2012 Kia Sorento Lx on 2040-cars

Auto blog

2020 Kia Soul pricing starts at $18,485

Pricing for the 2020 Kia Soul hatchback-crossover-thing has been revealed, and it's a bit more expensive than the old model. The base manual transmission-equipped LX starts at $18,485, which is exactly $1,000 more than the old base manual model. And for those curious, the manual transmission is only available on the LX. The price gap is a tad narrower with the CVT-equipped 2020 Soul, which is only $800 more than the previous one at $19,985. Both versions of the LX, and all trims except the GT-Line with the turbo engine, get a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter inline-four making 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. Stepping up from the base LX trim are several new variants. First up is the S that costs $21,285 and adds standard keyless entry, cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, alloy wheels and body-color door handles and mirrors. The non-turbocharged GT-Line starts at the same price, and it brings sportier bodywork, bigger 18-inch wheels, and leather-wrapped wheel and shift knob. On the other hand, safety features standard on the S, such as blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning, become options on the GT-Line. X-line is next and is similar to the GT-Line, but comes with crossover-inspired plastic body cladding, faux skid plates and real roof rails. It costs more at $22,485, though, and it gets even fewer safety features still, losing the GT-Line's options as well as lane-keep assist and automatic emergency braking. Topping out the range of Souls with the 2.0-liter engine is the EX at $23,685. It comes with all the features of the S plus heated mirrors, heated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, 10.25-inch infotainment screen, wireless phone charging, push-button start, and leather-wrapped wheel and shift knob. At the top of the range is the GT-Line with turbo engine, and it starts at a shocking $28,485. That's $4,500 more than the outgoing turbocharged Soul, and it's right in line with some pretty serious sporty hatchbacks such as the VW GTI ($28,490), Mini Cooper S ($26,750) and Hyundai Veloster N ($27,820). Compared with other Souls, the top-spec GT-Line gets a force-fed 1.6-liter inline-four making 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. It's coupled to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the only transmission option.

Kia developing 800-volt charging technology for its future electric cars

Porsche-grade technology will trickle down to the Kia range during the 2020s. The South Korean company is planning to launch no less than 11 electric cars globally by 2025, and it confirmed some will come with an 800-volt charging system that promises to slash charging times while reducing the drivetrain's weight. As of writing, the only series-produced model equipped with 800-volt technology is the Taycan; the production version of the Audi E-Tron GT concept will get it, too. Kia plans to bring it to the masses when it releases its next-generation electric cars on the European market in 2021. It hasn't detailed the models yet, but it revealed they will be built on a platform developed specifically to underpin EVs. One will "blur the boundaries between passenger and sport utility vehicles," a not-so-subtle hint that the segment-bending Imagine concept (pictured) unveiled in 2019 is headed to production. An earlier, unverified report claims Rimac will help Kia make it a reality. Building electric cars on a purpose-designed platform represents a stunning about-face for the brand. Its two battery-powered models, the Niro EV and the Soul EV, are variants of gasoline-powered models. Kia is also developing battery technology that promises to unlock up to 310 miles of driving range. It hopes the investments it's making will convince a growing number of buyers to give up gasoline once and for all. Taking this not-inexpensive route makes integrating technology like an 800-volt charging system much easier. Kia also wants to bring electric cars to the masses, so it will also offer 400-volt charging (which is widely available in 2020) to keep costs in check. It predicted motorists who drive more will pay extra for the 800-volt system, because it will deliver "sub-20-minute high-speed" charging times when plugged into a compatible station, while those who don't suffer from range anxiety will be able to save money by selecting a 400-volt system. "Certain models, particularly those aimed at more cost-conscious buyers, will offer 400-volt charging capability; 800-volt charging won’t simply be reserved for KiaÂ’s flagship models, however, but where it most closely matches the usage profile of a particular model line," said Pablo Martinez Masip, the director of product planning and pricing for Kia's European division. He added both systems can be charged at home or in public.

2015 Kia Soul EV whirrs in to the Windy City

Earlier this week, we got our first glimpse of the 2015 Kia Soul EV out on the road, completely uncovered. And even before then, executive editor Chris Paukert had the opportunity to drive a camouflaged electric Soul prototype on Kia's home turf in Korea. But now, finally, officially, the electron-happy Soul makes its debut at the Chicago Auto Show.
Powering the Soul EV is an 81-kilowatt electric motor that sends 109 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels. That's not immensely powerful, with Kia quoting a 0-60 time of "fewer than 12 seconds," but we're big fans of the instant torque thrust that EVs like the Soul provide. Top speed is electronically limited to approximately 90 miles per hour.
Kia says the Soul EV is good for roughly 80 to 100 miles of driving range.