Author Topic: 2012 Soul (Read 19172 times)

conwelpic · « **on:** April 20, 2011, 10:14:23 am »

now with 6 speed transmission, two different engines 1.6L GDI which will be in the new Accent and 2.0L with 160hp which is greater than the current Forte 2.0L engine. NOTE THIS IS ALL US INFORMATION.

More Power, Less Fuel
The 2012 Kia Soul will amplify the fun-to-drive factor with significant horsepower increases, new six-speed transmissions and the ability to deliver up to 34 miles per gallon on the highway. A new 1.6-litre GDI engine produces 135HP (100kW), an 11 percent increase from the previous engine). For buyers looking for a greater boost in power, a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine is available with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission - advanced technology that is rare in this segment.
This engine, which produces 160HP (119kW), a 13 percent increase from the previous engine, and 143 pound-feet (194Nm) of torque, is standard on the three Kia Soul models.

Kia calculates that fuel economy for the 1.6-litre is an impressive 28/34 mpg city/highway (8.4-6.9L/100km), 10 percent more efficient than the previous engine, while the 2.0-litre offers a fuel-sipping 27/33 mpg (8.7-7.1L/100km) for both the automatic and manual transmissions.

More Style & Refinement
In addition to the 2012 Soul's performance upgrades, the new model also introduces a number of significant design improvements. On the outside, Kia Soul is freshened with new projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, a redesigned hood and new front and rear bumpers. New and modern LED rear light clusters enhance the Kia Soul's unique design, while the overall shape of the vehicle has been finessed to give Soul a smoother and more streamlined silhouette.

Spacious, State-of-the-Art Interior
Kia Soul envelopes its passengers within a more high-tech, futuristic cabin for 2012, featuring a generous blend of technologies at tremendous overall value. Soul was a recipient of the Ward's AutoWorld "Grooviest Interior" award for 2010, and passengers in the 2012 model will find genuine comfort in the roomy cabin.

New for 2012, an Infinity premium audio system is available on Soul+ models and standard on Soul! and Soul sport models for a more robust listening experience. Also new for 2012 is the UVO powered by Microsoft® in-car hands-free communication and infotainment system. A Premium Package is also available with heated front seats, leather seat trim, automatic climate control, and a navigation system among its upscale comforts.

http://www.netcarshow.com/kia/2012-soul/

Shnak · « **Reply #1 on:** April 20, 2011, 10:23:07 am »

Great news! The powertrain was the only major problem of the Soul, IMO. Let's hope they also improved the seats, which were a bit too flat and hard (bad combination), and somehow lessen the blindspot caused by the C-Pillar...

With the new powertrain, the new Soul should be near the top of everyone's list that's in the market for a city runabout with space for 4 adults/tall kids, IMO.

EV Dan · « **Reply #2 on:** April 20, 2011, 10:27:43 am »

I'd say they've done a good job again.

TopGun · « **Reply #3 on:** April 20, 2011, 10:32:27 am »

...new 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine is available with either a six-speed manual...

Excellent!

I thought about this as a replacement for the Protege5. Yet, from what I recall from the AutoShow, there is virtually no space behind the seats. So why pick this over a Fit/Fiesta or Focus hatch?

Shnak · « **Reply #4 on:** April 20, 2011, 10:41:26 am »

Quote from: TopGun on April 20, 2011, 10:32:27 am

...new 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine is available with either a six-speed manual...

Excellent!

I thought about this as a replacement for the Protege5. Yet, from what I recall from the AutoShow, there is virtually no space behind the seats. So why pick this over a Fit/Fiesta or Focus hatch?

Raised height, for one. It's like a ultra-mini-CUV, which is great to get in and out. And I'd say there's about as much space behind the rear seats as in any other sub-compact, it is, afterall, simply a raised sub-compact. It's very usable for grocery getting and around town duties...

Ex-airbalancer · « **Reply #5 on:** April 20, 2011, 10:43:01 am »

Is there more travel on the driver seat?

Shnak · « **Reply #6 on:** April 20, 2011, 10:44:01 am »

Quote from: airbalancer on April 20, 2011, 10:43:01 am

Is there more travel on the driver seat?

You had that problem too with the outgoing Soul? That wasn't a problem for me, and I'm close to 6'4".

conwelpic · « **Reply #7 on:** April 20, 2011, 11:05:03 am »

Quote from: Shnak on April 20, 2011, 10:41:26 am

Raised height, for one. It's like a ultra-mini-CUV, which is great to get in and out. And I'd say there's about as much space behind the rear seats as in any other sub-compact, it is, afterall, simply a raised sub-compact. It's very usable for grocery getting and around town duties...

I agree on the raised height, the Fit is way too low, I like the upright position. Here TopGun is some comparison dimensions

(I wonder if the Cube is going to be discontinued, as the Nissan website is still showing 2010 info)

Ex-airbalancer · « **Reply #8 on:** April 20, 2011, 11:15:23 am »

Quote from: Shnak on April 20, 2011, 10:44:01 am

Quote from: airbalancer on April 20, 2011, 10:43:01 am
Is there more travel on the driver seat?

You had that problem too with the outgoing Soul? That wasn't a problem for me, and I'm close to 6'4".

Everybody likes their seat in different position, lasted two minutes in Soul seat .

I find dealer always wants to leaning the seat way back, then lower the seat then put a hat on sideways

I prefer a high seat and strighter this could come from driving a pick up 90% of the time

TopGun · « **Reply #9 on:** April 20, 2011, 03:57:34 pm »

Quote from: conwelpic on April 20, 2011, 11:05:03 am

.....Here TopGun is some comparison dimensions

Huh...well there you go eh? Thanks man! The Protege5 has 19.8 cubic feet behind it...so identical to the Matrix and Soul. Maybe I perceived it to be so small because it isn't very deep. The space must be achieved because of the height...which is good if you want to carry thin, tall stuff.

Shnak · « **Reply #10 on:** April 21, 2011, 07:06:49 am »

The Soul's cargo appears to be a good 4-6" wider than that of the Protege5 too. Might just be the pictures, that's how it looks to me. And also, the Protege5 is/was a compact car (a small compact car, granted, but still a compact car) while the Soul is a sub-compact... and for a sub-compact car, the Soul has decent cargo.

conwelpic · « **Reply #11 on:** April 21, 2011, 12:00:03 pm »

official release of the 2012 Soul at the NY auto show by Kia US, hi-res photos and info and videos at

http://www.kiaautoshows.com/kiaNYAS2011/index.php

Jaeger · « **Reply #12 on:** April 21, 2011, 12:24:55 pm »

Sounds like some very worthy upgrades across the board.

Jaeger

Arctic_White · « **Reply #13 on:** April 22, 2011, 12:34:06 pm »

LED daytime running lamps?! Wow.

There are so many great choices with respect to (sub)compact cars these days. With the way things are going, it is perhaps better to wait until 2013 before purchasing a new car.

CatsEye68 · « **Reply #14 on:** April 22, 2011, 12:47:18 pm »

Quote from: Shnak on April 20, 2011, 10:23:07 am

Great news! The powertrain was the only major problem of the Soul, IMO.

Remind me never to ask your opinion on automotive styling.

conwelpic · « **Reply #15 on:** April 24, 2011, 09:42:15 am »

some comparisons between the old and new (not the same model)

Arctic_White · « **Reply #16 on:** April 24, 2011, 01:51:53 pm »

I prefer the new interior, but old model's tail-lights.

However, really loving the LED DRLs that the '12 MY has as a standard (optional?) feature!

conwelpic · « **Reply #17 on:** June 30, 2011, 07:59:46 am »

just released yesterday some details on the US versions: (note: subject to change)

Soul - base, + (plus), ! (exclaim)

Exterior:
Multi-reflector headlamps (base, +)
Projection headlamps w/ LED daytime running lights (!)
LED tail lamps (!)
Revised 18" alloy wheels
Tire width increased from 225/45R18 to 235/45R18
Revised 16" alloy wheels
Revised 15" wheel covers
Revised front fog lights (+ w/ power sunroof w/ fog lights, !)
Rear camera display (+ w/ Audio Upgrade Package; standard on !)
Side mirrors w/ turn signal indicators (+, !)
Revised hood, front and rear fascias
Added Moss to list of exterior colors

Interior:
Revised center stack and gear shift design
UVO system w/ HD Radio UVO in-car hands-free entertainment and communication system package (+ w/ Audio Upgrade Package; standard on !)
Available Navigation system with SiruisXM Traffic™ (! w/ Premium Package)
Available Infinity Audio System (+ w/ Audio Upgrade Package; standard on !)
Telescoping steering wheel
Auto on/off headlamps (+ w/ Audio Upgrade Package; standard on !)
Two-stage heated front seats (vs. previous one-stage) (! w/ Premium Package)
Illuminated sun visor vanity mirrors (+)
Illuminated glove box
Revised speaker lamp illumination (+ w/ Audio Upgrade Package; standard on !)
Tire mobility kit
Revised interior cloth (+)

Mechanical:
1.6-liter four-cylinder GDI engine (base)
2.0-liter four-cylinder MPI engine (+, !)
6-speed automatic transmission (vs. previous 4-speed) (optional on base, +; standard on !)
6-speed manual transmission (vs. previous 5-speed)
Electric power steering (vs. hydraulic)
Active eco system (applies to A/T)
Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)
Eco Package (A/T only) w/ Idle Stop and Go (ISG) (optional on A/T base, +)

CatsEye68 · « **Reply #18 on:** June 30, 2011, 08:25:54 am »

Sadly, still as ugly as ever. Hurts the eyes like a poke with a sharp stick.

Shnak · « **Reply #19 on:** June 30, 2011, 08:27:57 am »

Quote from: CatsEye68 on June 30, 2011, 08:25:54 am

Sadly, still as ugly as ever. Hurts the eyes like a poke with a sharp stick.

I disagree, I think the Soul is one of the coolest looking vehicles out there. Still draws my eye everytime I see one, and everytime, I think "that's a great looking car!". Not a big fan of the light green color, though.