Not too speedy
The 2011 Soul can be equipped with two engine choices; forget the base trim with its 1.6-litre four, and step up to the 2.0-litre unit good for 142 hp and 137 lb.-ft of torque. Connected to a 4-speed automatic - mandatory in the top-shelf 4u Luxury model - the 0-100 km/h sprint takes 9.4 seconds, while the quarter-mile is cleared in 16.8 seconds at 130 km/h. Not particularly quick, but sufficient given the vehicle's mission.
Actually, in normal driving conditions, the Soul feels peppy; an extra gear or two would definitely help fuel economy and keep engine revs low on the highway which currently rest at 2,400 rpm during a steady 100 km/h cruise.
Still, our fuel economy average of 8.4 L/100km is pretty good, despite the 4-speed auto's tendency for slow upshifts, making sure it squeezes out the better part of the engine's torque.
The Soul also feels more eager to be shaken around than one of its notable rivals: the Nissan Cube. However, it's nowhere near as sporty as another one of the Soul's notable rivals: the Nissan Juke. The 18" wheels with low-profile tires, as well as what Kia calls a "sport-tuned suspension," contribute to a stiff ride, especially on badly maintained city streets. If you want a softer-riding Soul, go for the 2u version.
Go for the 2011 or wait for the 2012?
It's no secret anymore: The 2012 Soul will receive a minor makeover that includes headlights, taillights, mirrors, and wheels. The big news, however, is what will be found under the hood: the base 1.6L engine will get direct injection good for 138 horses, while the 2.0L unit will gain 22 hp for a total of 164. And while we're at it, the new Soul will eventually be offered with a start/stop system as well as both 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions.
So, better performance and better fuel economy; why go for the 2011, then?
The 2011 Soul can be equipped with two engine choices; forget the base trim with its 1.6-litre four, and step up to the 2.0-litre unit good for 142 hp and 137 lb.-ft of torque. Connected to a 4-speed automatic - mandatory in the top-shelf 4u Luxury model - the 0-100 km/h sprint takes 9.4 seconds, while the quarter-mile is cleared in 16.8 seconds at 130 km/h. Not particularly quick, but sufficient given the vehicle's mission.
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| The 2.0L engine develops 142 horsepower and 0-100 km/h takes 9.4 seconds. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com) |
Actually, in normal driving conditions, the Soul feels peppy; an extra gear or two would definitely help fuel economy and keep engine revs low on the highway which currently rest at 2,400 rpm during a steady 100 km/h cruise.
Still, our fuel economy average of 8.4 L/100km is pretty good, despite the 4-speed auto's tendency for slow upshifts, making sure it squeezes out the better part of the engine's torque.
The Soul also feels more eager to be shaken around than one of its notable rivals: the Nissan Cube. However, it's nowhere near as sporty as another one of the Soul's notable rivals: the Nissan Juke. The 18" wheels with low-profile tires, as well as what Kia calls a "sport-tuned suspension," contribute to a stiff ride, especially on badly maintained city streets. If you want a softer-riding Soul, go for the 2u version.
Go for the 2011 or wait for the 2012?
It's no secret anymore: The 2012 Soul will receive a minor makeover that includes headlights, taillights, mirrors, and wheels. The big news, however, is what will be found under the hood: the base 1.6L engine will get direct injection good for 138 horses, while the 2.0L unit will gain 22 hp for a total of 164. And while we're at it, the new Soul will eventually be offered with a start/stop system as well as both 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions.
So, better performance and better fuel economy; why go for the 2011, then?
 |
| The 18" wheels with low-profile tires, as well as what Kia calls a "sport-tuned suspension," contribute to a stiff ride, especially on badly maintained city streets. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com) |