Up Close: 2010 Kia Soul

Kiasoulupclose

It seems Kia’s new Soul, unveiled at the L.A. auto show today, roughly splits the difference between a Scion xB or Nissan Cube and a compact crossover, like the Suzuki SX4. The dash has fairly traditional shapes: The center controls face skyward, the shifter goes on the floor and the gauges sit behind the steering wheel. At first blush, overall quality is a step above the aging Kia Spectra's, if not quite to Hyundai Elantra levels. The backlit instruments look upscale, and dials for the A/C and stereo feel reasonably high-quality.

The seats’ tightly woven textures lose out to the Cube’s for overall comfort, though Kia’s rear seats fold flat. The Cube’s seats, when folded, leave quite a ledge. And Kia might just be the new GM when it comes to no-nonsense functionality: There’s a dedicated spot to stow your sunglasses, the pivoting sun visors extend all the way to the B-pillars, and the rear center seat belt mounts in the seatback — not the ceiling — to keep rear-window visibility clear. Gold star, Kia.

But then we get to styling. I can’t tell what this car is trying to be. It looks too nebulous from the front, too cheeky from the rear. The 18-inch wheels on uplevel models suggest go-fast capabilities … but then you pop the hood and see Kia’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which fills the engine bay like Mary-Kate Olsen fills a muumuu. Sigh. At least the Soul ought to be fuel-efficient, with an estimated 30-plus mpg, according to Kia. That beats Scion’s xB by at least 2 mpg.

Comments 

I'm liking some of the new designs for some of these new cars, but what in the hell was Kia thinking when they made the pattern for the rear seats/head restraints?

"Americans will LOVE that '50s retro diner styling!"

Actually, looks like perfect execution of a small, cheap, economical car with extra utility.

this is the best steering wheel I've seen in a Kia/Hyundai product....

Funny, I really liked the steering wheel in person too. It is pretty nice for such a small car and far better than in the Rondo.

I have to say I'm pretty impressed. I always liked the exterior, even though it ooks like it'll roll around like a beached whale in the corners. But the interior is MUCH nicer than I expected. It's probably the nicest interior I've seen on a Kia.

Love the front and rear, hate the side view. Wedge shape usually works, but not on this box.

Note to US automakers: make some cars like this and the cube and xB, get over your fear of the Aztec.

Kia is coming. Resistance is futile.
(Oh, and the car is cool too)

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