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 The
box is an efficient shape. If you want to pack in a lot of stuff, you
put it in a box. It makes sense, then, to build a car in the shape of
a box if you want to be efficient about hauling people and their stuff.
Unfortunately, a box doesn't make for the most aerodynamic package when
you stick four wheels on it and drive it, nor does it make the most aesthetically
appealing shape when you want to attract people to buy your box, many
of whom make their buying decision based on emotional response. Have you
ever felt moved by a box shape? We haven't, either.
Kia is the latest auto maker to bring a box to the American car buying
market, which they call the Soul Exclaim (or "!" in Kia's world).
While not exactly late to the party, Toyota's Scion brand is already on
its second generation box, the xB, while Nissan offers a new-for '10 (at
least for the U.S. market) box, cleverly called the Cube.
The Soul is available with a standard 1.6-liter engine or optional 2.0-liter
16-valve four cylinder mill. Our test box was outfitted with the larger
powerplant, which pumps out 142 horsepower and was mated to a four-speed
automatic transmission. A five-speed manual tranny is available as well,
and all you can get if you opt for the 122 horsepower 1.6-liter four-banger.
Inside there is a lot of efficient use of space, and it's even relatively
comfortable for a 300-mile round-trip blast on the freeway. Economy's
rated at 24 city and 30 highway, and we observed 25 mpg in mixed use.
Thanks to its rounded exterior (hey, a box with curved corners?), the
Soul doesn't get pushed around by big-rig crosswinds on the freeway, and
around town handling is sprightly if not overly precise. It's fun enough
to drive, for a box.
Priced at $18,595, our Soul came with no options but a long list of features
and standard content. The Soul is offered in four trim lines, Base, "+",
"!" and Sport, the latter three coming only with the 2.0-liter
engine.
All Soul models come standard with anti-lock brakes with brake assist,
electronic brake force distribution, stability control, traction control
and a tire pressure monitoring system. The standard tire and wheel package
are either 15-, 16- or 18-inch, with the 225/45/18's on the "!"
and Sport.
Our Exclaim also came standard with air conditioning, power windows and
door locks, keyless remote entry, AM/FM/CD/mp3/Satellite audio system
with auxiliary and USB input jacks, leather-covered steering wheel and
shift knob, cruise control, Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone connection
with steering wheel-mounted controls plus tilt wheel.
The Soul comes packed with content, but the Scion and Nissan boxes are
loaded as well. Each handles nimbly, with the Soul getting our nod as
most enthusiastic, though not by a great margin over the rest-this is
not a vehicle you buy to go autocrossing.
When choosing your box it probably will come down to individual style
and price. The Kia is well positioned in that regard, so take it for a
spin and see if it stirs your you-know-what.
.Kia Soul Exclaim bonus photos...
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