Article Comments - 2010 Kia Soul First Drive and Full Test

70 messages, Last post on Jul 10, 2009 at 2:34 PM

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What is this discussion about? Kia Soul, Future Vehicle, Coupe, Hatchback

2010 Kia Soul First Drive - First Impressions: Finally and quite fittingly, a Kia with some soul. (more)

2010 Kia Soul Full Test and Video - Bottom Line: Fashion sense is everything in a funky hatchback and the Soul has it. But we're more attracted to this box's driving dynamics, which are among the best in this class. (more)

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#24 of 70 Drove one today, Already own an 08 Scion xB by so_cali Mar 05, 2009 (6:05 pm)
I drove a Soul today and looked at five of them. First off, Kia has a winner on their hands EXCEPT, no navigation system and only a four speed automatic make me think twice about being an early adopter. Sunroof is great, though not as far forward as the one on the xB special edition. Speakers light up in red, which is kinda cool and yes you can turn the light off. The stereo is far better than the xB offers and the Soul is lighter though it doesn't feel quite as quick..The wheels don't do it for me on the Soul, but I went aftermarket on the xB too. Resale on the xB is unbeatable, the Kia, well maybe someday. I liked this ride but not sold as yet. One final thought, the red interior on the Sport model is way too annoying. The seats I could deal with but the huge patch of red on the dash would make me sick. Replies to this message: cruzdreamer (Mar 06, 2009 7:47 am) so_cali (Mar 06, 2009 1:59 pm) cruzdreamer (Mar 06, 2009 2:12 pm) and 1 more... jyym (Mar 18, 2009 9:29 am) moontom (Mar 18, 2009 10:53 am) jyym (Mar 18, 2009 9:27 am) joem5 (Apr 02, 2009 8:09 am)
#25 of 70 Re: Drove one today, Already own an 08 Scion xB [so_cali] by cruzdreamer Mar 06, 2009 (7:47 am)
Replying to: so_cali (Mar 05, 2009 6:05 pm) Can you expand on the drive and handling a little more? Is it pretty zippy and have enough power? Does it handle curves and turns pretty tightly? Did you drive a Sport model? I like the Xb too...how did it compare on price? My three choices are the Mazda 3 hatch, the Kia Soul and the Scion Xb. I know Mazda will win out in handling and materials on interior will be up a notch in comparison. Thanks for the post! Replies to this message: so_cali (Mar 06, 2009 1:59 pm) cruzdreamer (Mar 06, 2009 2:12 pm) so_cali (Mar 07, 2009 9:58 am) jyym (Mar 18, 2009 9:29 am) moontom (Mar 18, 2009 10:53 am)
#26 of 70 Re: Drove one today, Already own an 08 Scion xB [cruzdreamer] by so_cali Mar 06, 2009 (1:59 pm)
Replying to: cruzdreamer (Mar 06, 2009 7:47 am) Not as zippy as the xB but solid and very close. The Soul feels tight on the road and much more substantial than it is, when you consider it's smaller and lighter than the xB. Didn't care for the 18" wheels but the 16" ones on the + model seemed okay. Will probably wait to see how the Nissan Cube compares before I decide if I want something else. The Soul seems like a winner though, with the caveats I already mentioned: No navi, poor resale value, four speed automatic. Replies to this message: cruzdreamer (Mar 06, 2009 2:12 pm) so_cali (Mar 07, 2009 9:58 am)
#27 of 70 Re: Drove one today, Already own an 08 Scion xB [so_cali] by cruzdreamer Mar 06, 2009 (2:12 pm)
Replying to: so_cali (Mar 06, 2009 1:59 pm) I got a Nissan Cube brochure today with an interactive 3D cd with it...will have to check it out. I am glad to hear it's pretty decent drive wise...thanks for your input. cube is kinda ugly in a good way...I like cars that look very different..like the rear window how it wraps around to the side. I have an HHR now..had to give up my turbo Mazda CX 7(financial; reasons) and I hate the mooshy steering on my HHR and turn ratio is not too good....I miss my Mazda!! If you have never driven a Mazda you absolutely have to...Zoom Zoom! Oh back to the Kia...i love all the fun mods you can do to it to make so different and more of a reflection of yourself and still be reasonably priced with some utility and good gas mileage! Replies to this message: so_cali (Mar 07, 2009 9:58 am)
#28 of 70 Re: Drove one today, Already own an 08 Scion xB [cruzdreamer] by so_cali Mar 07, 2009 (9:58 am)
Replying to: cruzdreamer (Mar 06, 2009 2:12 pm) Yea the Cube seems to get the 'how cute' stares that the others don't, at least from what the comparison article cited in this thread explains. NIssan seems to be blowing it though with how long it's taking them to get them to their dealers. One other issue I didn't mention about the Soul was that there is no driver's right side arm rest, which totally sucks. THANKFULLY they offer a center console armrest option that fixes that with both passengers, so it's an accessory that would be a must for this vehicle!
#29 of 70 I can't believe how much I like the Soul....I want one! by igozoomzoom Mar 15, 2009 (12:16 pm)
I'm shocked that I'm even seriously considering buying a Soul, but I'm very impressed with it. The exterior look is fantastic, decent quality materials on the inside. There are just a few details that need some tweaking (and perhaps reason to hold off until the 2011 models arrive....or a 2010.5 perhaps)? The naming scheme is stupid- Base, Plus (+), Exclaim (!) and Sport? They could've at least used punctuation marks for all four trim levels just to be consistent! Better yet, is the LX/EX/SX nomenclature used on other Kias so bad? Furthermore, does four trim levels even make sense? The Sport interior is a bit over-the-top with the blood RED everywhere! My '06 Mazda3 has a black interior with a tasteful, sporty red/black checked seat pattern and it looks great. The piping on the floormats and logo stitching is also red, but the dashboard isn't covered in RED plastic....Kia, take a note- LESS is more! The mandatory "Soul" logo fabric on the Plus (+) model is also a bit much. I haven't seen the Exclaim (!)'s tan houndstooth fabric in person yet, so I'll reserve judgement....but it seems very out of place on this particular vehicle. And if you insist on the houndstooth motif, perhaps have a grey option in addition to the tan? The base model appears to have the most reserved and tasteful interior of all- Basic Black. If I were to buy a Soul, it would be the Exclaim (!) with automatic. The availability of exterior colors is also a bit annoying- Molten is my favorite, but I'd settle for Clear White....neither is available on that trim level. Dune is hideous- it reminds me of the beige tone that was last seen on the '89 Ford Tempo! Java (Brown) could be interesting, but Titanium is the safe choice. I also noticed the lack of a blue hue- a bright Electic Blue or even a Gunmetal Blue-Gray would be awesome! So basically, my gripe is about interior and exterior colors...with one exception! A 4-speed automatic? You're at least one gear short in both transmissions. It's a problem throughout most of the Kia/Hyundai models- the Optima is the only 4-cylinder Kia with a 5-speed automatic, at present. Fix it ASAP! I'll be hanging out waiting for the 5-speed automatic (and the Sport without the garish interior trim or the Exclaim (!) with more exterior hues available). Overall, it's a very impressive package.
#30 of 70 Re: Drove one today, Already own an 08 Scion xB [so_cali] by jyym Mar 18, 2009 (9:27 am)
Replying to: so_cali (Mar 05, 2009 6:05 pm) The Soul eventually will get a 6 spd AT and nav (I still don't the preoccupation w/ manufacturer-based nav systems). The Soul will also likely get direct-injection and the stop-idle system. For those who don't need a new car now, I'd wait. Replies to this message: joem5 (Apr 02, 2009 8:09 am)
#31 of 70 Re: Drove one today, Already own an 08 Scion xB [cruzdreamer] by jyym Mar 18, 2009 (9:29 am)
Replying to: cruzdreamer (Mar 06, 2009 7:47 am) Another option to look at is the "new" Elantra Touring - which is basically the European i30 which is based on the award-winning Kia Cee'd. Replies to this message: moontom (Mar 18, 2009 10:53 am)
#32 of 70 Re: Drove one today, Already own an 08 Scion xB [jyym] by moontom Mar 18, 2009 (10:53 am)
Replying to: jyym (Mar 18, 2009 9:29 am) I drove the Soul and Elantra Touring recently....wanted to like the Elantra but the Soul had many advantages...it was quieter on the highway, much more spacious inside, better sound system, and much better view of the road. I'm wondering, jyym, when you think the US will get the 6sp AT? also wondering how much of a risk it is jumping into a first-year vehicle made by Kia. am I destined to be a test case/canary in the coalmine? I was pretty set on the xB until driving the Soul, and did find things I liked better on the Kia...ride smoothness which is a big deal for my wife seems about the same on both. thanks in advance for any/all insights! tm
#33 of 70 Market Adjustment by theking Mar 19, 2009 (9:26 am)
Went to my local Kia dealer......$1500 market adjustment on Soul..told salesman ADMU ?? No he said "Market adjustment..this is a hot car" ! The idiot did not realize that ADMU and market adjustment is the same thing. I remember when 2001 PT Cruisers were selling $4000 over MSRP. No car is worth MSRP..let alone ADMU ! Replies to this message: cruzdreamer (Mar 19, 2009 9:44 am)