During a one-week test drive, the funky, spunky Kia Soul drew onlookers in the city and in rural stopovers with its unique look. Since its debut in 2009, Kia’s small utility vehicle has garnered plenty of interest. But its front and rear seat roominess and a $14,400 base price are the bigger attention-getters. Front seat occupants are spoiled with 40.2 inches of headroom and 42.1 inches of legroom, yet rear seat passengers are also pampered with 39.6 inches of headroom and 39 inches of legroom. That’s some mighty nice interior space. Add in standard Bluetooth wireless technology with steering wheel-mounted controls (new for 2013), and that’s one more reason to like the front wheel drive Soul’s interior amenities.

The base Soul is powered by a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder producing 138 horsepower at 6300 rpm and 123 pounds-feet of torque at 4850 rpm. The Soul + and the Soul ! are powered by a 2.0-liter 4- cylinder that churns out 164 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 148 pounds-feet of torque at 4800 rpm. For cargo-haul outings, the Soul provides 53.4 cubic feet of space with the 60/40 split-folding rear seat down (19.3 cubic feet with rear seat upright). Estimated mpg when powered by the 2.0- liter engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with an active eco-system and 18-inch tires is 23 city and 28 highway. Standard fare includes air conditioning, outside temperature display, rear window defroster, and 12-volt power outlet. MSRP of the top-of-the line Kia Soul is $19,900.