- New 2.0 litre Soul derivative
- Modifications to the complete range
(South Africa) 25 June 2012. The product that began Kia Motors’ design-led transformation returns to the Kia line-up with a fresh and updated look, more power, and the same funky “out of the box” demeanour consumers have come to love from the compact crossover. Fine-tuned-for-2012 with a significant number of technology enhancements as well as a new powertrain, Kia’s iconic urban passenger vehicle now delivers highly competitive power and significantly improved fuel efficiency.
Building on the Soul’s already solid foundation, the new model adds even more style and fun-to-drive performance while also improving fuel economy. The new 2.0 litre Soul has an engine capacity of 1999cc and now delivers impressive power of 122 kWat 6500 rpm and 200 Nm of torque at 4800 rpm and is available with new efficient six-speed manual and automatic transmissions.
The Soul’s exterior design has been updated with subtle changes to front and rear fascias to project a wider stance, while new headlamps, taillights, side mirrors and wheels project a more modern look.
The new 2.0 litre Soulis easily distinguishable with exclusive projector headlamps and front LED Daytime Running Lights and LED tail-lights complement the stunning new 18-inch alloy wheels. Not only does the Soulhave a striking design, it also offers other exciting features like rear park assist with a rear-view camera display, a Stop/Start button with smart key, an improved sound system with external amplifier and subwoofer, cruise control (auto only), automatic light control as well as an optional sunroof.
Other new safety features standard on the 2.0 litre Soul includes Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC).
More style, features & refinement
The complete 2012 Soul range (including the 1.6 model) has undergone a number of significant design improvements. On the outside, Soul is freshened with subtle changes that fans will instantly recognise… from a redesigned hood, to new front and rear bumpers. The overall shape of the vehicle was finessed to give Soul a smoother and more streamlined silhouette. Lauded for its standout design, the versatile five-door’s low, wide stance is complemented by an angled window line and rounded nose with a beltline that rises from the front wheel arch to create a gentle wedge shape.
Soul is available in two derivatives – a 1.6 litre petrol model and the new 2.0 litre petrol model – with the 1.6 model offering numerous standard convenience features, including air conditioning, Bluetooth, front and rear electric windows, radio/CD front loader with MP3/USB/iPod connection and rear park assist. The 1.6 Soul also comes standard with 16-inch 205/55R16 alloy wheels with front disc – and rear drum brakes.
Upgrading to the Soul 2.0-litre adds keyless remote entry with flip key, privacy glass on the tailgate and rear side windows, climate control, automatic light control, cruise control (auto only), electric folding side mirrors, leather seats, LED Daytime running lights, LED rear combination lights, a rear view camera as well as an improved sound system with subwoofer and external amplifier. The 2.0 litre Soul further features 18-inch 225/45R18 alloy wheels with front and rear disc brakes.
Adding to the distinctiveness of Soul, buyers can choose from a wide palate of exterior paint colors, including: White, Bright Sliver, Titanium Silver, Green Tea Latte, Tomato Red, Moonlight Blue and Black Soul.
Spacious, State-of-the-Art Interior
Inside, Soul’s more high-tech, futuristic cabin features a well-equipped blend of technology features offering tremendous overall value. All Soul models are improved with redesigned and upgraded interior materials, making the cabin the perfect personal lounge on wheels or an efficient cargo carrier with 14 storage zones.
Advanced Safety Features
All Soul models continue to offer the same high level of standard safety equipment as in previous years, offering a comprehensive list of safety features, including front seat active headrests, dual front, side and curtain airbags, an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), as are front and rear crumple zones, side-impact door beams and an impact-absorbing steering column.
The 2.0 litre Soul further features Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM). A Vehicle Stability Management system takes safety to the next level by combining the intelligence of Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) to avoid loss of control which can be caused when sudden braking or rapid accelerating under asymmetric (wet/dry) road surface conditions. The system completely operates automatically without requiring any input from the driver.
STANDARD FEATURES
—- Features standard on the 1.6 Soul derivative —-
Exterior
- 205/55R16 16-inch alloy wheels
- Colour coded bumpers
- Front and rear fog lights
- Electrically adjustable side mirrors
- Roof rails
- Colour coded door handles
- Colour coded side mirrors
- Rear parking assist system
Interior (Convenience features)
- Air-conditioner
- Auto-locking doors
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Cloth trim seats
- Driver seat height adjustment and seat-back pockets
- Front and rear electric windows
- Luggage cover, net and under-floor tray
- Portable ashtray and cigar lighter
- Radio/CD front loader with MP3/AUX/USB connectivity
- Remote steering controls
- 60/40 rear split seats
Safety & Security
- ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
- EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution
- Dual driver airbags
- Dual side airbags
- Dual curtain airbags
- Impact sensing auto door unlocking
— Additional features on new 2.0 Soul —
Exterior
- 225/45R18 18-inch alloy wheels
- LED Daytime Running Lights
- LED rear combination lights
- Projection headlights
- Privacy glass
- Electric folding side mirrors
- Optional sunroof
Interior (Convenience features)
- Automatic light control
- Climate control
- Cruise control (Auto only)
- Electric chromic mirror
- Leather trim seats
- Leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob
- Rear-view camera
- Start/Stop button with smart key
- Subwoofer and external amplifier
Safety
- ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
- HAC (Hill-start Assist Control)
- VSM (Vehicle Stability Management)
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions (mm):
Length 4120
Width 1785
Height 1610
Wheelbase 2550
Wheel tread (f/r) 1570/1587
Overhang (f/r) 845/725
Min ground clearance 164
Capacities 1.6 2.0
Curb weight (min/max kg) 1170/1190 1210/1230
Gross Vehicle Mass MT/AT 1700/1720 1740/1760
Fuel tank capacity (l) 48 48
Cargo seat up (VDA) 222 222
Cargo seat down (VDA) 700 700
Engine (All Souls come standard with a 4-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC CVVT engine)
1.6 2.0
Displacement (cc) 1591 1999
Fuel supply system MPI MPI
Max power (kW/rpm) 95/6300 122/6500
Max torque (Nm/rpm) 157/4850 200/4800
Compression ratio 10.5:1 10.3:1
Bore x stroke (mm) 77×85.44 81×97
Fuel type Petrol Petrol
Transmissions 1.6 2.0
Man/Auto 6-spd/6-spd 6-spd/6-spd
Performance* 1.6 2.0
Acceleration (0-100) 10.9/11.6 9.6/9.2
Max speed (0-100km/h) 179/176 185/186
Steering
Type: MDPS (Motor Driven Power Steering)
Min turning radius (m) 5.27
Brakes 1.6 2.0
Front brakes Disc Disc
Rear brakes Drum Drum
Suspension
Front McPherson Strut with coil spring & gas shock absorber
Rear Coupled Torsion Beam Axle
Wheels and Tyres 1.6 2.0
Wheels 6.5J x 16“ alloy 7.0J x 18” alloy
Tyres 205/55 R16 225/45 R18
Temporary spare yes yes
Fuel consumption* 1.6 2.0
MT/AT (1/100km) comb 5.8/7.3 7.0/7.1
CO2 emissions* 1.6 2.0
MT/AT (g/km) comb 161/173 165/168
Optional:
Optional sunroof on the 2.0 litre
Warranty, Service and Roadside Assistance
Warranty: 5-year/100,000km
Service plan: 4-year/90,000km
Roadside assistance: 3-year/unlimited
*Manufacturer estimates figures under testing conditions in Korea