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Kia Soul III 2.0 MPI (147 Hp)
Overall Rating
Kia Soul:
The Kia Soul is a subcompact crossover SUV manufactured and marketed by Kia from 2008 to 2025. Often described and marketed as a crossover since its introduction, the Soul is a hatchback with a box proportion and tall roof, which are designed to maximize its interior space. Despite its SUV-like styling, the Soul was never available with all-wheel drive, instead it is exclusively a front-wheel drive vehicle.
The Soul first appeared in 2006 in the form of a concept model displayed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The production model made its debut at the Paris Motor Show in 2008. During its introduction, Kia stated that the Soul is aimed at the North American market, and targeted towards buyers in the 18 to 35-year old range....(Read more on Wikipedia)
III Overview:
Kia Soul (III). With 179 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.4 l/100km). Weighing only 1271 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. A vehicle that combines characteristics of SUVs and hatchbacks for versatility. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Kia Soul III achieved a respectable 4-star Euro NCAP rating, demonstrating solid adult and child occupant protection, though some areas like vulnerable road user protection could be improved.
2.0 MPI (147 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers adequate power for daily commuting and light highway use, with the manual transmission providing a more engaging driving experience.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is average for its class, suitable for mixed driving but not exceptionally frugal.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Distinctive styling
- • Spacious interior for its size
- • Available electric powertrains with good range
- • User-friendly infotainment system
- • Good warranty
Cons:
- • Some interior plastics feel cheap
- • Rear torsion beam suspension can be firm
- • Limited engine options in some markets
- • Boxy design not for everyone
- • Higher trims can be expensive
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(III: 2019 - May, 2022).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Kia |
| Model: | Soul |
| Generation: | III |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.0 MPI (147 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2020 |
| End of production: | May, 2022 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Crossover |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 147 Hp @ 6200 rpm. [0hp less] |
| Power per litre: | 73.5 Hp/l [worst than previous generation] |
| Torque: | 179 Nm @ 4500 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 1999 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC, D-CVVT |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 81 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 97 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 12.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 9.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.6 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8.7 l/100 km |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.6 kg/Hp, 115.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.1 kg/Nm, 140.8 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1271 |
| Max. weight: | 1750 |
| Max load: | 479 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1758 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 529 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 54 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4196 mm mm [1mm more] |
| Width: | 1801 mm mm [1mm more] |
| Height: | 1600 mm mm [5mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2601 mm mm [1mm more] |
| Front track: | 1575 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1585 mm |
| Front overhang: | 866 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 729 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 170 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.6 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 279 mm [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 262 mm [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 205/60 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16 |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | independent torsion suspension |
Behind the wheel of the Kia Soul. How does it handle on the road?