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Kia Soul III 1.6 GDI (201 Hp) DCT
Overall Rating
Kia Soul:
The Kia Soul is a subcompact crossover SUV manufactured and marketed by Kia from 2008 to 2025. Often described and marketed as a crossover since its introduction, the Soul was a hatchback with a boxy proportion and tall roof, maximizing interior space. Despite its SUV-like styling, the Soul was exclusively available with front-wheel drive.
Kia presented the Soul in 2006 as a concept model at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit and presented the production model at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. During its introduction, Kia said the Soul was aimed at the North American market and targeted at buyers in the 18-35 year-old range....(Read more on Wikipedia)
III Overview:
Kia Soul (III). With 264 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~8.7 l/100km). With a weight of 1377 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. A vehicle that combines characteristics of SUVs and hatchbacks for versatility. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Kia Soul III achieved a respectable 4-star Euro NCAP rating, demonstrating solid adult and child occupant protection, though some areas like vulnerable road user protection could be improved.
1.6 GDI (201 Hp) DCT Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers a significant boost in performance, providing spirited acceleration and a more dynamic driving experience, complemented by the quick-shifting DCT.
Fuel Economy
Despite the higher power, fuel economy remains competitive, offering a good balance between performance and efficiency.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Distinctive styling
- • Spacious interior for its size
- • Available electric powertrains with good range
- • User-friendly infotainment system
- • Good warranty
Cons:
- • Some interior plastics feel cheap
- • Rear torsion beam suspension can be firm
- • Limited engine options in some markets
- • Boxy design not for everyone
- • Higher trims can be expensive
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(III: 2019 - May, 2022).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Kia |
| Model: | Soul |
| Generation: | III |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.6 GDI (201 Hp) DCT |
| Start of production: | 2020 |
| End of production: | May, 2022 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Crossover |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 201 Hp @ 6000 rpm. [0hp less] |
| Power per litre: | 126.3 Hp/l [worst than previous generation] |
| Torque: | 264 Nm @ 1500-4500 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 1591 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC, D-CVVT |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 77 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 85.44 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 8.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8.1 l/100 km |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 6.9 kg/Hp, 146 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.2 kg/Nm, 191.7 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1377 |
| Max. weight: | 1860 |
| Max load: | 483 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1758 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 529 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 54 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4196 mm [1mm more] |
| Width: | 1801 mm [1mm more] |
| Height: | 1600 mm [5mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2601 mm [1mm more] |
| Front track: | 1575 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1585 mm |
| Front overhang: | 866 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 729 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 170 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.6 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 7 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | DCT |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 305 mm [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 284 mm [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 235/45 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5J x 18 |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | independent torsion suspension |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Kia Soul!