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2014 Kia Soul priced from $14,700*

Kia has announced pricing on the refreshed 2014 Soul. At $14,700 (*plus a destination charge of $795), the new funky crossover undercuts its two primary competitors, the Scion xB and Nissan Cube, by $2,850 and $2,060, respectively. That base model includes 16-inch alloys, cruise control, wheel-mounted audio controls and a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine with 130 horsepower and 118 pound-feet of torque.
The mid-range model, the Soul Plus, demands $18,200 and adds a spate of exterior items, like 17-inch wheels and chrome trim, to class up the Soul's look, not to mention a 164-horsepower, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine. Plus customers also have access to a number of option packages, including a $400 pack that adds Kia's UVO infotainment system and a backup camera. A $1,400 Audio Package adds navigation, an eight-inch display, an Infinity stereo and automatic temperature controls. A $3,000 Primo Package adds a few notable luxury items, like a panoramic sunroof, heated leather seats, and push-button start. Finally, a $400 Eco Package adds stop-start technology and replaces the 17-inch wheels with 16s shod in low-rolling-resistance tires.
The top-of-the-line Soul Exclaim starts at $20,300 and comes with LED running lights, LED taillights, 18-inch wheels and the Plus's UVO Package as standard. Buyers can opt for The Whole Shebang, a $2,500 option pack that apes the Primo Package from the Plus. Weirdly, the Audio Package from the Soul Plus is an extra $1,200 on the Exclaim, and has been rebranded the Sun and Sand Package. Feel free to peruse the press release below for more.

2019 Kia Forte renderings reveal a sedan with Stinger style

Kia has revealed renderings of a redesigned, sleeker third-generation Forte compact sedan that it will display at the Detroit Auto Show next week. And with the attention the Stinger sport fastback has been receiving, it's not surprising that the Forte would take its cue off that swept-back look as well. The 2019 Forte makes a radical departure from the previous generation's former, more conventional compact-sedan look, keeping a version of Kia's tiger-nose grille, and gaining a number of design cues in the sheetmetal, lower valance and headlights that Kia calls "muscular" and "dynamic." Galleries for the Stinger and previous Forte design are below for comparison. The Stinger resemblance is extended to the interior, with has an open, horizontal look. Kia doesn't say if the car will come as a hatchback — or with this body style, a liftback, again like the Stinger. Based on the second rendering above, it would appear not. But that doesn't rule out the possibility of a liftback version. And that right there is about all we know. We'll find out more next week in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show. Kia has been on a real roll of late. The 2018 Forte and Soul, along with the Forte's cousin the Hyundai Elantra, were among the six Korean cars that dominated the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's exclusive list of 15 cars that earned the Top Safety Pick+ designation. The Forte runs neck-and-neck with the Soul as Kia's sales leader in the U.S., closing out 2017 with nearly 118,000 Fortes delivered. Kia has always gone after a younger buyer, and now it looks to be gunning for a more sophisticated buyer, too. View 11 Photos View 19 Photos Related Video:

Kia recalls 2006-10 Sedona and 2007-09 Sorento for risk of electrical short

Kia Motors has issued a precautionary recall on 228,829 units of 2006-10 Sedona minivans and 2007-09 Sorentos due to a rare possibility of a short circuit that could cause a fire in the engine compartment. Kia expects about 1% of the cited vehicles could have moisture in the anti-lock braking system (ABS) module. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) campaign No. 20V088000 says that some 2006-2010 Sedonas and 2007-2009 Sorentos have a Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) within the ABS module that could be susceptible to moisture damage. Should moisture enter the HECU, it could cause an electrical short circuit, which could then spark a fire. Because the HECU is energized when the car is turned off, this issue could arise even while the vehicle is parked.  Kia has yet to determine exactly how and why moisture is getting into the HECU, and it's not the first time this type of problem has caused a recall. Hyundai Motors recalled 429,686 Hyundai Elantra and Elantra Touring models for the same issue.  Because there isn't a certain root defect to fix, Kia has devised a plan to reduce the risk of fire. Kia will install a relay in the vehicle's main junction box, free of charge. This will prevent power from going to the HECU while the ignition is off. Kia will alert owners of affected vehicles starting April 10, 2020.  Kia and Hyundai have also been involved in completely separate engine-fire-related recalls in the recent past. Throughout the previous few years, Kia and Hyundai have recalled millions of cars, crossovers, and SUVs with faulty oil pans and high exhaust temperatures that damage catalytic converters. As a result, the NHTSA opened an investigative probe into Kia's and Hyundai's handling of the recalls and resolutions.   Related Video: