The 2012 Kia Soul gets a new six-speed transmission in two versions: an automatic and a manual. While the automatic is much better than the previous model’s five speed auto, it still doesn’t return performances as good as the manual. The shift-it-yourself gearbox gets its car to 60 in just 7.4 seconds.
The 2012 Kia Soul is powered by a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine that is good for 164 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. The fuel economy is rated by the EPA at 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. An average, real-life fuel consumption is around 27 mpg. The start/stop system available as an option for the Kia Soul gives one extra mpg both in the city and on the highway.
The exterior does not look very good. Actually, it looks like a brick wall grew some wheels. The interior is pretty standard, and doesn’t catch the eye in any way.
This car is good if you mean to teach someone how to use a proper, manual gear shifter – and that’s about it. It isn’t particularly fast, nor is it highly luxurious, and not even exceedingly family-friendly.
The base cost price is $17,145, but it can build up a lot when the extras are brought in. The conclusion is: “only buy it if you can’t afford something else”.
4 comments
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I just bought a 2012 Soul. My other car is a BMW Z4. The Sould has leather, navigation, sunroof, heated mirrors, Bluetooth that works perfectly and a smooth ride. Very nice for 22 grand. NOTHING else that I found could touch it for that price.
Ouch…. what a bad review. I am not sure if you didn’t sleep well the day you tested your particular Soul, but we love ours. It is the perfect urban runabout, easy to park, easy on gas and just a pleasure to spent time inside in the constant gridlocked DC. Where the car shines is in its practicality. We can fold the seats and fit not one, but two bikes back there. I suggest a more balanced review and writing next time. Not only for this, but for all reviews
Well everyone’s entitled to an opinion. Personally, I didn’t think this car is worth 17 grand. I’m sure it does have its practicality, but then again, so do many other vehicles which cost less, or cost the same and get more features.