Kia updates the 2015 Soul with some new options
The 2015 Kia Soul gets some new updates for the new model year, despite already being redesigned with a mid-cycle refresh for 2014.
To make sure the new Soul stays competitive and fresh, it includes a new UVO1 eServices Package with a variety of tools for road-side assistance, mainly aimed at first-time young drivers. It’s available on the base Soul for the first time. For the more expensive Plus and Exclaim models, the UVO1 eServices Package comes standard, offering traffic and weather information, up-to-date fuel price, sports scores, and other types of informational apps.
The Exclaim model also gets some new exterior hues: Fathrom Blue and Cloud White. There’s also a new interior Umber Color Package, adding Nappa leather seats as well.
Propulsion goes unchanged with a Hyundai-sourced 1.6L GDI gasoline four-banger with 130hp and 118 lb-ft of torque with a standard six-speed manual and optional six-speed auto for the base model. The more expensive versions come with a 2.0L gasoline GDI four-pot with 164hp and 151 lb-ft of twist.
Check out the press release after the jump.
2015 Soul
2015 Soul carries over iconic design and desirable features for urban and suburban fun
- Refined interior, cutting-edge technology and striking road presence maintain Soul’s iconic status
- Kia’s urban hatchback continues into 2015 with subtle enhancements
IRVINE, Calif., July 23, 2014 – Completely redesigned for 2014, the iconic Soul now enters the 2015 model year with select enhancements focused on increasing the hot-selling urban utility vehicle’s fun factor. The signature Soul design is instantly recognizable yet thoroughly fresh. Honoring Soul owners’ fierce individualism, three unique trim levels remain available: Base, Plus and Exclaim.
The 2015 Soul displays its own unique character through a blend of funky personality, fun-to-drive characteristics and premium interior amenities intended to set it apart from the pack. A playful color palette, including Soul-exclusive colors such as Solar Yellow, Cloud White, Fathom Blue and Inferno Red pump up the dynamic equation that has made Soul such a dominate competitor in the “boxy” car segment.
Enhancements to packaging for the Base model include a new UVO1 eServices Package. UVO eServices is a free subscription telematics service available for 10 years/100,000 miles. For 2015, UVO eServices offers four new features: Geo-fencing, Speed Alert, Curfew Alert and Driving Score2. Additionally, with the introduction of the Kia App store, select apps can be downloaded for free from iTunes®3 or Google Play4. The Kia app connector is now available for partnership with the content community, including Pandora®5, iHeart Radio and Yelp®6. Many more new technologies for comfort and convenience are featured in the new UVO system, including Siri® “Eyes Free7” and Local Search – powered by Google – for finding locations, addresses and points of interest. Sirius XM Travel Link8, offering access to traffic, weather, fuel prices, sports scores, stock information and movie times, makes the Soul the perfect companion for those who live their lives on the road with family and friends.
Many of the UVO eServices functions are accessible through the owner’s Smartphone when equipped with the UVO eServices app which is available at no charge. Also included with the package is a rear back-up camera display9, auto on/off headlights and front fog lights. UVO eServices is standard on the Exclaim.
The Plus model is unchanged for the 2015 model year.
New for 2015 on the Exclaim model is an available interior Umber Color Package which is available with either the Fathom Blue or Cloud White exterior colors. Included with the option package is premium Nappa leather seating surfaces and door armrest accents. Outside, Gloss Black wheel inserts further set the Umber Color Package apart.
Motivation for the Base Soul is delivered by a gasoline direct injection (GDI) 130-horsepower (at 6,300 rpm) 1.6-liter all-aluminum DOHC four-cylinder engine. The GAMMA engine produces 118 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,850 rpm. The Plus and Exclaim models enjoy the more powerful 2.0-liter NU power plant with GDI technology. Power is rated at 164 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 151 lb.-ft. of torque at a 4,000 rpm. The 1.6-liter engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic. The Plus and Exclaim models are available exclusively with the six-speed automatic gearbox.
