Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2012 Kia Soul. Of course although anyone who needs a small station wagon or SUV will find this a good option that is reasonably priced and low operating cost.
My first impression was “this is a kids car” as to style but the second thing that was a give away is the trick speakers for the sound system. They glow when it’s dark with an ever changing rainbow of pulsating colors.
The price is right and it joins the growing lineup of boxy looking vehicles. I think the look began with the Honda Element and quickly moved to the Scion xB and Honda Cube and others. Element has grown on me however since my wife drives one. We like it and it has been a reliable and all around good car. It too was strange looking when it first hit the streets so I expect people simply like the boxy look.
General Information:
Parts from the US / Canada 3%, Korea 94%. It is assembled in Korea Classification is Small Station Wagon. Cars from Kia: Forte, Forte Koup, Optima, Optima Hybrid, Rio, Rio 5, Sedona, Sorento, Soul and Sportage.
Opinion:
Are Unions killing American Industry and government?
Surely for the American Auto Industry the unions have been a decisive thorn in the side of management who then caved to demands for labor contracts that promised outrageous salaries and benefits and retirement plans that have destroyed many of those companies. Example: union labor cost for US auto makers are at about $78.00 per hour as compared to $45.00 per hour for Japanese and Korean car makers who are Non-union.
Unions are contrary to most cultures of the world who don’t want to hurt the company that feeds them. That used to be true in the early years of America. Friend Richard (retired union worker) agrees and predicted the Unions will simply self destruct when the companies they burden go out of business or move to more friendly states or countries.
But Unions are ‘equal opportunity offenders’ as the news reports a growing number of public sector municipals are filing bankruptcy to shed the cancer that is eating them alive. Stockton, CA.; Bell, CA and San Bernardino, CA are recent examples and in the case of San Bernardino, workers and retirees have been unwilling to help out. The unions offered only that newly-hired public safety workers will retire with 90 percent of their salary at the age of 55 – instead of 50.
Union extortion simply can’t work any longer and will self destruct as Richard predicted.
American companies are running to Right to Work States or other countries with their ideas, products and capital to escape the heavy hand of collective bargaining.
At this writing, the following are right to work states.
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Wyoming
Handling & Performance:
Handling is easy with a short turning radius and it is light on its feet; entry and exit is easy and it has Active Eco that modifies engine and transmission response for smoother takeoffs, and the transmission shifts to higher gears sooner and it is slower to downshift for passing. It also cuts off the fuel supply during deceleration, which is really smart. Hyundai says all this electronic management can increase fuel economy as much as 7 percent.
Styling:
Boxy design is particularly attractive to youthful buyers.
Fit and Finish:
Good
Cost:
Base prices begin at around $13,000.
Conveniences and comfort:
Good electronics and safety features but it has a small cargo area because it concentrates more on comfortable seating for 5. It has abundant headroom for the tallest of folks and a spacious rear seat.
Consumer Recommendation:
This is an excellent choice for a young family on a limited budget however some of the money you may be able to save may not materialize if one consumer report says it only gets 28 mpg contrary to the reported 34 mpg I’ve noted here.
Recognized Competition:
Kia Soul $14,000, Scion xB $16,000, Honda Element $21,000, Jeep Compass $19,000, Nissan Cube $15,000, Chevrolet HHR $19,000, Suzuki SX4 Crossover $17,000, Dodge Caliber $17,000, Toyota Matrix $19,000.
Good News:
Affordable, spacious, nice handling with good turning radius.
Bad News:
Fair fuel economy except for consumer report that actual is less than reported.
Standard Equipment:
2.0 liter 164 horsepower 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed auto trans with Active ECO system, 16” alloy wheels, front & seat mounted side and side curtain airbags, LATCH system, traction control, stability and management control, Hill start assist control, ABS brake system with brake assist, air conditioning, power windows & locks, remote keyless entry, audio with SIRIUS satellite radio, USB / Aux input jacks, adjustable front seat and 60/40 split folding rear seat, cruise control, Bluetooth wireless tech, tilt & telescopic steering column, leather wrapped wheel with audio controls, trip computer and power heated mirrors with turn signals.
Gas Stats:
$3.65/ Gal avg. July 23, 2012
www.fueleconomy.gov
For more information.
26 City and 34 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $17,300.
