Boasting Iconic Design, Desirable Features and Improved Driving Dynamics, Kia’s All-New Soul is Tailor-made for Urban and Suburban Fun
- Refined interior, cutting-edge technology and striking road presence maintain Soul’s iconic status
- Kia’s urban hatchback will go on sale early in the fourth quarter of 2013
The iconic Soul enters the 2014 model year with an all-new take on design, driving dynamics and desirable features that totally transform one of Kia Motors America’s best-selling cars into an urban utility vehicle that is as comfortable in the city as it is on the open highway. The signature Soul design is instantly recognizable yet thoroughly fresh, with more than a passing nod to the hot Track’ster concept that was unveiled last year. 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. A flatter torque curve and significant suspension upgrades make the 2014 Soul a nimble and agile companion in congested urban environments. Honoring Soul owners’ fierce individualism, three unique trim levels will be available when U.S. sales are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of this year: Base, Plus and Exclaim.
The all-new Soul displays its own individuality through a blend of funky personality, fun-to-drive characteristics and premium upgrades intended to set it apart from the pack. A playful color palette, including Soul-exclusive colors such as Solar Yellow, Kale Green, and Inferno Red, along with sporty new wheel designs, pump up the dynamic equation that has made Soul such a dominate competitor in the “boxy” car segment.
Keeping what made the current Soul special while addressing areas for improvement was no easy task. As the design team at Kia’s California studio began putting virtual pen to virtual paper, engineers in the U.S. and Korea focused on making Soul a joy to drive. Starting with a solid foundation was key, and the new body enjoys a 28.7 percent increase in torsional rigidity over the current Soul. With the hard points set, the all-new Soul was boiled down to three focus areas: Maintaining the iconic design while adding modern cues; providing premium features and content; and improving driving dynamics to make the 2014 Soul more desirable than ever.
Iconic Design
Well-known for the close link between its concept vehicles and production models, Kia Motors had an outstanding inspiration point for the 2014 Soul. When the wild Track’ster concept made its debut in 2012, Soul enthusiasts and pundits alike urged Kia to turn the aggressively fun fantasy into reality. With 18 months from design freeze to production, the stage was set for the all-new Soul, and many of the concept’s dramatic design cues can be found in the production vehicle. Tom Kearns, chief designer at the California studio likened the Track’ster to a bulldog and that theme is expressed from almost any angle of the all-new Soul.
“The all-new Soul was one of the more difficult assignments we’ve taken on,” said Kearns. “Striking the right balance between the wonderful design of the current car with the audacious proportions and stance of the Track’ster was daunting. It proved to be a truly collaborative effort with guidance from Peter Schreyer in Frankfurt and assistance from our studio in Korea. In the end, we’ve kept the essence of Soul while infusing it with more presence inside and out.”
The upright stance, squared shoulders and distinctive fender flares are instantly recognizable as Soul. Combining a longer 101.2-inch wheelbase (up 0.8 inches), overall width that’s broadened to 70.9 inches (increased by 0.6 inches) and a reduced overall height of 63.0 inches (decreased by 0.4 inches), adds a more aggressive edge to the all-new Soul’s appearance. Likewise, the wraparound greenhouse, high-mounted tail lights and upright stance 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.
Exterior Track’ster similarities are easy to spot. The large trapezoidal lower air intake is nearly a direct carryover from the concept, and the location of the available fog lights – down low and pushed to the leading edges – mirror those found on the Track’ster. Kia’s signature grille is present, but it’s been reworked to more closely resemble the concept. Adding a touch of flare, the unique “floating” body-color panel inset into the lift gate originated with the Track’ster as well. Subtle enhancements include a wider (by 2.4 inches over the previous Soul) opening for the lift gate, allowing Soul to swallow more stuff.
Overall, the design team paid particular attention to instilling a more premium look and feel to the 2014 Soul’s interior. Liberal applications of soft-touch materials are found on the instrument panel, center console and door panels. Details such as available leather trimmed seating with improved lateral and thigh support, and the use of high-gloss piano-black trim pieces on the center console and dash elevate the Soul’s interior to new levels of sophistication.
Citing the current Soul interior as a starting point, Kia’s designers played up the circular theme found inside Track’ster. “With the previous Soul, we kind of dipped our toe in the water when it came to incorporating the circular patterns,” noted Kearns. “But for the all-new Soul, we really wanted to lift as many of the Track’ster’s circular interior reference points as possible.”
Front and center is the instrument cluster with deeply recessed gauges. Along the door panels, sculpted circles incorporate the power windows and door locks. The center console features a round gear shift knob and push-button start (its location exclusive to Soul in the Kia lineup), which also are direct carryovers from Track’ster. The front door-mounted speakers mirror the circular, high-mounted “floating” tweeters and utilize available LED-string light technology to create ripple-effect, red-hued mood lighting. The steering-wheel mounted controls are housed in Soul-exclusive circular groupings along the lower spokes with the buttons for the audio system and trip computer falling readily to the thumbs, enabling the driver’s hands to remain on the wheel at all times.
“If you think about droplets falling into a still pond, you begin to visualize the inspiration for the all-new Soul’s interior design,” said Kearns. “The design is organic, like the human body, and we feel it makes the interior that much more appealing to the driver and passengers.” Taking that appeal a step further is Soul’s desirable list of standard and optional equipment.
A Street Soul Named “Desire”
An attractive package can be a let-down if the contents don’t deliver. Fortunately, the all-new Soul is set to delight right out of the gate. Most prominent in the new instrument panel is the available eight-inch touch screen – the largest ever offered on Soul. Also available on the new Soul is UVO eServices1, Kia’s second-generation infotainment and telematics system.
UVO is optional and takes in-car connectivity and media interplay to the next level, integrating a number of other Kia firsts. Topping that list is the high-definition capacitive touch screen. Its wide viewing angle affords better visibility and allows the user to scroll with the stroke of a finger. Living side-by-side for the first time in a Kia vehicle, the audio/video and optional navigation controls are viewable on the home screen. Combining the most accessed ancillary controls on a single screen helps reduce driver distraction and improves overall functionality and ease-of-use. Additionally, the available larger Supervision Cluster/TFT LCD color screen found in the instrument binnacle now displays turn-by-turn directions from the navigation system, helping to keep the driver’s eyes looking forward.
Another first is the integration of Pandora®2 internet radio, the revolutionary online radio network that allows the user to customize their listening experience. Users will no longer manage Pandora through their Smartphone. Instead, Pandora is preloaded into the headunit and accessible through the touch screen and Voice Command, displaying the artist, title and album cover art as well as allowing the user to conveniently skip songs, “like” the song with Pandora’s thumbs-up rating system, or manage preferred stations.
Arriving with a three month complimentary subscription to SiriusXM™ Data Services3 and Travel Link, the all-new Soul has access to travel information such as road conditions, weather and security alerts as well as sports scores, movie times, stock prices and fuel prices through the screen’s graphical interface and electronic program guide. Better still, customers will continue to have All Access to both Sirius and XM channels for the price of one should they elect to continue a paid subscription after the three month trial period concludes.
In addition to all this technology, driver and passengers will enjoy a larger and significantly quieter cabin with incremental increases in front leg room (42.9 inches, 0.8 inches more than the current Soul), rear leg room (up 0.2 inches to 39.1), front headroom (increased 0.2 inches to 39.6) and front seat shoulder room (up 0.3 inches to 55.5). The all-new Soul also offers a 0.5-inch lower hip point and a step-in height that’s reduced 0.2 inches, allowing for even easier ingress and egress. Overall cargo capacity is increased by a half cubic foot, to 24.2. Liberal use of expansion foam (replacing the previously used block foam) thoroughly fills body cavities, reducing outside wind and road noise. A reinforced isolation pad in the cargo area and poly-urethane-layered carpet helps reduce overall interior noise levels by approximately 3 decibels.
The Base Soul comes standard with a long list of features that set it apart from the competition. Power windows, door locks and heated outside mirrors, a telescoping steering wheel and a six-speaker AM/FM/MP3 audio unit are all standard. Bluetooth® hands-free wireless technology4, SiriusXM™ satellite radio with three months complimentary service and USB/AUX inputs round out the Base Soul’s impressive audio/infotainment equipment. Desirable options include remote keyless entry, 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control and a six-speed automatic transmission.
The Soul Plus takes a step up in standard amenities and available options. Attractive 17-inch alloy wheels shod with 215/55R-17 tires, outside mirror turn-signal indicators and unique fender garnish distinguish the Plus from the Base exterior. Inside, the Plus benefits include a floor console stowage box with integrated armrest, available UVO eServices, Rear Camera Display5 and rear seat center armrest. Options include navigation, an upgraded 350-watt Infinity® audio system6, string-LED front speaker surround mood lighting, fog lights, a panoramic sunroof – a Soul first – leather trimmed seating with segment-exclusive ventilated front driver and passenger seats, and seat heaters for all four outboard positions, a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, leather wrapped and heated steering wheel and a leather-wrapped gear shift knob.
The Soul Exclaim adds to the Plus as standard features 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 235/45R-18 tires, fog lights, body-color bumper “tusks,” projector head lights, front LED positioning lights and rear LED “halo” lights. Inside, standard amenities include a high-gloss piano-black center console, cooled glove box, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment and auto-dimming rearview mirror. Optional equipment includes navigation, Infinity audio, front speaker LED mood lighting, panoramic sunroof, leather trimmed seating with driver and front passenger ventilation and heating for all four outboard positions. Supervision Cluster/TFT LCD screen, HID head lights, push button start and automatic climate control make the Exclaim the most premium Soul ever.
Improved Driving Dynamics
Built on an all-new chassis that is nearly 29 percent stiffer than before, the Soul’s stout skeleton provides the base for a vehicle that places a premium on driving dynamics. Engineers put their efforts in strengthening the body at key connection points along the cowl, upper and lower B-pillars, cross members, and at the C-pillars. An impressive 66 percent of the chassis utilizes either Ultra High Strength Steel (35 percent) or High Strength Steel (31 percent). The A-pillar is 0.8-inches narrower, allowing for improved outward visibility, but through the use of Ultra High Strength Steel, it’s lighter and stronger than that of the outgoing model. The application of structural adhesive around the door openings and along the roof also helps improve torsional rigidity.
Significant attention has been focused on improving the all-new Soul’s ride and handling through heavily revised front and rear suspension setups. The front subframe utilizes four bushings (none are used on the previous Soul) to reduce ride harshness and impact booms over rough pavement. The stabilizer bar has moved rearward on the McPherson strut front suspension, while the steering box has moved forward, lending better balance and subsequently improved handling.
Relocating the steering box has also resulted in a better on-center feel. The new one-piece steering gear housing is stronger than the two-piece unit used on the outgoing Soul, improving steering response and reducing impacts felt through the wheel. Standard across the Soul line is a new Flex Steer™ system, which allows the driver to select from three distinct steering settings: Comfort, Normal and Sport.
The shock absorbers on the torsion bar rear suspension have been turned vertically – they were positioned at an angle on the previous Soul – and lengthened. This arrangement allows for more suspension travel, improving ride comfort.
Motivation for the Base Soul is delivered by a gasoline direct injection (GDI) 130-horsepower (at 6,300 rpm) 1.6-liter all-aluminum DOHC four-cylinder engine. The GAMMA engine produces 118 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,850 rpm. The Plus and Exclaim models enjoy the more powerful 2.0-liter NU power plant. For the all-new 2014 Soul, the engine is updated with GDI technology. Power is rated at 164 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 151 lb.-ft. 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-liter; five percent more on 1.6-liter) for an improved around-town driving experience. The 1.6-liter engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission or, optionally, to a six-speed automatic. The Plus and Exclaim models are available exclusively with the six-speed automatic.
The all-new 2014 Soul is totally transformed.
- Kia’s funky urban crossover set for UK launch in Spring 2014
- Second-generation Soul to be based on latest Kia cee’d platform
- Improved emissions
- Increased interior and luggage space
- High levels of specification and customisation
The all-new 2014 Kia Soul urban crossover will make its European debut at the 65th Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA) in Frankfurt on 10 September, before going on sale across Europe early next year.
Inspired by the 2012 Kia Track’ster concept, the 2014 Soul introduces a thoroughly fresh, more grown-up appearance, whilst still instantly recognisable as a Soul.
The new vehicle – shown in European specification for the first time – echoes the outgoing model’s upright stance, squared shoulders, wraparound greenhouse, high-mounted tail lights and confidence-inspiring SUV ride height. The new Soul also features an all-new interior, with higher quality materials and a more driver-focused design.
When the car goes on sale in 2014, buyers will also be able to choose between three different roof colours – black, white and red – as well as up to 11 exterior paint finishes.
The pair of new Kia Souls displayed on the Kia stand at IAA Frankfurt will also exhibit a new SUV Styling Pack, featuring piano black bumper trim, side skirts, wheel arches and a black painted roof. The new range of Soul accessory kits are designed to enable owners to fully enjoy and exploit the versatility of this unique compact SUV.
The biggest technical change for the 2014 Soul is the adoption of an all-new platform, based on that of the latest Kia cee’d. The result is greatly improved ride and handling compared with the outgoing model, as well as more mature and refined on-road behaviour. The second-generation Soul will also be the best in its class for refinement, a result of the car’s upgraded suspension, 29 per cent stiffer bodyshell and comprehensive soundproofing. Interior noise levels are reduced by approximately three decibels.
Subtly larger dimensions also mean the new model offers buyers a more practical proposition, with a longer wheelbase and wider track contributing to greater cabin space and cargo capacity. Leg, head and shoulder room are increased for all passengers, while the cargo area is increased by 4 per cent to 354 litres (plus additional underfloor storage) with the rear seats upright.
Environmental performance for the new model is also improved. Buyers will be able to choose between the latest versions of Kia’s 1.6-litre GDi petrol and CRDi diesel engines, as well as six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. Both engines are carried over from the outgoing model, and feature improved efficiency with lower emissions.
Promising a more rewarding ownership experience, the 2014 Soul will be available in Europe with a range of new premium features (depending on model), including: front LED daytime running lights and rear LED ‘halo’ lights, xenon headlights, keyless entry and push-button engine start, automatic climate control, cruise control, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, heated front and rear seats, panoramic glass sunroof and heated and electrically folding exterior mirrors.
The all-new 2014 Kia Soul will go on sale across Europe early next year when the full model line-up, choice of gasoline and diesel powertrains, performance, economy, equipment specifications and prices will be confirmed.
KIA REVEALS ALL-NEW SOUL FOR 2014
- Smooth new look inspired by 2012 Kia Track’ster concept
- All-new platform, stiffer bodyshell and upgraded suspension
- Improved driving dynamics and ride comfort
- Significantly quieter cabin, with higher quality materials throughout
- Increased interior space and range of premium features
- Extensive range of customisation options available in 2014
The all-new 2014 Kia Soul urban crossover, making its European debut at the 65th Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA) in Frankfurt, will go on sale in Europe next year. The smooth new-look exterior is inspired by the 2012 Kia Track’ster concept and introduces a thoroughly fresh, more grown-up appearance without losing its individualistic edge.
Design
Although the new Soul is ‘all-new’ – none of the exterior body panels are carried over, and the interior is a new design – the 2014 Soul’s upright stance, squared shoulders, wraparound greenhouse, high-mounted tail lights and confidence-inspiring ride height are all hallmark design elements which will ensure the new model is instantly recognisable as a Soul.
“The Soul has attracted a loyal following among Kia buyers, so it was important that the all-new model remained true to the original iconic design. Beyond design, our main focus was infusing it with improved driving dynamics, developing a higher-quality cabin and adding desirable features that improve the Soul’s appeal, value and sophistication,” commented Benny Oeyen, Vice President Marketing and Product Planning, Kia Motors Europe.
“Keeping what made the current Soul special while addressing areas for improvement presented Kia’s American design studio in California and engineers in Korea with a tough challenge. Many of the Track’ster’s dramatic design elements – first seen in 2012 – can now be found in the new Soul. Kia has maintained the iconic design while adding modern styling cues to make the 2014 Soul even more desirable,” added Oeyen.
Exterior similarities between the new Soul and Track’ster concept are clear. The large trapezoidal lower front air intake is carried over from the concept, and the fog lights – located low down and pushed to the outer edges – mirror those found on the concept. Kia’s signature grille is present, though reworked to more closely resemble the concept and bring it in line with other models in the product line-up.
Chassis and powertrain
The biggest technical change for the new 2014 Soul is the adoption of an all-new platform, based on that of the latest Kia cee’d.
The re-engineered bodyshell is now made of 66 per cent ultra-high strength or high strength steel, with stronger connections along the cowl, upper and lower B-pillars and between the C-pillars. The result is a 29 per cent increase in torsional rigidity compared to the outgoing model. Thanks to the use of ultra-high strength steel, the A-pillars are 20 mm narrower, improving forward visibility.
The MacPherson strut front suspension is now mounted on a subframe with four bushings (none are used on the first-generation Soul) to better isolate the cabin from vibrations and minimise ride harshness. The steering box has been moved forward, improving steering response and reducing impacts felt through the wheel. At the rear, the shock absorbers are longer and are mounted vertically, delivering greater suspension travel and smoother operation to improve ride comfort.
The stronger bodyshell, together with suspension upgrades, has enabled Kia engineers to create a car with significantly improved driving dynamics, ride quality and greater refinement.
Buyers will be able to choose between the latest versions of Kia’s 1.6-litre GDi gasoline and CRDi diesel engines, as well as six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmissions.
The 2014 Kia Soul has subtly larger dimensions. The overall length is increased by 20 mm (to 4,140 mm) and the wheelbase has been extended by 20 mm (to 2,570 mm). The new model is also 15 mm wider (to 1,800 mm), though the Soul’s height remains unchanged (at 1,610 mm). The new dimensions also allowed improvements to the vehicle’s practicality. The tailgate opening is now 60 mm wider, providing easier access to a larger cargo area, which has had its capacity increased by 4 per cent to 354 litres (plus additional underfloor storage) with the rear seats upright.
Upgraded interior
Driver and passengers in the new Soul will enjoy a significantly quieter cabin, with higher quality materials throughout, and greater sound proofing compared to the outgoing Soul – interior noise levels are reduced by approximately three decibels.
The cabin is also larger, with increased front leg room (by 20 mm), headroom (by 5 mm) and shoulder room (up 7.5 mm). Rear legroom is also increased (by 5 mm). Allowing even easier entry and egress, the new Soul’s step-in height has been reduced (by 5 mm), while seat hip points are lower (by 12 mm), front and rear.
New Soul will be available, depending on final market specifications, with a choice between single- and two-tone interiors, with black, brown and grey leather and fabrics available. Blue, red and orange high-gloss interior highlights are also available with a new range of interior packages.
Specification and premium features
Promising a more rewarding ownership experience, the 2014 Soul will be available in Europe with a range of new premium features (depending on model), including: front LED lights and rear LED ‘halo’ lights; xenon headlights; keyless entry and push-button engine start; automatic climate control air-conditioning; cruise control; leather seat trim; ventilated front seats; heated front and rear seats; panoramic glass sunroof; and heated exterior mirrors. An optional Infinity sound system – tuned specifically for the new Soul – will also be available.
The new Kia Soul will be equipped, subject to final individual market specifications, with a number of safety and convenience features to further give the new vehicle a ‘big car’ feel. These features include: High Beam Assist – a first for Kia in Europe – Parallel Parking Assist System and a Lane Departure Warning System.
Increased customisation
The new Soul will also carry over the outgoing model’s reputation for customization. When the car goes on sale in 2014, buyers will be able to choose between up to 11 exterior paint finishes, as well as three different roof colours – black, white and red. Eight different alloy wheel designs – ranging from 16-inch to 18-inch in size – will be available, including four new designs with coloured inserts to contrast – or match – the body colour.
The two Kia Souls displayed on the Kia stand at IAA Frankfurt are fitted with a new SUV Styling Pack, featuring piano black bumper garnish, side skirts, wheel arches and black painted roof. The new range of Soul accessory kits, available later in 2014, are designed to enable owners to fully enjoy and exploit the versatility of this unique compact SUV.
The all-new 2014 Kia Soul will go on sale across Euro