb weight: From 2,648 to 2,714 pounds
IIHS safety rating: Pending
Limited vehicle warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
Powertrain warranty: 10 years/100,000 miles
Corrosion warranty: 5 years/100,000 miles
Vehicle assembly: Gwangmyeong, South Korea

See Also — Hybrid Hatchback: 2017 Kia Niro

Turbo Crossover: 2017 Kia Soul

May 19, 2017 by admin 7 Comments

Kia’s unique Soul is now in its ninth year.

The Kia Soul defies easy categorization, but that’s not a bad thing. In a market where so many small cars look the same, the Soul is not quite a car nor is it a crossover SUV. In fact, it is a blend of both. Specifically, it is a front-wheel drive, five-door hatchback with room for up to five.

It took eight-and-one-half years for a Kia Soul to finally make it to my home for testing. I was on hand at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show for the dramatic unveiling of the new model, what underscored just how excited Kia’s staff was. It was a breakthrough vehicle for Kia, a brand eager to reimagine itself with a youth-oriented product. Immediately, it caught on with fans and the Kia brand has benefited immensely since.

2017 Kia Soul

Fast forward to 2017 and the Kia Soul is already in the third year of the second-generation model. You have a choice of three grades — Base ($16,995), Plus (+) $20,695, and Exclaim (!) $23,695, including destination.

2017 Kia Soul Exclaim One point of clarification before we move on: Kia refers to its middle and top trims with “+” and “!” symbols. For clarification purposes, we’ll reference all three trims with their full names — base, plus, and exclaim.

A 2017 Kia Soul Exclaim was my test model. Kia added both available packages tech ($3,000) and panoramic sunroof ($1,000), bringing the final price to $27,695. Yes, that’s the top end of the segment, but there are more affordable trim and package options available.

Unusual for this segment, Kia offers three engine choices with each one corresponding to the trim chosen.

The Base grade has a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine generating 130 horsepower and 118 pound-feet of torque. This engine comes paired with a six-speed manual gearbox; opting for the available automatic adds $1,600 to your price. The Base edition paired with the automatic is the fuel mileage leader for the Soul, delivering 26 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

The Plus grade has a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine with 161 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. This engine comes paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The fuel economy estimate comes in at 25/30 mpg city/highway.

Turbo power moves the Exclaim. Here, Kia adds a turbocharger to the 1.6-liter engine, producing 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. This engine comes paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Moreover, this model makes an EPA-estimated 24/30 mpg city/highway.

Deciphering the Kia Soul

So, let’s head back to the overall model at hand. This vehicle comes from the Hyundai-Kia small car platform and occupies a niche abandoned by other vehicles, including the Nissan Cube and the Scion xB. Its nearest competitor may be the all-new Toyota C-HR, another front-wheel drive only vehicle. Otherwise, cross-shop this model with the Honda HR-V, Fiat 500X, and Mazda CX-3, to name a few small SUVs.

The Soul’s sporty looks is an important draw here. Up front, you’ll find Kia’s recognizable tiger nose grille, wraparound headlamps, and a larger lower grille opening. Flared wheel wells, a rising beltline, and a falling roofline are important defining marks. Depending on the trim, you’ll also find body skirting trim.

2017 Kia Soul Exclaim

From the rear are a pair of boomerang tail lamps, bumper treatment, and in the case of the turbo you’ll find twinned exhaust ports. The wheels are a big deal here too — standard alloys ranging in size from 16 to 18 inches. The look is all the more dramatic as Kia pushed the wheels to the far corners.

Roomy Interior

Inside, you’ll find comfortable bucket seats up front and a 60-40 fold-flat bench seat in the second row. The design is simple, but very useful — if you choose to fold the rear seat, you’ll expand storage capacity from 18.8 cubic feet to 49.8 cubic feet — that’s plenty of room for a small car. Incidentally, as one of the photos in this set demonstrates, the storage area compartment is removable, freeing up an additional 12 cubic feet of storage space.

The Soul’s interior offers a circular theme, something we’ve seen in other small cars, including the Fiat 500X and the Mini Cooper S. The circular look starts with the instrument panel and extends to the vents, color display, and surrounding the stick shift. You’ll also find unusual circular speaker housings on top of the front vents at the far corners.

2017 Kia Soul Exclaim Although not quite the height of similar high-profile vehicles, the driver’s seating position offers a commanding view of the road — a steeply canted windshield and thin “A” pillars help matters immensely — you’ll have far less getting in the way as you do with the Fiat 500L.

The interior room is plentiful with excellent room for the driver and front passenger. The back seat offers seat belts for three, but is best used by two. In any case, rear legroom rivals what you’d find in most midsize sedans. All models offer drink holders in each door and two cup holders up front. In models equipped with a middle armrest, you’ll find two more cup holders.

Standard equipment includes power windows and door locks, a tilt and telescopic steering column, air conditioning, a six-speaker audio system, USB ports and auxiliary audio input, Bluetooth, and cloth seats. Upgrades are many, bringing in such items as keyless entry with push-button start, touchscreen color display, a rearview camera, a Harman/Kardon audio system, cruise control, power front seats, heated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, and leather seats.

The first of the two available packages, tech, brought in the heated front and rear seats. Navigation, HD radio, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, are also included. The package also brings in HID headlamps with automatic leveling and LED front fog lamps.

Driver assist features, including blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning and forward collision warning are available. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the 2017 Soul a Top Safety Pick rating, while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Soul with its top five-star rating.

On the Road

I can’t imagine driving a Soul without a turbo engine. After all, it is only the turbo I have driven.

That said, buyers who want at least a modicum of performance should test drive the turbo. It provides wheel squealing acceleration and enough kick to pass a slow-moving rig with authority.

The Kia Soul is even fun to drive, with just enough torque steer present to make things interesting. Under hard acceleration and with the turbo kicking in low on the band curve — 1,500 RPM —the amount of power delivered is wholly sufficient. Indeed, the Soul delivers a higher level of boost than some competitors, including the Nissan Juke Turbo.

2017 Kia Soul Exclaim

Twisty roads separate the true believers from the pretenders. Happily, the Soul turbo falls somewhere in the middle. Although lacking a limited slip differential — which would help even out power distribution to the wheels — the Kia Soul does an admirable job on twisty roads. No, you can’t enter the twisties at full speed, but if your speed is within the posted range, you’ll enjoy the quick moves of the steering wheel without constant braking.

I’m sure some shoppers buy the Soul without caring much about performance. Technology, creature comforts, and style are more important for them. Thus, either one of the naturally aspirated engines would be sufficient. That said, if you choose the Soul turbo you may find the lack of a manual gearbox disappointing. Still, the dual-clutch transmission is a decent match with the engine at hand — you’ll find little sign of gear “hunting.” Furthermore, you can operate it in manual mode.

Parting Thoughts

2017 Kia Soul Exclaim Consumers continue to move away from cars in favor of SUVs. The Kia Soul successfully blends the two categories and for some it’ll meet all their needs.

For others, an all-wheel drive variant would fulfill their desires. Given that the Sportage is the smallest Kia SUV — available and offered in front- and all-wheel drive, Kia may be missing out on a segment of customers who prefer the handling advantages of all-wheel drive.

If you shop for a Soul, start with the Plus edition as it offers a more powerful engine, while including a color display and a rearview camera for starters. Add in the audio package ($2,000) and you’ll get the eight-inch color display, UVO telematics, Harman/Kardon audio system, and leather touches. At this price point, you’re paying under $23,000 and that’s before Kia’s generous incentives package kicks in.

2017 Kia Soul Specifications

Kia	Soul
Segment	compact car
Base Sticker Price	$16,995
Price as Tested (Exclaim)	$XX,XXX
Standard Engine	1.6-liter, I4
Horsepower	130 @ 6,300
Torque (lb.-ft.)	118 @ 4,850 RPM
Transmission	Six-speed manual
Available Engine	2.0-liter, I4
Horsepower	161 @6,200
Torque (lb.-ft.)	150 @ 4,700 RPM
Transmission	Six-speed automatic
Available Engine	1.6-liter, I4 (turbo)
Horsepower	201 @ 6,000
Torque (lb.-ft.)	195 @ 1,500-4,500 RPM
Transmission	Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Seating	2+3
Curb Weight (pounds)	2,884 to 3,232 pounds
Wheelbase (inches)	101.2
Length (inches)	163.0
Width (inches)	70.9
Height (inches)	63.5
Head room (f;r — inches)	39.6; 39.5
Leg room (f;r — inches)	40.9; 39.1
Shoulder room (f;r — inches)	55.5; 54.7
Hip room (f;r — inches)	53.2; 49.3
Storage (cubic feet)	18.8; 49.5/24.2;61.3 (with luggage under tray removed)
Gross vehicle weight (pounds)	NR
Towing (pounds)	NR
Payload (pounds)	NR
Fuel	regular
Fuel Tank (gallons)	14.2
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway)	25/30 (automatic); 26/31 (turbo)
Manufacturing Plant	Gwangju, South Korea

2017 Kia Soul Exclaim

Cue the Music: Cadillac Escalade is Tops in New Vehicle Satisfaction

June 14, 2016 by admin 2 Comments

AutoPacific announces the results of its latest vehicle satisfaction award.

Tesla Model S.

Purchase a new car and vehicle satisfaction should come with the territory. Unfortunately, disappointments abound and some models simply do not measure up.

New Vehicle Satisfaction Survey

AutoPacific conducts a New Vehicle Satisfaction Survey annually to identify the top performing vehicles. Relying strictly on owner input, this particular award provides perhaps the most accurate measurement of how consumers feel about their purchase decisions.

Unlike other surveys which measure reliability or quality to the exclusion of owner satisfaction, the AutoPacific survey has owners rating 50 attributes for importance in the purchase decision and satisfaction after purchase.

23 Vehicle Categories Surveyed

Twenty three vehicle categories are surveyed, representing 10 passenger car segments and 13 light truck segments.

The 2016 Top Overall Vehicle and President’s Award winner is the Cadillac Escalade. The 2016 Highest Satisfaction Overall and Premium Brand is Tesla. The 2016 Highest Satisfaction for a Popular Brand is Kia. Notably, Tesla finished on top overall for the second consecutive year.

The following passenger cars finished on top in their respective categories: Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Nissan Maxima, Volvo S60/V60, Hyundai Azera, Kia Optima, Mercedes-Benz CLA, Kia Soul, Honda Fit, Chevrolet Corvette, and the Chevrolet Camaro.

Compact Favorite: Kia Soul

Top Aspirational Luxury Car

The Volvo S60/V60 finished on top in the Aspirational Luxury Car segment for the second consecutive year. The Kia Soul was best in class among compact cars for the third consecutive year. Other repeat winners include the Honda Fit in the economy car segment (two years) and the Chevrolet Corvette as the top sports car for a fifth consecutive year.

Among light trucks were the following winners: GMC Sierra 1500, GMC Sierra HD, Nissan Frontier, Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Suburban, Toyota 4Runner, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Lexus RX, GMC Acadia, Nissan Murano, Nissan Rogue, Hyundai Tucson, and the Kia Sedona.

Two repeat winners were recognized this year. In the large crossover SUV category the GMC Acadia won for the third consecutive year. In the premium midsize crossover SUV segment, the Nissan Murano won for the second consecutive year.

Tesla, Kia Soul & Cadillac Escalade

Tesla Motors garnering the top prize is based on sales for only two models: a Model S sedan and the Model X crossover utility vehicle. The Model S has been on the market for five years, while the Model X only began selling in small numbers last fall.

The Kia Soul is now in its second generation; the current model has been on the market since 2014. The compact hatchback defies easy categorization, but has won a strong fan following. As most people know, a team of anthropomorphic hamsters helps market the popular Soul.

Needing no introduction is the Cadillac Escalade, a full-bodied luxury SUV and one that advances all things ostentatious. Introduced in 1999, the Cadillac Escalade is now its fourth generation. The beefy Cadillac shares its underpinnings with various Chevrolet and GMC models, but its style and interior design sets this model apart from the pack.

AutoPacific Survey Says

Other surveys worth considering include the J.D. Power US Vehicle Dependability Study as well as the New & Used Car Reviews & Ratings from Consumer Reports.

The J.D. Power survey examines issues reported by original owners of 3-year-old vehicles, particularly over the past 12 months. It presents a good measurement of vehicle quality during a timeframe when initial problems begin to first appear.

Consumer Reports survey includes road test results and safety information as well as reliability and owner satisfaction. CR’s ratings are based on surveys of millions of their subscribers. CR is owned by the non-profit Consumers Union, an organization that rates more than 5,000 consumer products each year, including household items.

Tesla and Kia photos courtesy the respective manufacturer. Cadillac Escalade photo copyright Auto Trends Magazine.

Takata Recalls to Pace Yet Another Record Year

May 21, 2015 by admin 3 Comments

With tens of millions of vehicles under recall for replacement airbags, other recalls may get buried. Millions of other models are also under recall for an assortment of mechanical and software problems.

Takata is in the process of working with 11 car manufacturers to recall 33.8 million vehicles in the United States, representing nearly 1 in 7 registered vehicles. That staggering number will most likely push this year’s recalls above the 60 million vehicles recalled last year, a record.

As important as the Takata airbag recall is, there are a number of other recalls that have been recently announced or are currently in progress. Thus, Auto Trends is presenting a sampling of some of the more noteworthy recalls for 2015:

Lincoln MKZ

The Lincoln MKZ & Ford Fusion are under a recall.

Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ — Certain 2013, 2014 and 2015 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ models manufactured earlier this year and Ford Edge models manufactured in late February are being recalled. Ford says that more than 487,000 models may have a steering problem affected by corrosion that could cause the steering gear motor to separate from the gear housing, increasing the risk of a crash.

Kia Soul — Owners of certain 2014 and 2015 Kia Souls and Soul EVs should have their vehicles checked for potential gas pedal breakage. About one dozen pedals have fractured, leading Kia to recall nearly 209,000 vehicles to install rubber supports underneath the pedal.

Volkswagen Jetta — At the beginning of the year, Volkswagen announced a recall involving approximately 50,000 2015 Jetta vehicles. The recall addresses a potential problem involving the halogen headlights. Specifically, software within the control module may shut down the low-beam headlights when the high beams are activated. The problem could affect the driver’s vision, leading to a crash.

GMC Canyon Recall

Under Recall: GMC Canyon

Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon — Owners of certain 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon trucks are being alerted to a problem affecting the driver’s and front passenger seat. Nearly 50,000 vehicles are being recalled to inspect the seat-frame attachment hooks to ensure that they are secured properly. If not anchored properly, the affected parts will be replaced.

Hyundai Elantra — More than 200,000 Hyundai Elantra sedans covering the 2008 to 2010 model years and Elantra Touring hatchbacks for the 2009 and 2010 model years are being recalled. Hyundai has identified a flaw in the vehicles’ electronic power steering system, what could affect steering performance. In essence, the affected models may perform in manual steering mode, requiring greater driver effort. No accidents have been reported related to this problem.

Toyota Camry recall.

Select Camry & Camry Hybrid models are being recalled.

Toyota RAV4 and Other Models — More than 112,000 Toyota vehicles are being recalled to address various problems. The RAV4 EV may have a software issue that could cause these vehicles to shift into neutral, increasing the risk of a crash. Other vehicles, including select 2015 Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles may have damaged electric power steering circuit boards.

Chrysler Minivans, Dodge Journey — Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is recalling more than 700,000 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans for the 2008, 2009 and 2010 model years. They are also recalling 2009 and 2010 Dodge Journey utility vehicles. The issue for these vehicles has to do with the ignition key — what could shut the car off under certain conditions. As part of that recall, FCA is urging owners to remove extra keys from the key rings to prevent the vehicles from accidentally turning off, leading to a loss of control.

Recalls and Procedures

If your vehicle has been mentioned in any of the above-listed recalls, contact your dealer to have it repaired. For everyone else, you can check whether your vehicle is under recall by first writing down your vehicle identification number (VIN) found on the dashboard. It also appears on your registration card.

Next, visit the NHTSA’s Safercar.gov website. Specifically, click here to be taken to a page where you can enter your VIN to find out if your vehicle has been recalled. The website covers recalls conducted over the past 15 calendar years.

Recalls Look-up by VIN
Following that, contact any dealer for your manufacturer to schedule an appointment. The manufacturer will pay for repairs. You should also ask your dealer or the car manufacturer for a loaner vehicle as you wait for repairs to be completed.

Notably, signing up immediately for recall service will ensure that your name is on the list. When the parts become available, you will be notified. Finally, if your car is currently “in the clear” check back again periodically. When tens of millions of cars currently under recall, your vehicle may eventually find be listed.

Kia Trail’ster Concept Teases Chicago

February 16, 2015 by admin Leave a Comment

The Kia Trail’ster Concept is for the hip hamster crowd and their human friends.

Kia Trail'ster Concept

This Kia Trail’ster is all set to visit your favorite ski lodge.

Kia Motors picked the perfect venue for unveiling its hybrid Trail’ster Concept. Folks in the winter-socked Chicago Auto Show are seeing first hand what this hybrid all-wheel-drive variant of the Kia Soul can offer, the latest iteration on its urban utility vehicle frame.

Indeed, if the Kia Trail’ster is built, it would offer a unique approach to light-duty off-roading. Also, it would take on the soon-to-be-released Jeep Renegade, itself geared toward 20-something urban dwellers. The Windy City may be piled with snow, but the Kia concept could offer a practical reality if it is ever produced.

So, let’s examine some of the preeminent features of this model before we theorize whether it will go into production or not.

First, it harnesses the Kia Soul platform. The Kia Trail’ster is the Kia Soul, but amplified. Everything about the current Soul is used, right down to the platform. The distinguishing features are also evident, but utilizing the Soul is an efficient use of this product’s space. There are some important distinctions here too, including its cloth roll-top roof, integrated roof rack fittings with aluminum cross rails, and special LED lighting treatments.

Kia Trail'ster Concept

Second, you get lifted. The trend toward higher profile vehicles continues, but with a twist. The Kia Trail’ster rides 2.5 inches higher to enjoy improved ground clearance. That’s exactly what is needed if this vehicle is to have any chance of performing light-duty off-roading. The upcoming Volvo S60 Cross Country is a contemporary example of an elevated model. The Jeep Eagle is an earlier example.

Third, all-wheel drive is standard. The Kia Soul is front-wheel drive with no all-wheel-drive variant. However, Kia has taken a different approach in the Trail’ster by going with all-wheel drive. AWD combined with the lifted profile will take this model to places where no other Kia has gone before.

Fourth, you are looking at a hybrid drivetrain. Under the hood is a potent 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine, making an even 185 horsepower and 185 foot-pounds of torque. That alone gives this model some kick. However, Kia did not stop there. Indeed, they have added an electric propulsion system, what draws energy from a 1.2 kilowatt per hour lithium-ion polymer battery. Moreover, it adds 35 horsepower and 100 foot-pounds of torque to the mix, and improves fuel economy by 25 to 30 percent and highway economy by 5 to 10 percent over the normally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine used in the Soul. Further, Kia says that it has the ability to run on electric-only power for two to three miles at times. Together, that brings combined fuel economy to just above 30 mpg or well above what any Jeep Renegade model will deliver.

Kia Trail'ster Concept

A weatherproof, retractable top could be in the offing.

Can We Build It? Yes, We Can!

Naturally, a model such as the Kia Trail’ster concept whets the appetites of the very audience that would be best attracted to this type of vehicle. And that would be young urbanites who may like to make a dash to the country and slop and glop their way through the mud. When not in the country, the Kia Trail’ster would serve as an efficient city car. That makes for a rare fusion of two distinct model types in one body.

The Kia Trail’ster along with the earlier Kia Soul’ster concept, demonstrates that Kia is serious about pushing boundaries. Both models could very well go into production as Soul variants, harnessing a valuable moniker well known for its hip anthropomorphic hamsters as well as for its excellent value and vivacity.

See Also — Stunning: Kia Cross GT Concept

Photos courtesy of Kia Motors.

5 Models That Made a Mark in 2014

January 7, 2015 by admin Leave a Comment

With just over 16.5 million new vehicles sold in 2014, the US auto industry has returned to its pre-recession strength. Certainly, there is room for additional growth with 17 million units within reach. The auto industry is back and has returned in a significant way.

Models such as the Ford F-150 and Toyota Camry receive much press and they should: both are perennial segment leaders, the F-150 for nearly four decades running and the Camry for the past 13 years. Beyond the two leaders there are several other models that shine, including the following five that made a mark in 2014.

1. Toyota Corolla

Toyota’s Corolla has long served as a portal model to the Toyota brand. Purchase a Corolla, keep it for years, upgrade to a Camry and then pass your Corolla on to your son or daughter. This model’s reliability is of legends and it has the facts to back it up.

For some buyers, moving up to a Camry or any other vehicle is not part of the equation. Beginning in 2014, Toyota restyled the Corolla, making it slightly larger, sportier and an even better value than previously. Its most efficient model is rated at 42 mpg on the highway and a nicely-equipped model can be had for under $20,000.

Like the Camry, Toyota has a formula for success on its hands in the Corolla, once again the best selling compact model ahead of the Honda Civic. Corolla sales climbed by 12.3 percent in 2014 on 339,498 units sold.

2014 Toyota Corolla.

2. Nissan Sentra

Look at the compact segment and the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic routinely fight for top honors. Also weighing in is the Chevrolet Cruze, Hyundai Elantra and Ford Focus. Beginning in 2014, the redesigned Nissan Sentra made a name for itself, as its sales soared by a whopping 41.9 percent on 183,268 units sold.

New for 2014, the current generation Sentra is larger, more enticing and roomier than ever. Like the Corolla, a well-equipped model can be hand for under $20,000, a price point that appeals to a lot of families. The continuously variable transmission also ensures excellent fuel economy with the FE edition rated as high as 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.

2014 Nissan Sentra.

3. Kia Soul

Kia has created a cult-like following with its Soul “urban hatchback car.” It is nearly inconceivable to examine this model without its anthropomorphic hamsters. Kia has weathered some criticism that its hipster characters are too humanlike, yet buyers do not seem to mind.

Indeed, in 2014 the second-generation Kia Soul was released, and this one has helped the Korean automaker gain market share. Sales surged by 23.1 percent last year on 145,316 models sold. What’s significant about that is both its Nissan and Scion competitors have struggled to serve the same market. Specifically, the Nissan Cube was canceled as the model year came to an end.

2014 Kia Soul.

4. Nissan Versa

Subcompact models typically do not sell especially well in the United States. Certainly, sales are greater than they were a decade ago, but with so many affordable and roomy compact models on the market, this sector is often bypassed for more spacious, but still affordable vehicles.

Nissan, however, has turned that convention on its ear, by delivering sedan and hatchback versions of its Versa subcompact without trouble. The company has also taken a two-prong marketing approach to the segment, by selling the five-door hatchback as the Versa Note and the four-door as the Versa sedan.

What buyers have found is a car that is unusually roomy for the segment, thrifty on fuel and can be purchased for about $15,000. The Versa may not be a family car, but 139,781 buyers in 2014 found that it meets their transportation needs. A 19.1 percent sales upsurge underscores the Versa’s strength.

2014 Nissan Versa Note.

5. Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is an SUV that acts more like a tall station wagon. That appearance is not lost on buyers who appreciate the vehicle’s roominess, utility and handling characteristics. Introduced in 1998, the Subaru Forester is now in its fourth generation. The current iteration is not a radical departure from the previous model and that is just fine with buyers.

For 2014, Forester sales surged by 29.4 percent to 159,953 vehicles sold. it was Subaru’s best selling model for the year and one of five model lines registering a sales boost of at least 17 percent. No wonder Subaru sales have doubled over the past five years — this once niche manufacturer has gone conventional.

2014 Subaru Forester.

Honorable Mention Models

There are other models that could just as easily found a place on our list. The Chevrolet Cruze is now in its sixth model year, however its sales do not show the customary end of product cycle decline. Indeed, Cruze sales rose by exactly 10 percent in 2014 to 273,060 units sold.

The BMW 3 Series may have been split between 3 and 4 model lines, but the combined interest for these compact luxury cars continues to grow. In 2014, sales for the two lines were a collective 142,232 units for a 19 percent increase over 2013.

Sales figures supplied by Good Car Bad Car. Soul photo courtesy of Kia Motors.

Strategic Vision: Dodge Dart, Kia Soul and Volkswagen CC Among Best Models

May 14, 2013 by admin 3 Comments

Domestic car manufacturers score well in latest TQI study.

About Strategic Vision

Strategic Vision, the California consultancy group that measures consumer buying behaviors and trends, has released the results of its 18th annual Total Quality Index™ (TQI) study. This years study has revealed that domestic car manufacturers the General Motors Company, the Ford Motor Company and the Chrysler Group have made significant progress, finishing atop multiple vehicle segments including some of the most competitive ones.

Dodge Dart -- Strategic Vision Surprise Winner Topping the small car category was the Dodge Dart, one of the newest models on the market. Among midsize cars, the Ford Fusion and Chevrolet Volt tied for first place. The Chrysler 200 Convertible beat out all other convertibles and the Buick Enclave scored highest in the near-luxury utility segment.

Alexander Edwards, president of Strategic Vision, noted that domestic manufacturers now lead in more segments than foreign manufacturers. Edwards explained that the domestics have been striving to lead, but he also said that companies such as Hyundai and Toyota continue to perform admirably as well. Significant quality improvements by the Detroit Three have forced, …all manufacturers to build the most superior, innovative and holistically quality vehicles possible to gain the hearts and minds of the customer.

Total Quality: Love

Strategic Vision began to measure quality in 1994, using an approach that goes beyond counting problems. The company uses more of an emotional thrust to gauge vehicle satisfaction, employing a five-point scale based on love. Specifically, Strategic Vision examines 155 specific aspects of total quality in a bid to understand buyer sentiment with its rankings ranging from 5 for I love it to a 1 for failure.

For the eighth consecutive year the Volkswagen Group of America was the best overall corporation when measuring total quality. Audi, a Volkswagen Group brand, tied with Toyotas Lexus brand as the best brand overall. Among corporations, the Ford Motor Company took second place with GM and Hyundai tying for third place.

2013 Volkswagen CC.

TQI Segment Winners

Other segment winners included the Kia Soul in the small multifunction segment, the Honda Accord Crosstour among mid-size multifunction models and the Volkswagen CC in the large car segment.

For near-luxury car models, the Hyundai Genesis Sedan and Audi A4 Sedan tied for first place. In the midsize crossover utility segment, the Chevrolet Traverse beat out its competitors. Other winners included the Dodge Durango, Porsche Cayenne, Chevrolet Avalanche, Ford F-250/350 and the Toyota Tacoma. The MINI Cooper Hardtop, both coupe and convertible versions of the Chevrolet Corvette, and the GMC Yukon were also segment winners. Since the survey was conducted, the Chevrolet Avalanche has been discontinued.

2013 Kia Soul.

All-New Dodge Dart

Perhaps the most surprising model to finish on top of any segment was the Dodge Dart. All-new for 2013, the Dodge Dart is a compact sedan based on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and is also the first Chrysler Group model derived from FIAT. The Dart is sold in six trim levels: SE, SXT, Rallye, Aero, Limited and GT, and competes in a segment dominated by the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra and the Chevrolet Cruze.

The Strategic Vision study, in particular, its Total Quality Index, was calculated from 17,568 buyers who purchased 2013 models during September, October and November 2012. The study employs psychology and research methods defined by Dr. Darrell Edwards in 1968 and enhanced in the 1970s by J. Susan Johnson and Sharon Shedroff.

Strategic Vision: Total Quality Index for 2013

Happy Hamsters: 2014 Kia Soul

March 27, 2013 by admin 2 Comments

2014 Kia Soul

Kia has used hamsters to market its Soul utility vehicle, but the quirkish people mover has done quite well without the marketing embellishments. The first generation Kia Soul was introduced at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. The second generation model rolled out this week at the 2013 New York International Auto Show. Both cities are urban centers, providing the essence or soul of what this Kia model is all about.

The 2014 Kia Soul is expected to go on sale during the third quarter this year. It will sit on a new platform too, one that is longer, wider and above all else stiffer than the first generation model. Kia says that this move will increase passenger room and storage capacity while attacking the bane of many utility vehicles: noise, vibration and harshness.

2014 Kia Soul Making any changes with a successful model carries some risks. Indeed, the Kia Soul took many people by surprise even Kia to some extent. Said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing and communications at Kia Motors America (KMA). “When the first Soul was introduced in 2009, everyone at Kia believed we had a hit on our hands, but we didn’t realize how big that hit was going to be.” Of the second generation model, Sprague noted that it was important that the models iconic design be maintained while bringing in modern cues for the more premium model.

Whether that effort is a success or translates into a much higher price point isn’t known yet. The 2013 model is priced from $14,400.

Engines and Transmissions

Three Kia Soul model choices will be available: Base, Plus and Exclaim. The Base Soul gets a 1.6-liter all-aluminum four cylinder direct injection engine that makes 130 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 118 foot-pounds of torque at 4,850 rpm. A gasoline direct engine displacing at 2.0 liters is offered in all other models. This engine makes 164 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 151 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm.

Base editions are paired with a six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic transmission. Kia Soul Plus models also get either transmission while Exclaim models are equipped with the automatic transmission alone.

Amenities and Technologies

Inside, the Kia Soul is outfitted with a new instrument panel including an available eight-inch capacitative touchscreen. From that screen drivers can access Kia telematics and the infotainment system, as well as providing iPhone and Android smartphone connectivity. Kia says that the screen arrangement provides improved visibility and one finger access, with ancillary controls arranged so as to reduce driver distraction. In addition, turn-by-turn directions are now displayed from the navigation system.

2014 Kia Soul Pandora Internet radio is now fully integrated into the head unit and can be accessed by touch or by voice. A trial subscription to SiriusXM data services and travel link offers reports about road conditions, weather and security. The package also provides fuel prices, stock information, movie times and sport scores. Once the three-month trial is up, owners can purchase annual and multi-year plans or monthly plans ranging from $1.99 to $8.99 per month.

Equipment and Packages

Standard Kia Soul equipment includes power accessories windows, door locks and the heated side mirrors a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth connectivity and a telescoping steering wheel column. Available amenities include 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control and remote keyless entry.

Choose the Kia Soul Plus and your vehicle is equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, side mirror turn-signal indicators, automatic headlamps, UVO eServices, a rear camera display and optional navigation system. Available options at this trim level include fog lights, ambient lighting, an upgraded audio system, a panoramic sunroof, leather seating surfaces and a heated steering wheel.

The Kia Soul Exclaim has 18-inch alloy wheels, projector beam headlamps, LED positioning lights, a 10-way power drivers seat with lumbar support and upgraded interior trim. Also available is a navigation system, automatic climate control, push button start, heated and ventilated seating and an Infinity audio system.

Happy Hamsters

Will Kia continue marketing the Soul with its hip-hop hamsters or will the Korean automaker upgrade to classical music loving guinea pigs? No matter, this five-passenger front-wheel-drive model will likely do quite well selling itself, long a proven hit in a sea of small utility vehicles.

2014 Kia Soul

See Also — Stunning: Kia Cross GT Concept

Photos courtesy of Kia Motors America, Inc.