SHOW FLOOR UPDATE: Kia's Track'ster-inspired 2014 Soul was just unveiled amid a DMX remix, break dancers, and yes, dancing hamsters, today at the 2013 New York auto show. The stylish new Soul is Kia's attempt at keeping the car fresh among young buyers. Though it may make slightly less power than before, it comes with a higher-quality interior, a capacitive eight-inch infotainment touch screen, and offers tech features like Pandora Internet radio, which is built right into the head unit. - Christian Seabaugh The Kia Soul undoubtedly outsells its competition and serves as one the automaker's bestselling models, but that hasn't stopped the Korean automaker from pumping new life into the urban box with a significant redesign. Although the 2014 Soul sticks to the same recipe that made it a sales success, it's been infused with extra ingredients to improve ride quality, passenger comfort, and visual appeal, making for an even more delightful box car. To start, the Soul has filled out quite a bit. Its wheelbase was extended by 0.8 inches to 101.2 inches, and it's gotten stouter with a 0.6-inch wider waist. While it remains 63.4 inches high, its tailgate opening has increased by 2.4 inches. The increased dimensions mean the Soul's interior was also given plenty room to grow, with legroom increasing 0.8 inches, headroom by 0.2 inches, and front shoulder room by 0.3 inches. Step-in height has dropped 0.2 inches for easier exit and entry, while cargo space steps up half a cubic foot to 24.2 cu ft. Roomier, but also quieter, Kia says increased NVH materials in the door cavities reduce wind and road noise, while an isolation pad and layered carpet further reduce interior noise levels by three decibels. The chassis' torsional rigidity is 29 percent stiffer than before, and engineers tinkered with the front and rear suspension set up to improve ride and handling. The front subframe now wears four bushings versus none on the current Soul, which Kia says helps absorb harsh bumps. The stabilizer bar has been pushed back on the McPherson strut front suspension, and shock absorbers have been turned at a different angle and stretched out for more suspension travel. The steering box, which now uses a one-piece steering gear housing instead of a two-piece unit, has been moved forward in an effort to improve steering response and on-center feel. Kia also says this reduces vibrations felt through the wheel. The same Flex Steer system offered in the new Kia Forte is also featured in the new Soul, allowing the choice among three different levels of steering tuning: Comfort, Normal, and Sport. Although torque and horsepower are down in the 1.6-liter GDI I-4, low-end torque has been increased by five percent for peak output of 130 hp at 6300 rpm and 118 lb-ft at 4850 rpm. As for the 2.0-liter I-4, it now utilizes GDI technology, serving up 164 hp and 151 lb-ft. Depending on the trim level, engines are mated to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. Without trying to change too much of a good thing, the design team at Kia's California studio decided to update the Soul's funky exterior by incorporating several of the styling cues found on the Kia Track'ster concept. The large trapezoidal lower air intake mirrors the concept, as well as the available fog lights located down low on the intake's outer edges. Even the signature Tiger Nose grille has been tweaked to look more like the concept's squared off one. Also like the Track'ster, the new Soul's upright stance, squared off shoulders, and round fender flares give it a bulldog-like appearance.
Inside, design cues taken from the Track'ster and exclusive to the Soul include a round shift knob and push-start button located on the center console. Soft-touch materials have been added to the dashboard, instrument panel, and center console. The available touch screen grows to 8 inches, while turn-by-turn directions from the available navigation system are now shown in the optional Supervision Cluster/TFT LCD color screen in the instrument binnacle. Pandora Internet radio has been preloaded into the headunit and accessible through the touch screen or voice command through UVO eServices, so audiophiles will no longer need to play it from their smartphones. Outward visibility is also better thanks to a 0.8-inch thinner A-pillar. The 2014 Soul will continue to be offered in three trim levels: Base, Plus, and Exclaim. Base models come standard with power windows, door locks, heated outside mirrors, a telescoping steering wheel, and six-speaker audio unit. The Soul Plus adds 17-inch alloys, side mirror turn signals, automatic headlights, UVO eServices, and a rear camera, while Exclaim capitalizes on the Plus with 18-inch wheels, projecter headlights, LED light strips, and LED taillights. A new panoramic sunroof is optional, as well as leather upholstery with ventilated front seats, and heated seats for all four outboard positions. With improved performance, a ton of premium features, and a more modern appearance, it's safe to assume the 2014 Kia Soul will remain on the right track towards its sales success. Pricing will be announced closer to the Soul's launch, but we expect it will go for more than the current car's $15,175 base price.
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