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Kia Soul I 1.6 (126 Hp)
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 is a hatchback with a box proportion and tall roof, which are designed to maximize its interior space. Despite its SUV-like styling, the Soul was never available with all-wheel drive, instead it is exclusively a front-wheel drive vehicle.
The Soul first appeared in 2006 in the form of a concept model displayed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The production model made its debut at the Paris Motor Show in 2008. During its introduction, Kia stated that the Soul is aimed at the North American market, and targeted towards buyers in the 18 to 35-year old range....(Read more on Wikipedia)
I Overview:
Kia Soul (I). With 151 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~7.9 l/100km). Weighing only 1270 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 11 s). The top speed reaches 177 km/h. A vehicle that combines characteristics of SUVs and hatchbacks for versatility. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
Achieved a strong 5-star Euro NCAP rating in 2009, demonstrating good all-round protection for occupants, particularly adults and children, for its segment.
1.6 (126 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A lively petrol engine that requires higher revs to extract its full potential, offering decent acceleration for its class, particularly with the manual gearbox.
Fuel Economy
Acceptable fuel economy for a petrol engine of this size, though it can become thirsty if driven aggressively or primarily in heavy city traffic.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Distinctive and appealing styling
- • Practical and surprisingly spacious interior for its size
- • Excellent Euro NCAP 5-star safety rating
- • Economical and torquey diesel engine options
- • Generally reliable powertrain and components
Cons:
- • Some interior plastics feel hard and cheap
- • Road and wind noise can be noticeable at higher speeds
- • Petrol engine can feel underpowered without revving high
- • Automatic transmission (4-speed) can be slow and unrefined
- • Limited boot space compared to some rivals
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Kia |
| Model: | Soul |
| Generation: | I |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.6 (126 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2009 |
| End of production: | 2011 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Crossover |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 126 Hp @ 6200 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 79.2 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 151 Nm @ 4200 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | G4FC |
| Engine displacement: | 1591 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.3 l |
| Coolant: | 6.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 7.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 5.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 6.5 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 4 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 11 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 11 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 177 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10.1 kg/Hp, 99.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8.4 kg/Nm, 118.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1270 |
| Max. weight: | 1680 |
| Max load: | 410 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 570 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 370 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 48 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4105 mm mm |
| Width: | 1785 mm mm |
| Height: | 1661 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2550 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1570 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1575 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.5 m |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 195/65R15 |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Trailing arm |
Does the Kia Soul live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!