2011 Kia Soul in North Plainfield, NJ - $2,950

Refreshed last year with technology, powertrain and design enhancements, Soul brings spirited performance and impressive fuel efficiency to its segment. Designed in Southern California, Soul's bold and edgy design is indicative of Kia's design theme, with a variety of package and styling combinations.

For 2012, the Kia Soul received subtle changes in exterior styling to project a wider stance and a more modern appeal. The base trim offers numerous standard convenience features, including a chrome-accented grille (darkened on all trims for a contemporary look), clear lens auto-off headlamps, body color door handles and side mirrors, black body-side molding, rear wiper/washer, variable intermittent windshield wipers, front and rear disc brakes and 15-inch steel wheels fitted with P195/65R15 tires.

This year, Soul continues to offer three trim levels – Soul, Soul + and Soul ! – and builds upon its successful formula of out-of-the-box styling, performance and value by adding a number of features to further increase its appeal, including upgraded leather on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, standard Bluetooth® wireless technology with steering wheel-mounted controls, standard steering wheel-mounted audio controls, power-folding side mirrors and standard cruise control.

Base power for the front-drive Kia Soul is generated by a 1.6L, four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. For those looking for a little more power, a 2.0L four-cylinder engine is available with either the six-speed manual gearbox or an electronically controlled six-speed automatic overdrive transmission.

The Soul rides on a platform that consists of 70 percent high-tensile-strength steel to enhance structural strength without adding a lot of weight. As a result, the Kia-engineered body achieves high torsional stiffness, benefiting handling, ride quality and refinement. Additional measures to help ensure good noise vibration and harshness (NVH) qualities are fitted throughout the Soul.

Mounted on the front sub frame that supports the engine and transmission, the Soul is fitted with a fully independent front and twist-beam rear suspension system, with front MacPherson struts and coil springs, designed to deliver responsive handling and an agile ride. In the rear, the Soul suspension is sub-frame-mounted with a transverse torsion beam axle with trailing arms for a smooth ride and minimum intrusion into the cargo space. For optimal space, the rear anti-roll stabilizer bar is mounted inside the torsion beam.

The Soul's interior design is decidedly influenced by the car's highly specified audio system. An uncluttered dashboard with a three-dial instrument cluster, LCD illumination, a floating center stack design is the key visual feature and offers enticing access to the AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities and three months complimentary service . Standard auxiliary and USB input jacks also can be found in the center console with full iPod® controllability via the audio head unit and steering wheel controls.

Additional standard interior features include a tilt steering column, power door locks, power windows with driver's side auto-down, map lamps and a rear wiper and washer. Stylishly appointed cloth seats provide comfortable seating while a 60/40 split-folding rear seat offers multiple seating and cargo arrangements depending on driver and passenger needs.

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 100.4; overall length: 162.2; width: 70.3; height: 63.4

All vehicle measurements are in inches

Engine: 1.6L four-cylinder – 138 hp at 6,300 rpm and 123 lbs-ft of torque at 4,850 rpm; 2.0L four-cylinder – 164 hp at 6,500 rpm and 148 lbs-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm.

Transmission: six-speed manual, six-speed automatic

EPA Fuel Economy: 1.6L four-cylinder – 25 city/30 hwy; 2.0L four-cylinder – 24 city/29 hwy. (manual), 23 city/28 hwy. (automatic)

Cargo capacity: 53.4 cubic feet

Safety features

Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, side-impact door beams, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, traction control, electronic stability control, hill-start assist control, and tire pressure monitoring system. Soul + adds Bluetooth hands-free phone system and remote keyless entry. Soul ! adds front fog lights and automatic headlamps.

Optional safety features include HomeLink universal transceiver, navigation system and push button start with Smart Key.

Warranty

Basic: 5-year/60,000 mile

Powertrain: 10-year/100,000 mile

Corrosion: 5-year/100,000 mile

Roadside Assistance: 5-year/60,000 mile 24-hour

Pricing

The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price for the 2013 Kia Soul five-door starts from $14,400 for the base model upto $19,900 for the Soul ! automatic. Destination charges add $775.