2012 Kia Soul Preview [with photo and video] ~ Top Best Car

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

2012 Kia Soul Preview [with photo and video]

4:41 AM

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Kia used New York to reveal a welcome mid-life update for its popular “urban passenger vehicle.” In addition to comprehensive powertrain upgrades that boost both performance and economy, the 2012 Kia Soul also benefits from a host of cosmetic tweaks to mark the arrival of its new engine/transmission combos.
Better fuel economy, more power and an amped-up look come to the 2012 Kia Soul, which takes a bow on a stage at the 2011 New York Auto Show.
For the new model year, Kia’s added its version of the new Hyundai/Kia corporate 1.6-liter four-cylinder to the Soul train. It’s worth 135 horsepower and 121 pound-feet of torque, a boost of 11 percent according to the automaker. A six-speed manual transmission teams up with the new four to turn in EPA-estimated fuel economy of 28/34 mpg, an increase of 3 mpg, Kia says.
There’s also a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 160 hp and 143 lb-ft of torque, available on the top three Soul models. With either a six-speed manual or automatic, this Soul gets EPA-estimated ratings of 27/33 mpg.
The cabin earns some more sound deadening, all the better to enjoy a new Infinity sound system–which can be driven through Kia’s UVO interface, which uses your voice commands to direct cell-phone dialing and audio fiddling.
Exterior changes to the 2012 Kia Soul, while less profound, do add a tad more visual punch. All versions get slightly edgier front/rear fascias and a recontoured hood while the Soul! boasts new projector beam headlamps set off with LED running lights and adds LED taillamps, as well. Kia is adding two new colors, Canyon and Moss, to the 2012 Soul’s color palette and indicates that more Special Edition models are already in the works.
The latter pair also offers Kia’s UVO in-car hands-free communication/infotainment system (standard on Soul sport) and available Premium Package that includes heated front seats, leather seat trim, automatic climate control, a navigation system — in place of UVO — and push-button starting.