MyCarlady’s Sarah Lee takes the new 2012 KIA SOUL Plus out for a test-drive run.
Comparing my first date with the original 2010 Soul, which I found noisy, a bit under-powered and the duo-colored light show novel, the latest version is all that and more.
SOUL offers more features for low price against Scion XB, XD and Nissan CUBE.
The new GDI engine gives the Soul more torque, responsiveness and fuel economy when matched with the CVT transmission. Think 28 city and 38 highway on one tank. When doing 70 on the highway… it feels solid, doesn’t get pushed around by the draft of the tractor-trailers and additional insulation keeps the wind and road noise out.
This is NOT your Grandma’s Camry.
You have to love the look. There are plenty of reasons to buy this car, including an attractive lease program for qualified parties. In this car there is no age limit as dealers note buyers range from 20 to 70, male and female.
The UVO media center and upgraded surround sound package with multiple colored lights, voice-command phonebook and music selection is attracting young people while the increased visability, higher seating position, ample leg room and safety features attract their parents and grand-parents.
KIA and sister Hyundai have set the standard for warranty, “put your money where your mouth is”, to the auto industry and none have matched or sustained a similar offer for long. 5 yr./50k transferrable and 10 yr or 100k on the powertrain resolve any concern the buyer has in buying a Korean brand.
For under $20k you won’t find much with all these features, warranty and attention.
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Sarah Lee Marks is MyCarlady. She has over 22+ years of experience.
She writes about cars, and is a staunch consumer advocate on car related subjects.
MyCarlady offers free car buying advice, and private, auto-related services to help you maintain your personal or commercial vehicles.
Call Sarah Lee for more information: 702-521-7546
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