Overview of KIA Soul

Previously, my experience with cars made in Korea, was very superficial. Frankly, as such, communication with the cars were not, and knowledge limited to what I learned from the press and TV. And recently I had the opportunity to meet with one of the Korean brands closer. I proposed a so-called custom test-drive SUV KIA Sorento.
We can not say that all my preferences for the automotive industry, developed over many years, instantly changed, but I was determined to realize the main thing - cars Korean cars, in particular, KIA, are worthy of attention. Moreover, they deserve serious consideration as the object of purchase. Although perhaps all these thoughts I blew the same KIA Sorento .
This time I decided to try the car easier, so to speak, from another weight class. This car was KIA Soul.

1) A new concept of the Korean company under the "soul" called Soul (translated to English Soul - Soul) "lit up" four years ago, and several auto show. The model has attracted close attention to the person. Still, after all of this design before, nobody has offered ...

2) This is why, by the way, KIA Soul was the first Korean car, marked by the prestigious award in the field of car design red dot Design Award. However, not only because this year marked a premium of another Korean car group - KIA Venga ...

3) But back to "my» KIA Soul. I got a bright red copy version Burner - with automatic transmission, 128-horsepower diesel engine and maximum full package of options. I must say that I prefer a slightly different color scheme, but to honor the Soul - red this car very much to the "face", and just to match the version name (burner in translation from English - the burner).

4) By the same interior decorated respectively in red. A sort of bright red "lighter" ...

5) By the way, do not be confused by photographs of the KIA Soul looks very close - it's only thanks to the efforts of designers. Looking at the pictures, one gets the impression that this is a once-in crossover or SUV parquet. In addition, almost all of the attributes available - short overhangs, a high body and it creates the illusion of a large ground clearance. Yes, and 18-inch alloy wheels add a hefty fraction of the car solidity. But in fact KIA Soul - typical minivan class B.

6) In general, when it comes to exterior design, there is the concept of freshness, originality, appearance. During the time spent at the wheel of Soul, I drew attention to the fact that the car is at all times escorted views. Not only that - the traffic police stopped me honestly admitted that they did it, basically, only to be considered as a car and ask a few questions about it. In short, the design of bright, eye-catching, but it is not looking defiantly - all in harmony and in moderation. This, frankly, I liked it - "gray mice" on the roads of our country and so abound ...

7) Speaking of the interior, I should note that apparently negative things I could not be found. In contrast, the interior of KIA Soul seemed quite respectable, although trim in the color tone of the body - the idea is not new, but still very effective. Yes, we should note a distinct sense of deja vu that I have experienced, sitting in the KIA Soul - deep "failures" of devices, a very familiar button layout on the multimedia steering wheel, the usual algorithm with climate control. Similarly, the interior is decorated in a KIA Sorento. And he's class - much higher KIA Soul! Again, I was pleasantly surprised by the Koreans ...

8) And yet, comparing with the same Sorento, Soul sit in a little inconvenient, but perhaps this is a subjective feeling, based on my personal preferences and habits. Landing itself behind the wheel did not cause complaints, everything is standard and expected. Plastic in the cabin caused a positive tactile feel, though, as for my taste - hardish. However, when driving in the city is not rattled, and during the outing to the country, while driving on a typical dirt road, "crickets" and "rattles" in the cabin were found. Sets pockets and glove compartments ensure easy to place all the necessary, while ensuring quick and easy access to everything needed.

9) Very stylish looks and a luminous bezel speakers built into the front door. Anyway, like I have not seen anywhere else. In general, if we talk about music - my assessment - almost perfectly. If you believe the specs on the official site. In-car music system is the following configuration: RDS Radio + CD + MP3, AUX + USB input, 6 speakers. But that's not all - in my version of the car was an extra dynamic to the front of the console, and a subwoofer in the boot. Needless to say that the sound quality was superior to anything I've heard before

10) In general, the enumeration of all the nice features it would take a lot of space and time, but it should be noted, "goodies" like unlocking system «Smart Key» and engine start button, interface, Bluetooth and cruise control make life easier for the driver to much. Speaking of comfort in terms of interior volume - boasts expanses of Soul, of course, can not. Although, with an eye to the Vehicle class, I note that space is enough. No, the five men in the car will be a little uncomfortable, but that will accommodate four people inside the KIA Soul is quite comfortable. The front seats are comfortable and fairly tough, even long stay behind the wheel or in the passenger seat does not cause fatigue. Passengers in the rear "sofa" will be enough space for the feet, and the high roof will not let his head rest against the ceiling, even for people with growth of about 2 meters.

11) Let's go on ... As part of the luggage compartment KIA Soul stars in the sky are not enough. Allocated space for luggage car designers, is clearly not enough. 222 liters - except that a couple of bags and suitcases will get, if, say, to go on vacation. The decision raised floor, which are hidden under the large container and branches, I liked back in the KIA Sorento. The same approach to the allocation of space in the Soul suggests that Koreans are able to allocate really good ideas. Due to the transformation of the cabin, if you fold the rear seats, storage capacity can be seriously increased. However, in this case the car instead of two. KIA Soul is not positioned creators, as a family car. However, it seems to me, a young family of two or three people the opportunities provided by the car will most likely suffice.

12) to the power unit has nothing to complain - 128-horsepower diesel engine demonstrated excellent throttle response and traction on virtually all bands work. We can say that pozazhigat with this engine is quite real. In any case, the start is quite peppy, to when starting at traffic lights almost always be in the forefront. And the supply of power is felt very clearly - When driving in traffic I was very comfortable.

13) As for me, brisk and lively Soul is designed for use mainly in urban areas. Car suspension seemed stiff enough and some really informative too - she passed in great detail on the status of pavement driver and passengers. However, not in the form of noise and knocks, and more with the help of shaking and vibration. On a dirt road KIA Soul - not the place.

14) But the handling left a good impression - rulitsya KIA Soul perfectly. Laying the turns, I paid attention to how well the car "holds" the road - very tightly and securely. But sometimes the feedback on the steering wheel seemed to me insufficient, and steering wheel - "bit empty." Perhaps this can also be explained by the subjective perception of the characteristics of the electric power steering. Another positive thing - designed geometry overhangs. A very important component for a city car, because in search of free parking spaces often have all sorts of curbs storm.

15) Once I am very well acquainted with the KIA Soul, admit that the car did not justify my fears. I did not expect that this will be a bright unusual car in almost everything. The car left the Koreans are surprisingly balanced, pleasing a rich set of options are already in the database, not to mention the maximum configuration. Command respect and the results of crash tests conducted by an international organization EuroNCAP. According to these tests (and not to believe them I have no reason) the level of safety Soul is close to the maximum possible in this class indicator.

In short, today KIA Soul is a very interesting proposal in the class of urban hatchbacks. Rich equipment and original design make this car very attractive in the eyes of potential buyers. However, the most "colorful" Burner equipment will cost more than 800 thousand rubles. But to be honest, after the test KIA Soul investment seemed like a completely reasonable. For the functionality, comfort and originality is worth paying, especially since the KIA lately quite as good as other, more eminent brands ...