2014 Kia Soul is Fun, Funky and Functional

Kia’s design led transformation began with the introduction of the Kia Soul and has now come full circle here today with the debut of the 2014 Soul today at the New York Auto Show.

The new look stays true to the original, while taking design cues from the Trackster concept. Overall it looks smoother, as well as more modern, with items like taillights that look lifted off a concept car.

Larger than before its almost half an inch longer between the wheels and a half inch wider, while the trunk opening is 2.4-inches wider for easier loading.

With those new dimensions comes more interior space like almost an extra inch of front-seat legroom and fractions of an inch more rear set legroom and headroom.

2013 NY Auto Show Complete Coverage

But the interior gains more than just space, with an available eight-inch touch screen featuring the second generation UVO telematics system. Using an Android-based platform it brings many of the car’s features into the digital realm while offering table-like controls, including finger swiping. Need more screens? A display in the center of the gauges can also show turn-by-turn navigation instructions.

And with all sorts of other features, like Pandora internet radio, it’s easy to get confused. That’s why Kia has also built in several instructional videos to help you get the most of UVO.

Standard equipment of the 2014 Soul includes power windows, heated mirrors, a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, as well as USB and Aux inputs.

Base equipment under the hood is a direct injection 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 130 hp, while a direct injection 2.0-liter makes 164 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. Both engines have been updated for 2014 with better torque off the line to improve the around-town driving experience.

Drivers will also appreciate the massaged suspension system, with four front subframe bushings (surprisingly, the current car has none) as well as a new suspension design to improve wheel travel and, therefore, ride quality. Movement of the steering rack helps to improve on-center steering feel while an optional Flex Steer system delivers three driving modes: Normal, Comfort and Sport.

On sale this Fall, pricing has not yet been announced for the 2014 Soul but it will come in two new colors including Solar Yellow and Inferno Red (shown).