We all knew sooner or later Kia was going to introduce an all-new Kia Soul, but it was a little bit surprising to find out it was going to be revealed at the New York International Auto Show. The new Soul is based on the Track’ster concept that was shown at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show.
The new Soul uses a new platform that is now wider, longer and stiffer allowing for more passenger and cargo room. The Soul can be considered a car with a iconic design, because when it was introduced there was nothing with such a shape, so i am pleased to see they maintained the same overall proportions.
The wheelbase is now longer by 20mm (0.8 inches) to 2570mm (101.2 inches), and so is the width, which is now bigger by 15mm (0.6 inches) for a total of 1801mm (70.9 inches). But the height remained the same 1610mm (63.4 inches).
Depending on the model (Base, Plus or Exclaim) you can choose between a 1.6 liter GDI DOHC four-cylinder engine with 130hp and 160Nm (118lb/ft) of torque, and a 2.0 liter GDI that puts out 164hp and 205Nm (151lb/ft). Kia also gives two options for the transmission, a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic gearbox.
Inside we can have an eight-inch touchscreen working with Kia’s second-generation telematics and infotainment system, UVO eServices2, Kia’s first use of the Android-based operating platform, and Pandora3 internet radio.
