This year, one of the brightest models of the Korean company Kia Motors has undergone a restyling. We are talking about the Soul hatchback, which is mainly bought because of its extraordinary and memorable design. The car in the GT package is especially memorable: the GT prefix, indicating high power and dynamism, is attached to a completely redesigned and truly interesting car with a 204-horsepower turbo engine and, last but not least, with the ability to accelerate to “hundreds” in just 7, 8 sec. Read about this and much more in our 2017 Kia Soul GT review!
Design
As a result of the update, the hatchback received a completely new grille (in the initial configuration of the Soul, the design of the grille is different), modified bumpers, modified head optics with LED running lights in the upper part (in the basic version, DRLs are located below), as well as 18-inch alloy wheels with original pattern (rubber 235/45 R18), exterior mirrors with red caps, door sills with a red line and rear windows with a fairly dense factory tint. Headlights - only with linded halogen, LED optics and xenon in the GT version, alas, are not available.
At the “stern” you can see twin exhaust pipes, large vertical lanterns, a GT badge on the trunk lid, a red Soul logo and a protective overlay for the rear bumper with a chrome finish. The body of the most powerful Soul modification is two-tone, with a contrasting roof (the number of model color options has been increased from 10 to 15). With just a glance at the Korean novelty, the two-color cars of the British Mini brand and the Japanese Toyota BB “cubes” immediately come to mind, but there are still no direct borrowings. In general, the "charged" version of Soul is quite original and organic.
Design
The basis of the model is the rear-wheel drive design BH-L (VI) - Hyundai Equus is built on the basis of a similar platform. The front suspension is double wishbone. The rear multi-link suspension with spaced damping parts was assembled by Kia engineers on a separate subframe. Pneumatic springs make it possible to raise the machine body by 30 mm. At a speed of 70 km/h, the vehicle's ground clearance drops to the original 145 mm, and after 120 km/h it decreases by another 15 mm. The ground clearance of the base Quoris with spring suspension is 150mm. The body of the updated hatchback is 66% high-strength steel, resulting in a 1/3 increase in torsional rigidity. During the modernization, the A-pillars became 2 cm thinner. For the manufacture of the body, branded Korean components are used.
Adaptation to Russian conditions
The assembly of the Russian version of Soul GT 2017 has been established at the Avtotor enterprise in Kaliningrad. To adapt the model to our road realities, brakes with enlarged discs, an Era-Glonass emergency alert system, heated washer nozzles, a rain sensor and a Drive Mode Select driving mode selection system are installed, which makes it possible to select sports and economical driving modes. In addition, the novelty has heating not only for the front, but also for the rear seats (dual-range), but there is no electric heating of the windshield with threads.
Comfort
The interior of the "hot" hatchback is decorated with black fabric and leather with contrasting orange stitching. Orange color accents are present on the gear lever, steering wheel, seats and instrument panel visor. The rings around the audio system speakers in the front doors have a similar color. The quality of finishing materials and ergonomics are at their best here - better than many more expensive European cars, not to mention "classmates". The new torpedo architecture is visible to the naked eye. The center console is adorned with a large screen of the infotainment complex, above which are located stylish ventilation deflectors. Under the screen is a climate control unit with a single temperature controller. To the left of the center console is a multifunctional “sports” steering wheel with a rim truncated at the bottom, tilt and reach adjustment, a heating function and audio equipment control buttons, cruise control and the aforementioned Drive Mode Select drive mode selection system.
Instrument cluster - with a classic layout. On the sides are analog “wells” of the speedometer and tachometer, and in the middle is far from the smallest information display. On the ceiling, there is no panoramic roof available for other Soul trim levels, but there is an Era-Glonass button. There are three USB inputs: two for the driver and front passenger and one for the rear passengers. On the second row of seats, there is enough space for two or three adults, although you won’t “get clear” much. The first row is also more or less free and there is enough space above your head. The front seats are comfortable, with soft head restraints and electric adjustments (the driver's seat has lumbar support). The rear sofa, despite the lack of backrest adjustment, does not cause any complaints. The back of the sofa folds in parts, thanks to which the modest volume of the trunk of the Soul GT 2017 (354 liters) increases to 1367 liters. - however, the trunk remains without a flat floor due to the presence of a step. Under the floor of the cargo compartment - tools and a stubby stowage with a dimension of 125/80 R16.
Soul GT 2017 has virtually all the electronic assistants that any modern car should be equipped with. The list of hatchback equipment, which includes Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Emergency Brake Assist (BAS) and Hill Start Assist (HAC), as well as Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and Active Steering (VSM), is now supplemented with blind spot monitoring. » zones (BSD) and Reverse Parking Assist (RCTA). In addition, the model is equipped with front and side airbags, curtains, cruise control without a speed limiter, rear parking sensors and a rearview camera.
The five-door GT is offered with a next-generation navigation and multimedia system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. "Multimedia" with a seven-inch touchscreen, SD-card slot and USB-connector for connecting gadgets allows you to get up-to-date information about the situation on the roads in real time, listen to music and make phone calls while driving. The sound quality is excellent, which cannot be said about the "picture" from the rear view camera - in this case, the quality is average.
Kia Soul Specifications
Under the hood of the GT version lives a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder T-GDI turbo engine with direct fuel injection, which develops 204 hp. at 6000 rpm. and 265 Newton meters of torque at 1500-4500 rpm. The turbo four is well suited to 92-octane gasoline, complies with Euro-5 environmental standards and is paired with a preselective seven-speed DCT robot with Valeo dry multi-plate clutches. The dynamics with such an engine is excellent: up to the first hundred kilometers, the “charged” hatch accelerates in just 7.8 seconds, and its maximum speed is 200 km/h. The combination of a 204-horsepower turbocharged engine and a robotic transmission is quite worthy, and it would be just great if the manufacturer took care not to exceed the 200-horsepower tax threshold on some 4 hp. However, one will have to accept the fact that the estimated sales volume of the GT modification in Russia is too small for Kia Motors to spend resources on solving this problem.
The 2018 KIA Soul is ready to impress you with its compact size and off-road character. The model feels confident in an urban environment and will not let you down on rough terrain.
Specifications KIA Soul
Crossover length - 4140 mm, width - 1800 mm, height - 1616 mm. Thanks to such miniature dimensions, the car maneuvers freely and easily parks even in cramped yards, and at the same time it has a spacious interior.
Ground clearance Soul - 153 mm. This is enough for trips around the metropolis, and for traveling out of town.
Trunk volume - 354 liters. You can take with you not only all the necessary things!
The line of crossover engines includes petrol units with a volume of 1.6 or 2 liters and power from 124 to 204 hp. You can choose a car with a manual transmission-6, automatic transmission-6 or a 7-band robot. Models are equipped with front wheel drive.
Soul develops a top speed of up to 200 km / h, and the car will need 7.8 seconds to accelerate to the first hundred.
Fuel consumption when driving in mixed mode is from 6.9 to 8 liters per 100 kilometers. Tank volume - 54 liters.
Basic modification Classic
The version offers Bluetooth, ABS, a 12V outlet and a radio-enabled audio system. You can control the audio system using the buttons on the steering wheel. Side mirrors are equipped with heating, and a set of airbags is supplemented with curtains. The interior mirror is dimmed automatically, which eliminates the possibility of blinding. The car is equipped with air conditioning, reading lights, luggage compartment lighting and Isofix system. Electric power steering makes it easy to steer, and hooks in the trunk allow you to securely fix the load.
Technologies and functionality
- A rear-view camera will help when maneuvering in dense traffic and when parking.
- The SPAS system controls the distance to the nearest car. It will warn you if it is too small and there is a possibility of a collision.
- Armchairs of models of higher configurations are ventilated, which will be appreciated in the heat.
- Important information on the road is displayed on a 4-inch TFT display.
Learn TTX KIA Soul and choose the right car!
The compact "urban crossover" Kia Soul of the second generation (someone calls it a hatchback, and someone even sees a compact MPV in it) celebrated its world premiere in March 2013 - at a car show in New York, and in the autumn of the same year, his European bride - at the Frankfurt exhibition.
Having retained recognizable proportions, the car, compared to its predecessor, has noticeably changed in appearance, grown in size and “overgrown” with modern equipment.
In the summer of 2015, the Kia company carried out a small update of the SUV - making minor changes to its exterior.
In addition, the Soul was raised above the ground by an additional 10 mm, a new gasoline unit was “registered” under its hood (while removing the turbodiesel), and the list of equipment was replenished with new options.
The characteristic and extraordinary appearance of the "Soul" provides him with instant recognition - the car looks stylish, provocatively and aggressively. The exterior of the crossover is distinguished by such fashionable attributes as LED “garlands” in the front and rear lighting, the signature “tiger mouth” and embossed bumpers with integrated fog lamps.
The 2nd generation Kia Soul “still has the same cubic body”, which is endowed with “bloated” wheel arches and decorated with chrome, and it can be individualized by two-tone coloring and four types of rims with a diameter of 16 to 18 inches.
The length of the 2nd generation model is 4140 mm, its width fits into 1800 mm, and its height is 1593 mm (including roof rails - 1605 mm). The wheelbase indicator of the crossover is 2570 mm, and the ground clearance (clearance) is 160 mm.
In running order, the “Korean” weighs minimum from 1282 to 1406 kg (depending on modification).
The second-generation Soul's interior is made in accordance with the brand's "family" style, which is why it resembles other Kia models, although original solutions are still interspersed with it. Directly in front of the driver is a large “steering wheel” with a scattering of control elements, and in the “top” versions it is also heated. The instrument cluster can be of two types: in the “junior” trim levels, the scales are hidden in separate “wells”, in the “older” ones, the Supervision panel with strict dials and a 4.3-inch “scoreboard” is installed.
The center console looks fresh and attractive, and a certain merit in this belongs to the "lacquered" design. It houses a regular audio system with a small screen (in expensive versions it is replaced by an 8-inch “TV”) and the original climate control unit with a round monochrome “window”.
The interior is made mainly of soft plastics, diluted with silver and glossy decor, and fabric or natural leather trim is offered for the seats.
The arsenal of the “second” Kia Soul includes comfortable front seats with elastic lateral support, dense filler and sufficient adjustment intervals. The rear sofa is implicitly molded for two passengers, but the supply of space on all fronts allows three to sit down without difficulty.
The trunk of the "Soul" is small - only 354 liters in the stowed state. Under the floor is a 14-liter organizer with three compartments, and only under it is a compact spare wheel and the necessary set of tools. The back of the "gallery" is folded in unequal parts (60/40), as a result of which the volume increases to 1367 liters, but a completely flat platform is not obtained.
In the Russian market, the second generation Kia Soul is offered with two gasoline power plants (the “pre-reform” car is also equipped with a diesel unit).
- As a basic option, a four-cylinder naturally aspirated 1.6-liter gasoline engine with a distributed fuel supply and a 16-valve DOHC timing belt is installed on the crossover, which generates 124 horsepower at 6300 rpm and 152 Nm of torque at 4850 rpm. He is separated in tandem by 6-speed gearboxes - “mechanics” and “automatic”, which supply all the moment to the front wheels. From zero to the first hundred, the “Korean” accelerates in 11.3-12.5 seconds, its “maximum” is 177-182 km / h, and the fuel “appetite” in mixed mode ranges from 7.3 to 7.9 liters per 100 km.
- Next comes the 1.6-liter GDI atmospheric “quadruple”, which, unlike the “younger” engine, is equipped with direct fuel injection into the combustion chamber. Its return has 132 “horses” at 6300 rpm and 161 Nm of torque, which is realized from 4850 rpm. Together with him, only an automatic transmission works, as a result of which the “Soul” is provided with the conquest of 100 km / h after 11.7 seconds and a top speed of 180 km / h. In the combined cycle, the car consumes 7.6 liters of gasoline per "hundred".
- And the “top-end” (since June 2017) is a 2.0-liter gasoline “aspirated” with a power of 150 hp. (at 6200 rpm) and a torque of 192 Nm (at 4000 rpm), which is paired with a six-band "automatic" and provides the Soul with a speed of 100 km / h in 10.2 seconds.
- Under the hood of the SUV 2014-2015 model year, you can also find a 1.6-liter four-cylinder diesel engine with a 16-valve timing, turbocharging and direct injection system. It develops 128 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 260 Nm of peak thrust from 1900 to 2750 rpm, and is combined exclusively with automatic transmission. From standstill to 100 km / h, the diesel Soul rushes in 12.2 seconds, forcing the mark of 177 km / h. Diesel fuel consumption in the combined cycle is 6 liters per 100 kilometers.
"Soul" of the second generation is based on the elongated platform of the current generation Kia cee'd. A spring suspension with McPherson struts is installed at the front, a torsion beam and hydraulic telescopic shock absorbers at the rear. All versions of the crossover rely on electric power steering with three modes of operation. The car is equipped with front and rear disc brakes (in the first case there is ventilation), supplemented by ABS with emergency braking assistant (BAS).
In Russia, the 2018 Kia Soul is sold in five equipment levels - Classic, Comfort, Luxe, Prestige and Premium.
The initial equipment of the “Korean” is minimally priced at 916,900 rubles, and the list of its equipment combines: frontal airbags, ABS and BAS, a course stability system, electric power steering, lift assist technology, a multifunctional steering wheel, an audio system with 6 speakers and air conditioning.
Regularly, the crossover is equipped with the “Warm Options” package, which includes heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and a windshield in the parking area of the “wipers”. For an automatic transmission, you will have to pay another 70,000 rubles.
The maximum performance of "Soul" is available at a price of 1,366,900 rubles. It "flaunts", among other things; 18-inch wheels with black inserts, climate control, cruise, keyless entry, xenon front optics, electric panoramic roof, parking sensors, multimedia center with 8-inch monitor and other equipment.
Price: from 1,006,900 rubles.
The compact car KIA Soul 2018-2019 was first presented to the public at the Paris Motor Show in 2008 and earned a standing ovation. Experts argued a lot about the class affiliation of the model and agreed that it was a minivan.
When sales of new items in Europe began in 2009, it caused a big stir. Car enthusiasts appreciated the model, and the number of sales almost reached the Asian level. In the same year, the model brought developers a prestigious award - for the best design solutions of the year.
An interesting fact: the Korean car is recognized as the best in terms of trailer towing, which surprised analysts a bit, but the fact remains. This model is recognized as one of the safest cars for both the driver and passengers or pedestrians. In 2016, the model experienced another restyling, and we will talk about the influence of which on the model.
The first thing that catches your eye is the updated body of the KIA Soul 2019 car. We should also note the design solutions that made the model more modern and competitive. The unique appearance will definitely not leave you indifferent, and acquaintance with the interior and the “stuffing” will convince you that this is one of the best options in its “weight category”.
Design
As noted above, the appearance of the novelty was appreciated not only by motorists, but also by experts. But what exactly was the reason for such admiration? Now let's try to figure it out.
From the front, the car, despite its compactness, seems quite overall and aggressive. It is immediately worth noting the elongated xenon head optics, during the development of which the most modern technologies were used. The space between them is occupied by a miniature grille, surrounded by a bright red rim. A little higher is the Kia logo. A huge air intake is installed above the bumper itself, in the corners of which the engineers harmoniously placed high-tech fog lights. It is impossible not to notice the acute-angled transition of the windshield to the roof, but this does not greatly affect the streamlining of the model.
From the side, it resembles a small minibus. Due to the elongated hood, the 2018-2019 KIA Soul car as a whole seems longer. The effect is enhanced by an elongated recess, which, as it were, connects not too voluminous wheel arches. The sharp-angled straight roof gives the car an incredible severity, so the rectangular side mirrors look harmonious against the general background.
The design of the rear of the car continues the overall design concept. A large vertical tailgate immediately catches your eye, with a darkened window, a rectangular trim with the company logo and model name. I was very surprised by the decision of the creators to place the rear optics approximately at the level of the side windows - this is a rarity in the current era of the automotive industry.
Vehicle dimensions:
- length - 4.105 m;
- width - 1.785 m;
- height - 1.61 m;
- clearance - 16.4 cm;
- wheelbase - 2.55 m;
- weight - 1170-1365 kg (depending on the type of model configuration).
Salon
After the first acquaintance with the salon, you will have only positive emotions. And how could it be otherwise? After all, the interior of the novelty can be safely called quite spacious, comfortable and modern.
Let's start with the driver's seat. Here everything is done taking into account the rules of ergonomics and safety. The steering wheel is at the optimum height, however, the function of steering wheel adjustment within two planes is available. Behind it, in traditional recesses, the classic speedometer and tachometer are hidden. The dashboard looks quite compact and is mounted at an ideal distance from the driver's position.
The front row of seats of the KIA Soul 2019 is equipped with an electric seat position and multi-level heating, and the presence of convenient side supports is also pleasing.
Passengers in the back row can also fully enjoy the comfort of the interior of the updated car. The same heating and position control functions are available on the rear seats.
In the interior upholstery materials, the most used is genuine leather, so it is not surprising that dark colors prevail in the interior, but modern LED lighting corrects the situation.
It is also worth noting the presence in the cabin of the following elements:
- modern high-tech navigator;
- eight-inch touch monitor;
- multifunctional audio system;
- air conditioner;
- luggage organizer.
The trunk capacity of the KIA Soul 2018-2019 is 400 liters, but thanks to some transformation of the rear row of seats, this figure increases to 700 liters.
Specifications
As for the changes, they affected all aspects of the car.
First of all, I would like to note the incredible soundproofing system - now the sound of the engine and other internal processes of the car is almost inaudible in the cabin.
The creators offer a choice of one petrol and one diesel engine.
The role of the gasoline engine is played by a 1.6-liter power unit, which is capable of producing 126 horsepower at 161 Nm. The acceleration time from zero to hundreds of kilometers is 11.3 s. The maximum speed is 176 km / h. The average fuel consumption does not exceed 7.9 liters.
The second option is a diesel engine, also with a volume of 1.6 liters, which produces 128 horsepower at 161 Nm. To disperse a car with a diesel engine from zero to hundreds of kilometers will have to spend - 11.9 s. The maximum speed is 182 km/h. Average fuel consumption is 8.2 liters per hundred kilometers.
Each type of KIA Soul 2019 engine works in a duet with a six-speed manual and automatic transmission.
The following functions are built into each model, regardless of the configuration:
- disc brakes that have successfully passed a large number of tests and tests;
- ABS emergency braking system, in addition there is an additional ESC system;
- steering wheel regulator in two planes;
- front high-tech airbags;
- immobilizer;
- electric power steering, with the possibility of individual parameter settings;
- ISOFIX mount;
- assistant start movement in mountainous areas.
Pleases with a wide range of choice of rims. The model supports 16-inch steel and 16-inch light alloy oversized, as well as 18-inch light alloy.
Options and prices
Five types of equipment are available for domestic consumers. Therefore, those wishing to purchase a new car will have to pay an amount of RUB 1,006,900 up to RUB 1,531,900 depending on the selected parameters and equipment.
The compact model won the hearts of many motorists in many countries around the world. Since the start of sales of the first generation of the model, 760,000 units have been sold. But, according to experts, the second generation is quite capable of improving this indicator.
The updated crossover has already won several prestigious awards and this is just the beginning.
At the moment, in Russia, 7,000 people have become the owners of the new KIA Soul 2 model, which indicates the incredible popularity of the car in the country, because this is one of the best indicators in this segment.
Video review
At the end of 2016, the updated Kia Soul 2017 was presented. This event did not come as a surprise, since company representatives have long been talking about the upcoming restyling.
The new model has been on sale in Europe since November last year. And now, recently, the Korean crossover began to be delivered to the domestic market.
It must be said right away that those who expected to see a new body will be disappointed, because the developers decided to leave the previous modular platform, which has already shown itself perfectly in previous versions.
The design of the front of the car breaks all established stereotypes regarding crossovers. An unusually small false radiator grille gives the nose a bit of comedy and clumsiness. The situation is partially saved by a large two-level air intake, which makes the new Kia Soul more aggressive. On its lower tier there are fog lights, which are interconnected by a plastic strip. Head optics turned out just gorgeous. Not only is it fully LED technology, but the shape of its headlights provides a large area of illumination. The hood of the novelty is moderately smooth, without special stampings and air currents.
The side of the car, as before, resembles a boot. Such an association appears due to an overly flat roof. It looks like someone just carefully cut off the top of the car. Large doors and voluminous wheel arches make it clear that we are facing a real crossover. A noticeable side stamping gives the car an athletic look. As for the aerodynamic properties of the car, judging by the shape of the body, they are far from ideal. However, we will not draw empty conclusions so that everyone has a personal opinion after a test drive.
Korma Soul 2017 even looks very modern. The concave tailgate creates a kind of clumsiness of the crossover, but this moment fits perfectly into the overall design concept. The rear lights are located almost under the roof itself, and also boast a unique shape. The powerful bumper is equipped with LED daytime running lights, and a dual exhaust pipe.
The overall dimensions of the Kia Soul 2017 remained the same. Is it possible to note the clearance, which is now 16.5 cm.
Interior
The interior of the new crossover is almost no different from its predecessor. It is worth noting that the increase in wheelbase provided more legroom for the rear passengers.
The dashboard received a new design. It has become more compact and easy to use. The three-spoke steering wheel is the author's development of the Korean company, and was created specifically for the restyled model.
As for the interior trim, depending on the configuration, it can be fabric or leather upholstery. The interior of the GT modification is complemented by bright orange elements.
The front row of seats is equipped with electric controls and armrests. The rear seats cannot be called over-equipped with various additional lotions, but they are very comfortable, and passengers can hope for a sufficient amount of personal space.
Sports modification Kia Soul GT 2017
Specifications
It is not surprising that among all modifications of the Kia Soul 2017 model year, the sports version, GT, is in the greatest demand. It is equipped with a 1.6-liter gasoline engine with a capacity of 204 horsepower at 265 Nm. Complete with it, a robotic automatic transmission with two clutch discs is installed. This duo provides incredible dynamics of the car: acceleration time from zero to hundreds is 7.8 s, top speed is 200 km/h. It is worth noting that this sports modification is also equipped with an upgraded braking system that provides quick, soft braking, even at high speed.
Otherwise, the line of power units is the same as that of its predecessor. These are two gasoline engines with a volume of 1.6 liters and a capacity of 124 and 132 horsepower, as well as one 1.6-liter turbodiesel that produces 128 “horses”. As a transmission, a 6-speed manual transmission and a similar automatic transmission are used.
Colors
There are really many colors available. According to this indicator, Kia 2017 is one of the leaders in the European market.
Differences from the old
Due to the fact that the body remains the same, the exterior of Soul 2017 has not changed much. Were only modernized headlights, as well as the air intake. Even with the naked eye, it is noticeable that the grille has become even smaller, but this is not surprising, given the specific tastes of Korean designers. A meager set of changes, complemented by a protective pad on the rear bumper.
There are a few more changes in the interior. First of all, this is a new design of the dashboard with chrome elements. The steering wheel of the Korean was also largely modernized. Now available and leather trim.
As for the engines, then, as mentioned above, a new 1.6-liter engine has appeared. But, it does not differ much from other motors in the line of power units of the model.
Options and prices
Fortunately for motorists, Kia Soul 2017 is offered in a wide range of trim levels. Of the innovations, it is worth noting such as the GLONASS navigator, blind spot monitoring system, parking sensors, high-tech front wipers, additional driving modes in automatic transmission, a modern multimedia system for 5, 7 or 8 inches.
In top trim levels, you can additionally count on a synchronizer with gadgets, a rear-view camera and a panoramic roof.
Those wishing to purchase a crossover in Germany will have to pay 17,000 euros. On the Polish market, a Korean will cost PLN 60,000. As for Russia, you can buy a crossover from us starting from 869,900 rubles.
Conclusion
The new Soul 2017 model year was a real surprise for fans of Korean cars. Despite the fact that the crossover does not differ much from its predecessor, it has become a little more expensive, but at the same time, more technologically advanced. Since recently, Soul can be bought on the domestic market in any of the branded stores.
