2016 Kia Soul: A Quick Review

The 2016 Kia Soul is ringing in a few changes for this model year. All models will now feature alloy wheels while other trims get technical upgrades and new options. It is a great little compact car. It manages to make compacts cool and yet still keep them practical and fun to drive.

 

2016 Kia Soul design

 

The design of the new Soul is very similar to the existing one. The cute frown at the front is still present with the small tiger grille and lower grille making for quite an interesting profile. A short hood, high windshield, high roofline and rising waist all add a flow that draws the eyes along the car.

 

Four doors and body coloured trim all add interest while the hatch at the back offer both a tidiness and convenience that rounds off the design nicely. The integrated light clusters at the back look very modern too.

 

On the inside, materials and layout have been tweaked slightly to add more technology options including a touchscreen and reversing camera that come with the convenience package.

 

Engines and transmission

 

There are two engine options with the 2016 Kia Soul. The first is a 1.6-litre four cylinder that produces 130 hp and 118 lb-ft of torque. The second is a 2.0-litre four that delivers 164 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. Both use a six speed transmission in either manual or automatic guise.

 

The engines are small but perfectly formed. Given the modest size of the car, both engines are more than capable of zipping round town at a spritely pace while also coping with highway driving. Transmissions are smooth, engine noise is minimal and considering the small wheels, the Soul has very good road manners.

 

2016 Kia Soul trims

 

The Soul has three trims, base, Plus and Exclaim. The base level Soul offers alloy wheels, air conditioning, CD audio and those new optional extra in the Convenience Package, SiriusXM radio, 4.3 inch touchscreen and a reversing camera.

 

The Plus adds remote keyless entry, steering wheel mounted audio controls, reversing camera as standard and access to the Designer Collection which adds exterior trim options, new 18 inch alloys and leather steering wheel.

 

The Soul Exclaim adds LED turn signals on the door mirrors, leather trim, power driver's seat and access to a new Premium Package that includes forward collision warning, lane departure warning, Infinity audio, mood lighting, panoramic sunroof, heated and vented front seats and a lot more.

 

The 2016 Kia Soul is a great little car with a great big personality.