The Big Apple is playing host to the global unveiling of Kia
Motors’ all-new 2014 Soul urban utility vehicle, today at the
113th New York International Auto Show.
Well-known for the close link between its concept vehicles and
production models, Kia Motors took no chances with the 2014 Soul
and used Track’ster Concept design lines.
The upright stance, squared shoulders and distinctive fender
flares are instantly recognizable as Soul. Combining a longer
2570mm wheelbase (up 20.3mm), overall width that’s broadened to
1800mm (increased by 15.24mm) and the same overall height of
1610mm, adds a more aggressive edge to the all-new Soul’s
appearance.
Likewise, the wraparound greenhouse, high-mounted
tail lights and tall ride height are all hallmark design
elements.
Premium touches such as available LED front positioning lights
and rear LED “halo” lights help connect Soul to siblings within
the Kia lineup that share similar design cues, such as the 2014
Sorento CUV and 2014 Forte sedan.
Riding on a new chassis that is stiffer, longer and wider, the
all-new Soul has grown up without losing its edge, allowing for
more passenger and cargo room while reducing NVH levels.
Three unique trim levels will be available when US sales are
expected to begin in the third quarter of this year: Base, Plus
and Exclaim. Pricing will be announced closer to the Soul’s
launch date.
Motivation for the Base Soul is delivered by a gasoline direct
injection (GDI) 130-horsepower (at 6,300 rpm) (97kW) 1.6-litre
all-aluminium DOHC four-cylinder engine. The GAMMA engine
produces 118 lb.-ft. of torque (160Nm) at 4,850 rpm.
The Plus and Exclaim models enjoy the more powerful 2.0-litre NU
power plant. For the all-new 2014 Soul, the engine is updated
with GDI technology. Power is rated at 164 horsepower (122kW) at
6,200 rpm and 151 lb.-ft. (205Nm) of torque at a 4,000 rpm. Both
engines have been tuned to provide more low-end torque (nine
percent more torque at 1,500 rpm on the 2.0-litre; five percent
more on 1.6-litre).
The 1.6-litre engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission
or, optionally, to a six-speed automatic. The Plus model may be
equipped with either transmission while the Exclaim is available
exclusively with the six-speed automatic.
