So last week I had a car dropped off in my driveway – just for me – just to test drive for a week. This car was a Kia Soul from Kia Motors. I knew nothing about the car (besides what little I had learned from the hamster commercials). Yes, the dancing hamsters in all the Kia TV commercials. Everyone knows what I am talking about, you can’t miss them… (okay, in case you missed them)
Anyway, basically I was completely clueless about anything and everything about the car. (As I am with most cars, electronics, sports…) So when it arrived in my driveway, I jumped right in and got a feel for it. Now that I’ve had the pedal to the metal for a week… I’ve gotta tell you, I loved the ride, the features and more…
DESIGN OPTIONS
This car is super customizable. Although I feel like I see the "Alien" green version everywhere, the Kia comes in a lot more options for exterior paint – like titanium, molten, or dune. The semi-bucket interior seats have fabric options too. My test car had the sand/black checkered "houndstooth cloth". No, I have NO CLUE what that name means. But if that fabric is a little too funky/emo/different for you.. there are other options, like plain ‘ole black.
The Soul is also available in a number of special editions, and of course you can make custom upgrades on things like wheels, racing stripes, etc. Basically this car can be made your own, extremely easily.
SIZE/SPACE
The Kia Soul is a hybrid – between an car and an suv. I loved that is wasn’t too big or too small. There was enough room for family, groceries and the dog… and yet, I didn’t feel like I was driving a monster, or taking up the whole road. It seats five, two front seats and a folding bench seat in the back, but is most comfortable with four passengers. The exact sizes of the car: length (162.2 inches), width (70.3 inches) and height (63.4 inches).
The back seats fold down into the rear portion, so there is plenty of space for large items if needed. This is great for camping, sports tailgating, whatever. In fact, I bet you could fit a loveseat in there! Beyond the back, there is a good amount of storage all over the car. The dashboard, the dual-level glove box and the center console with double cup holders had a very spacious feel. My favorite place for storage though, was under the trunk! You would never know it is there, unless you looked for it, but there is extra space for blankets, emergency items, sports equipment and more! It’s the neatest place – it is hidden out of sight!
FEATURES
This sporty vehicle has so many new features that I would love to have in my car! Truthfully, it was hard to live without them when I had to go back to my real car! Some of the things I loved were the USB input, voice command navigation, the flip out key (you can get a push button start with smart key too).
The car automatically included a CD player, a USB port for iPod connection, and Sirius Satellite Radio. There are other features you can add from there, like additional speakers. Upgrades! Upgrades! Upgrades!
MY FAVORITE FEATURE
My favorite feature out of all of the nifty features of this car, had to be the BLUETOOTH Wireless Technology Hands-Free Connectivity w/ Steering Wheel-Mounted Controls. It was quick and easy to use. I could dial a friend while I drove the open road, and not have to touch my phone or even take my hands off the wheel! Everything I needed was right on the steering wheel – to start, dial, talk and end the call! Wow, this could come in really handy! I could see my communication with friends and family already improving!
FAST FACTS
- 2013 Soul starts at: $14,400
- Engine: 1.6L or 2.0L – 4 cylinder
- Fuel Economy: 27/35 or 26/34
- Transmission: 6-speed manual or automatic
- Turning Radius: 8.64
- Front Engine, FWD
SUMMARY
I felt very comfortable driving this hybrid, it being my first non-car type. Yes, I’ve driven trucks and SUVs before, but not as a daily driving vehicle, like I did with the Kia Soul. Parking was a cinch with the reverse camera showing me what was behind me, and the turning radius made it easy to get out of parallel spots. The sound system was superior and the lights inside in sync with the music was a fun touch! Overall, I didn’t want the car to go at the week’s end. We had a fun time together blasting the tunes and driving smoothly along the Colorado highways. Now when I see the Kia Soul cruising the streets, I will look at it with love and fond memories.
CONNECT WITH KIA SOUL
Disclosure: I was provided the Kia Soul for a one week loan in exchange for my honest review. I was not compensated in any other way. All opinions are my own.