2012 Kia Soul

Also making its debut at the 2011 New York Auto Show is a freshened version of Kia’s other subcompact car, the Soul.

The box-like competitor to the Nissan Cube and Scion xB gets freshened front and rear styling as well as new transmissions designed to improve fuel economy. It reprises Soul and Soul sport trim levels, along with the oddly named Soul+ and Soul! (exclaim). The base Soul reprises its 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, but high-pressure gasoline direct injection (GDI) increases horsepower to 135 from 122. All other models have a new GDI 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 160 horsepower, an increase of 18. Transmission choices include new 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic variants. These replace the 2010-2011 models’ 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic units.

Safety, comfort, and convenience features remain largely unchanged. ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags are standard. Plus models have a standard wireless cell-phone link. A sunroof is standard on the exclaim and optional on the Soul+. Exclaim and sport versions have a rearview camera and Infinity-brand audio with Kia’s UVO infotainment system. These features are included as part of an Audio Upgrade Package on the Soul+. Sport model shave a sport suspension and specific exterior and interior trim. Exclaim and sport are available with a navigation system, leather upholstery, heated front seats, automatic climate control, and keyless access/engine start.

Pricing was not announced, but we expect that the 2012 Kia Soul will start higher than the $13,300-$18,495 for 2011 models. Look for the revised Soul to go on sale this summer.

CG Says:

According to industry trade publication Automotive News, Soul sales have more than doubled through the first quarter of 2011 versus the same period in 2010. It’s outselling the similar-purpose Nissan Cube by more than three to one and the Scion xB by more than four to one. Quirky styling, solid driving dynamics, good passenger and cargo room, reasonable prices, and creative marketing have made Soul a success in the marketplace. Add better fuel economy to the mix, and we don’t see this car’s momentum slowing.

For more inside information on hundreds of new cars of today and tomorrow, check out:

• 2011 New York Auto Show Home Page
• 2011 Auto Shows: We've got all the news and pictures from the year's biggest auto shows. 
• 2011 Consumer Guide Best Buy and Recommended Award Winners: Check out which cars and trucks made the cut this year. 
• Future Cars: Step into the automotive showroom of tomorrow with analysis, pictures, and prices of vehicles that will be on sale next year and beyond.