The MY2016 Kia Soul will be donning a new style and new features – some which are found on the Kia K900 luxury sedan. For the 2016 model year, the new Soul can be availed in three distinct trim levels -- Base, Plus, and Exclaim. Each trim level adds new features for the MY2016 Soul. Coming as standard for all models are alloy wheels. On the other hand, features like 4.3-inch color touchscreen, SiriusXM satellite radio, and integrated Rear Camera Display will come as standard for Base models with the Convenience Package.
The Plus model builds on the Base trim level, adding gloss black bumper “tusks,” fog lights, and integrated Rear Camera Display. Buyers could avail of a new Designer Collection package for the Plus model, thereby adding two visually striking two-toned color combinations: white with a red roof, or red with a black roof. The package also includes 18-inch alloy wheels with black spokes, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob.
Meanwhile, leather-trimmed seats are now installed as standard on Exclaim models. For this trim level, buyers could avail of the Premium Package, which promises to enhance driving experience with convenience features like Forward Collision Warning System (FCWS) and Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS). The LDWS is a camera-based system that helps monitor the Soul’s position, and when the vehicle swerves too close to the lane markers, the technology will send visual and auditory warnings to the driver.
The Premium Package for the Exclaim model also includes navigation, an upgraded Infinity audio system, string-LED front speaker surround mood lighting and a panoramic sunroof. Other inclusions are ventilated front driver and passenger seats, seat heaters for all four outboard positions, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, and a leather-wrapped gearshift knob.
Additionally, buyers could opt for the interior Umber Color Package, which can be availed with one of the following exterior colors: Shadow Black, Titanium, Fathom Blue or Cloud White. The package also features HID projector headlights, premium Nappa leather seating surfaces and door armrest accents.
In terms of power, the Base model is kept alive by a gasoline direct injection (GDI) 1.6-liter all-aluminum DOHC four-cylinder GAMMA engine that produces 130 hp at 6,300 rpm and 118 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,850 rpm. The 1.6-liter engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission or to an available six-speed automatic gearbox.
On the other hand, the Plus and Exclaim models are powered by a more dynamic 2.0-liter NU power plant (with GDI technology) that develops 164 hp at 6,200 rpm and 151 lb.-ft. of torque at a 4,000 rpm. This engine is mated only to the six-speed automatic transmission.
Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution unit of Kia Motors Corp. KMA is the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA. In 2014, the unit posted a new sales record after selling over 500,000 units for the third year in a row.
KMA’s product lineup includes the K900 flagship sedan, Cadenza premium sedan, Sorento CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Soul EV, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Optima Hybrid, the Forte compact sedan, Forte and Forte Koup, Rio and Rio five-door subcompacts and the Sedona midsize multi-purpose vehicle. The unit sells the vehicle through a network of over 765 dealers across the United States.
