The redesigned Kia Soul presents longer and wider dimensions than the 2013 model. Soul’s interior is now more soulful with soft-to-the-touch materials on the instrument panel, center console and elsewhere. There’s also a smattering of sharp-looking, glossy piano-black accents. Sold in three trims (base, +, and !), the 101.2-inch wheelbase Soul maintains its roomy appeal and underscores it with supportive, comfortable seats. Soul’s chassis is 29% stiffer than the predecessor. Most of the chassis (66%) is comprised of ultra high strength steel and high strength steel. From a ride and handling perspective, the Soul is less bouncy over the rough patches and that’s attributable to front and rear suspension set-up revisions.

Soul is powered by a 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder engine (130 horsepower at 6300 rpm/118 torque at 4850 rpm) and a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder (164 horsepower at 6200 rpm/151 torque at 4000 rpm). During a one-week test drive, the Soul with 2.0-liter engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission tossed out ample power--just not immediate passing power. Front wheel drive Soul’s 2.85 lock-to-lock turns make this an easy-to-steer unibody utility vehicle. Noise is less noticeable on this re-designed urban hatchback, a payback from using expansion foam to fill the body cavities. The test driven Soul ! with 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and automatic transmission collects estimated mpg of 23 city/31 highway with an MSRP of $20,300.