Vehicle: 2010 Kia Soul 4U Burner M/T
Price as tested: CDN$20995

Performance: Unlike the Rio, the Soul’s target market is Generation Y which is looking for something cool and hip. On the other hand, Rio appeals to those who are looking for a more appliance set of wheels.

Soul is only motivated by 2 different engines. For the base model, Soul comes standard with a 1.6 liter with 122hp and 115 lb/ft of torque, which is adequate for most of Soul’s target audience. If you really want to get the best performance out of your Soul, the 2.0 liter is the engine of choice. This DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine has Kia’s variable valve timing which dubbed CVVT, that enhances its top end performance. On the paper, its 142 ponies and 137 lb/ft of torque might not make your Soul breathtaking. But it certainly gets its job done relatively well. When you consider its 137 lb/ft of torque is available at 4600rpm, it tends to move the Soul off the traffic light with ease. The throttle response is quick without being abrupt. While it tends to get a tad noisy on high rpm, when you zip through the city streets with Soul’s funky looks, you better keep it at most of its engine’s sweet spot to let other road users spot this funky box. Given Soul’s status of life as an entry-level car, its refinement and NVH have done a pretty decent job. Our tester comes with 5-speed manual gearbox, which have a rather long throw despite the gates are pretty well-defined. The clutch is light and progressive with a good blipping point for take-off. The high gearing of 5th gear also makes Soul rides relaxingly on the freeway, despite of its buziness.

Handling: Soul’s fundamental begins with a solid and rigid chassis that is completely free of any flex and rattles. That means its good for suspension to hang its heads. Kia engineers have done a really good job of compromsing ride and handling given its rather basic origin. The steering provides decent response and feel, it feels surprisingly precise during turn-in. Despite of Soul’s rather high driving position, its understeer isn’t as exaggerrated as what it supposed to be. In fact, its the exact opposite. There remains quite some terminal understeer as expect from a small car. Although there are some body rolls, due to its exaggeration from the tall driving position. Its actually very well-mannered. The Soul tends to settle itself confidently after the suspension takes the set after those rolls. However, we found Soul’s ride a bit choppy and busy on rough pavements. Especially on those washboard pavements with its sports suspension and 18″ wheels. Except for the base 1.6L, Soul comes standard with electric stability control, which is an active safety feature that works exceptionally well with its chassis. It doesn’t step in unnecessarily until driver rears its ugly heads. On a contrary, it acts as a guardian angel when any of its target audience gets too hot in the corners.

Brakes: The Soul 4U comes standard with 4-wheel discs and ABS on all 2.0 liter models. Unfortunately, the base 1.6 liter got only front discs/rear drums without offering an ABS as an option. Even though 2.0 liter is a no-brainer choice, it doesn’t mean those who settle for base car has to settle without ABS and rear disc brakes.

Despite of my criticism of Soul’s packaging, its brake feel and modulation are above class average. The pedal feels firm and solid. While ABS doesn’t step in without any warning or unwanted intervention, even during our pouring day of testing. The stopping distance is short and sure-footness, as well as reassuring.

Interior: The Soul’s interior is as funky as its hippy exterior styling. In our 4U Burner, it got standard with very sharp red theme to come together with black standard trim. While it certainly not my taste, this is definitely suitable for its target audience who is looking for something hip and cool.

The use of interior materials are more than acceptable consider Soul’s small car status. While you still can find plenty of hard plastic, those plastic doesn’t have any ungainly seams which are poorly molded from the suppliers. Kia designers have put together those plastic very well in order to make them look rich and expensive. All the switchgears from the center console’s climate control to power window switches have a tactical, high-quality touch to their details. On the other hand, the instrumentation gauges are clear and analog. Those velour seats are well-foamed and comfortable.

The back seat of the Soul can sit 2 comfortably and 3 in a squeeze. Headroom is impressive thanks to Soul’s boxy looks.

The most impressive aspect of Soul is how versatile its cargo space. It all begins with a low liftover which have a squared low and side sills, thanks to its boxy looks again. After fold down the rear seats, once again, without removing headrests. You can basically put everything else into the Soul with ease. All it come with a completely flat floor without any poorly engineered budges inside. Another area Kia designers have paid serious attention is the door handle for the hatch. Every cars should have door handle for the hatch and trunk, if you consider those as doors to access inside the vehicle. Finally, the rear washer/wiper is a godsent in rainy weather on a hatchback. Thank you very much.

Conclusion: The Kia Soul is a delightful set of wheels for those who are looking for practicality and looks. Not only does it has good engines, handle surprisingly well and it has been designed for those who have the need for interior space. The most attractive aspect is the Soul has priced accordingly.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2010 Kia Soul
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Performance: 3.5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 3.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4.5/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 3.75/5