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==="Hamster" commercials===
==="Hamster" commercials===
Soon after the vehicle's release, Kia launched a series of commercials as part of their "A new way to roll" campaign. The ads, created by ad agency David&Goliath, features (a combination of motion-captured and costumed) [[hamster]]s on stationary [[Hamster wheels]] on city streets, which are then all passed by "cooler" hamsters riding in the Kia Soul. The commercials have attracted a cult following and have surged in popularity on video-sharing sites like [[YouTube]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/16/automobiles/autoreviews/16kia-soul.html |title=Kia’s Pitch: No Curves Ahead |date=2009-08-13 |accessdate=2010-09-05 |work=The New York Times | first=Jerry | last=Garrett}}</ref> The commercials were awarded "Automotive Ad of the Year" at the [[Nielsen Media Research|Nielsen]] Automotive Advertising Awards.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/media/hamsters-that-sell-kia-soul-commercial-wins-auto-ad-of-the-year/19422119/ |title=Hamsters That Sell: Kia Wins Auto Ad of the Year |date=2010-04-01 |accessdate=2010-09-05 |work=DailyFinance}}</ref>
Soon after the vehicle's release, Kia launched a series of commercials as part of their "A new way to roll" campaign. The ads, created by ad agency David & Goliath, features (a combination of motion-captured and costumed) [[hamster]]s on stationary [[Hamster wheels]] on city streets, which are then all passed by "cooler" hamsters riding in the Kia Soul. The commercials have attracted a cult following and have surged in popularity on video-sharing sites like [[YouTube]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/16/automobiles/autoreviews/16kia-soul.html |title=Kia’s Pitch: No Curves Ahead |date=2009-08-13 |accessdate=2010-09-05 |work=The New York Times | first=Jerry | last=Garrett}}</ref> The commercials were awarded "Automotive Ad of the Year" at the [[Nielsen Media Research|Nielsen]] Automotive Advertising Awards.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dailyfinance.com/story/media/hamsters-that-sell-kia-soul-commercial-wins-auto-ad-of-the-year/19422119/ |title=Hamsters That Sell: Kia Wins Auto Ad of the Year |date=2010-04-01 |accessdate=2010-09-05 |work=DailyFinance}}</ref>


Songs featured in the ads include "Do What You Do" by [[Marz (rapper)|Marz]], "Fort Knox" by [[Goldfish (band)|Goldfish]], "Junkyard" by [[The Potbelleez]], "[[Colours (Calvin Harris song)|Colours]]" by [[Calvin Harris]], "[[The Choice Is Yours (Revisited)]]" by [[Black Sheep (hip hop group)|Black Sheep]] and, during the [[2011 MTV Video Music Awards]], "[[Party Rock Anthem]]" by [[LMFAO (group)|LMFAO]].
Songs featured in the ads include "Do What You Do" by [[Marz (rapper)|Marz]], "Fort Knox" by [[Goldfish (band)|Goldfish]], "Junkyard" by [[The Potbelleez]], "[[Colours (Calvin Harris song)|Colours]]" by [[Calvin Harris]], "[[The Choice Is Yours (Revisited)]]" by [[Black Sheep (hip hop group)|Black Sheep]] and, during the [[2011 MTV Video Music Awards]], "[[Party Rock Anthem]]" by [[LMFAO (group)|LMFAO]].

Revision as of 07:52, 20 May 2012

Kia Soul
2012 Kia Soul ! (US)
Overview
ManufacturerKia Motors
Production2008–present
Model years2009-present (Asia)
2010-present (other markets)
AssemblyGwangju Plant, Gwangju, South Korea
Yangcheng Plant, Jiangsu, China
Oskemen, Kazakhstan (Azia Avto)
DesignerMike Torpey
Body and chassis
ClassCompact car
Body style5-door hatchback
LayoutFF layout
RelatedHyundai i20
Kia Venga
Powertrain
Engine1.6L Gamma I4 122 hp (2009–2011)
2.0L Beta II I4 142 hp (2009–2011)
1.6L U I4 Diesel 126 hp
1.6L Gamma GDI I4 138 hp (2012-)
2.0L Nu I4 164 hp (2012-)
Transmission5-speed manual (2009–2011)
4-speed automatic (2009–2011)
6-speed manual (2012-)
6-speed automatic (2012-)
Dimensions
Wheelbase100.4 in (2,550 mm)
Length161.6 in (4,105 mm) (2009–2011)
162.2 in (4,120 mm) (2012-)
Width70.3 in (1,786 mm)
Height63.4 in (1,610 mm)
Curb weight2,945 lb (1,336 kg) (2012-)

The Kia Soul is a compact car designed at Kia's design center in California, unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, manufactured in South Korea and marketed globally beginning with model year 2010.[1]

The Soul uses Kia's corporate grille, known as the Tiger Nose, as designed by Kia's design chief, Peter Schreyer.

Features

The interior features two semi-bucket seats in the front. In the rear there are flat-folding seats that can be moved in order to increase storage space.[2]

2011 Kia Soul Plus (US)

The Kia Soul is sold with a six-speaker stereo system that includes a CD player, a USB port for iPod connection, and Sirius Satellite Radio. Additional features available for upgrade include additional speakers, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and Bluetooth for hands-free connectivity.[3]

Designed to introduce an emotional appeal into the Kia range, the car can be specified with a number of design options and is available in several themed special editions. Custom upgrades include 18-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, racing stripes, "dragon" and "houndstooth" graphics, and LED turn indicators.[3]

For 2011, the Kia Soul was updated with more conventional pull-out door handles, standard metallic interior trim, redesigned instrument cluster, leather boot shifter, and switchblade style fold-in integrated key and remote.

2012 Kia Soul Plus (US)

The 2012 model year brought a more thorough update, with revised exterior and interior styling and new powertrains. In North America the updated 1.6, now featuring direct injection, makes 138 hp/121 lb-ft, the 2.0 makes 160 hp/143 lb-ft of torque. The 1.6 now delivers 27mpg in the city and 34 on the highway. The 2.0 returns 26 in the city and 33 on the highway. New features include navigation, UVO infotainment, leather and heated seats and automatic climate control.[4]

As part of the 2012 upgrades, European models were fitted with new 1.6-litre GDI petrol or 1.6 CRDi diesel engines, both of which can be specified with an automatic gearbox or a new six-speed manual gearbox, replacing the five-speed unit in the old version. As a result, the petrol offers a 14bhp uplift in power compared to its predecessor, while returning improved fuel economy. The modified 1.6 CRDi diesel returns 57.6mpg and has cut its CO2 emissions from 138g/km to 129g/km - particularly important for the European market where taxation is based on carbon emissions.<re>[4]</ref>

Specifications

Engine

2010 Kia Soul base (US)

The North American version of the Soul is initially available with one of two inline four-cylinder gasoline engines. The base model is powered by a 1.6-litre unit producing 122 bhp (91 kW) and mated exclusively with a five-speed manual transmission. Higher trims feature a 2.0-litre unit producing 142 bhp (106 kW) connected to a standard five-speed manual transmission with a four-speed automatic available as a stand-alone option.[5] A 1.6-litre diesel engine producing 126 bhp (94 kW) and 260 N⋅m (190 lb⋅ft) torque is offered in European models instead of the 2.0-liter gas, mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.[6]

Safety

Kia Soul earned Euro NCAP maximum five star safety rating.[7] In 2009, According to Euro NCAP, The five star safety rating places Kia Soul among the safest B-segment family cars in the world.[8] The Soul was awarded the maximum five star safety rating by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), but only on the New Zealand version. Australian versions get 4 out of 5 stars.[9] The Kia Soul awarded 'Top Safety Pick' from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the United States.[10]

Flex-fuel

Kia Motors presented the Soul Flex at the 2010 São Paulo International Auto Show. The Soul Flex is the first Korean flexible-fuel vehicle capable of running on any blend from E20-E25 gasoline (mandatory Brazilian blend) to E100 (neat ethanol). The new Soul Flex delivers a 44% improvement in fuel efficiency compared with the existing gasoline model, as well as superior power and torque.[11]

Concepts

Kia Soul concept (2006)

Kia Soul Concept

The design was based on the Kia Mesa concept. It included a 2.0L I4 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability and adaptive cruise control.

The vehicle was unveiled at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan.[12]

By late 2006, Kia announced it would put the car into production as a 2009 model.[13]

Kia Soul Hybrid (2008)

Kia Eco-Soul concept

The Soul Hybrid/Eco-Soul is a concept vehicle with Gamma 1.6L petrol engine, an electric motor rated 15 kW (20 PS; 20 hp) and 105 N⋅m (77 lbf⋅ft), continuously variable transmission, ISG (Idle Stop&Go), regenerative braking.

The vehicle was unveiled at the 2008 Paris Motor Show[14][15] and later at Auto Shanghai [16] and later at the Canadian International Auto Show.

Kia Soul'ster Concept (2009)

Kia Soul'ster concept at the 2010 Montreal International Auto Show.

The Soul'ster is a concept vehicle with two doors and four seats with an open roof over the rear seats. It includes dual chrome exhaust, polished aluminum exhaust tips featuring carbon-fiber interior sleeves, and 19-inch 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels. It is similar to the Jeep Wrangler. The vehicle was unveiled at the 2009 NAIAS.

The production version includes a choice of 1.6L I4 rated 120 hp (89 kW) with 5-speed manual transmission or 2.0L I4 rated 120 hp (89 kW) with 5-speed manual transmission.[17] It will go on sale in 2010.[18]

Kia Soul Burner, Diva, Searcher (2008)

A trio of concept vehicles created by Kia's European design team under the guidance of Kia's Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer.[19]

Kia Soul Diva concept

Soul Diva was created as a fashion accessory for a style-conscious young-at-heart woman who regards her car to be as important as her entire outfit. It included white, gold and black colour scheme, full-length tinted glass panoramic roof, glossy black imitation leather using 'quilted' stitching and trimmed to look like sofas, black long-pile 'Pony-hide' carpet.

Kia Soul Burner concept

Soul Burner was described as the 'bad boy' of Soul concepts. It included solid roof panel and no roof rails, 245/40R19 tires, 4 bucket seats,[20] L-shaped day-light LED driving lamps around the outer edges. At the rear, two vertical exhaust pipes are placed at the extremes of the bumper.

Soul Searcher was designed capture the spirit of Korean and Far Eastern culture with a focus on achieving personal inner peace and creating a calm cocoon for the occupants. It included an old leather finish on bonnet, powered folding roof, tailgate panel, dashboard, door panels and steering wheel rim; grey-beige felt floor and seats.

Soul Hamstar Edition Introduced in 2011, features body colored bumpers, rear sport spoiler, black 18-inch wheels, black fender vents w/side marker repeater, rear bumper applique, matte alloy fuel door, hamstar exterior graphics, black leather seating, heated seats, hamstar edition floor mats, smart key push button starting, automatic climate control, fog lights leather steeering wheel and shift knob.

The vehicles were unveiled at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show.[21] Soul Burner later appeared in 2008 SEMA auto show.[22]

Kia Soul Denim (2009-)

The Denim is a limited (1200 units) version of 2010 Kia Soul Soul+ for US market. It includes Denim body colour with white racing stripes, white painted side-view mirrors, white 18-inch alloy wheels.

The vehicle has MSRP of $17,300US for 5-speed manual, $18,250 for 4-speed automatic.[23]

Kia Track'ster concept (2012)

Based on the Kia Soul, the Track'ster was unveiled at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show and previews a potential high performance version of the next-generation model with 247bhp. [24][25] The Track'ster is wider than the Soul with a longer wheelbase and has Brembo brakes.[26]

Marketing

Kia Soul exhibit at the 2009 SEMA auto show in Las Vegas.

"Hamster" commercials

Soon after the vehicle's release, Kia launched a series of commercials as part of their "A new way to roll" campaign. The ads, created by ad agency David & Goliath, features (a combination of motion-captured and costumed) hamsters on stationary Hamster wheels on city streets, which are then all passed by "cooler" hamsters riding in the Kia Soul. The commercials have attracted a cult following and have surged in popularity on video-sharing sites like YouTube.[27] The commercials were awarded "Automotive Ad of the Year" at the Nielsen Automotive Advertising Awards.[28]

Songs featured in the ads include "Do What You Do" by Marz, "Fort Knox" by Goldfish, "Junkyard" by The Potbelleez, "Colours" by Calvin Harris, "The Choice Is Yours (Revisited)" by Black Sheep and, during the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, "Party Rock Anthem" by LMFAO.

In October 2011, the Kia Soul Hamsters were inducted into the Madison Avenue Walk of Fame, advertising industry’s equivalent of Hollywood and Vine. As of 2011, Kia is also the only car manufacturer to be inducted.

Kia Aero Soul APRIL System

As an April Fool's Day joke, Kia published a press release on a new environmentally friendly concept based on the Soul in 2010, called the Air Propulsion and Retardation Installation Line. The concept used sensors on the bumpers and retractable panels to harness the flow of wind.[29]

Reviews and awards

  • The Kia Soul earned a red dot design award in 2009 link
  • "Interior of the Year Winners" award from WardsAuto in 2009 link
  • Popular Mechanics comparison - Kia Soul surpassed the Nissan Cube and the Scion xB. link
  • Fifth Gear link
  • The Times link
  • WhatCar? link
  • Kia Soul Named to the Kelley Blue Book '5 Great Deals' List link
  • Kia Soul Recognized by Texas Auto Writers Association as 'Best Value' link
  • Kia Wins PETA's Goody animal-friendly advertising award link
  • The Soul's residual value after three years was valued at 56 percent of the original value to take the top place in its segment in the Automotive Lease Guide's latest report. It surpassed the Nissan Cube and the Scion xB. link
  • Kia Soul Recognized on 'Coolest New Cars Under US $18,000' List by Kelley Blue Book's Kbb.com link
  • Kia Soul’ster awarded 2009 Concept Truck of the Year link
  • Named to 'Top 10 Back-to-School Cars' List by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com link
  • Kia Soul Named to Time Magazine’s 'Most Exciting Cars of 2010' List link
  • Kia Soul Named one of '10 Great And Safe Rides For Teens' by AutoWeek Magazine link
  • Kia Soul Given '2010 Automotive Excellence Award' By Popular Mechanics link
  • Kia Soul Named "Best Car 2009" by the Chilean daily newspaper La Tercera, Kia Motors Chile was also selected as "Best Maker of the Year 2009" in Chile. link
  • Kia Soul Named 'Small Car of the Year' by FAMA Magazine link
  • Kia Soul Named 'Best Hatchback of 2010' by Cars.com link
  • Edmunds.com names Kia Soul as one of the “Top Recommended” Vehicles for 2010 link

References

  1. ^ "Kia Getting Some Much Needed Soul". The Auto Writer. 2008-07-29. Retrieved 2008-08-03.
  2. ^ "Kia Soul Will Join Line-Up in 2008 as a 2009 Model". Kia Motors. 2008-11-12.
  3. ^ a b "A Splash of Color in a Sea of Gray". Kia Motors. 2008-11-12.
  4. ^ "MORE POWERFUL AND FUEL EFFICIENT 2012 KIA SOUL DEBUTS AT THE NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW". Kia Motors. 2011-04-21. Retrieved 2011-08-31.
  5. ^ "Kia Soul". Kia Motors. 2008-12-16.
  6. ^ "2010 Kia Soul - Official Photos and Info - Car News". Kia Motors. 2008-07-01.
  7. ^ Euro NCAP 2009/5/27
  8. ^ [1] Kia Soul scores 5-star EuroNCAP crash test rating. kia-world.net, May 27th, 2009
  9. ^ 2009 Kia Soul ANCAP
  10. ^ Kia Soul awarded 'Top Safety Pick' from IIHS in the US The Auto Channel
  11. ^ "Kia introduces new Flex-Fuel Soul Flex at Brazilian Motor Show; boosts output and lowers fuel consumption". Green Car Congress. 2010-10-27. Retrieved 2010-10-28.
  12. ^ Neff, John (2006-01-09). "Detroit Auto Show: Kia gets some Soul". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2010-10-30.
  13. ^ "Kia Soul Will Join Line-Up in 2008 as a 2009 Model". Kia Motors. Retrieved April 8, 2011.
  14. ^ "Kia Debuts Cee'd and Soul Hybrid Concepts in Paris". Kia Motors.
  15. ^ "Kia Soul and hybrid concepts star in Paris". Kia Motors.
  16. ^ Korzeniewski, Jeremy (2009-04-21). "Shanghai 2009: Kia shows a greener Soul". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2010-10-30.
  17. ^ "Kia Soulster Concept officially Unveiled in Detroit". Worldcarfans.com. 2009-01-12. Retrieved 2010-10-30.
  18. ^ "Kia Soul is going topless; Soulster's production in sight". Kia-world.net. Retrieved 2010-10-30.
  19. ^ "Kia's Soul unveiled at Geneva". Worldcarfans.com. 2008-03-04. Retrieved 2010-10-30.
  20. ^ "Kia Soul Burner images". Kia-world.net. Retrieved 2010-10-30.
  21. ^ "Geneva '08 Preview: Kia SOUL Burner comes early". Kia-world.net. Retrieved 2010-10-30.
  22. ^ "KMA shows off stylized concept vehicles during 2008 SEMA show". Kia-buzz.com. 2008-11-13. Retrieved 2010-10-30.
  23. ^ Korzeniewski, Jeremy (2009-06-24). "REPORT: Kia Soul Denim to be limited to 1,200 units, start at $17,300". Autoblog.com. Retrieved 2010-10-30.
  24. ^ [2]
  25. ^ [3]
  26. ^ Migliore, Greg (February 20, 2012). "Tricked for the Track". Autoweek. 62 (4): 6.
  27. ^ Garrett, Jerry (2009-08-13). "Kia's Pitch: No Curves Ahead". The New York Times. Retrieved 2010-09-05.
  28. ^ "Hamsters That Sell: Kia Wins Auto Ad of the Year". DailyFinance. 2010-04-01. Retrieved 2010-09-05.
  29. ^ "Kia Aero Soul Concept: When April Fool's Day Goes Too Far". Jalopnik. Retrieved 2010-10-30.
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