Kia Soul: What's the appeal?

[Downhill Dino]

Yes. Your point? Where did I make it seem as though I thought it was?

You've gone on about this performance and aerodynamics thingm even comparing it to the McLaren and Mustang.

No, it doesn't. I'll admit that the attention it generates is good, but that does not make it a good commercial. Negative attention isn't always 100% beneficial.

Commercials are made to have you remember them, talk about them, have it in mind. Whether it be good attention or bad, as long as somebody is thinking about it eventually someone will get the idea to buy it.

Tree'd I suppose.

 

[KinLM]

Points the aren't almost completely opinionated.

Which is why I've had many comparisons to other cars and many stats, something he acknowledged.

A memorable commercial is always a good commercial because it makes you remember the product, and increases the chance that you might buy it.

No it doesn't. The AccuChek Nano commercial is the most annoying 30 seconds I've ever seen. And if I had diabetes, this ad would ensure that I would NEVER buy this product. I have to mute the TV every time it comes on.

Memorable? Yes. Good? No.

 

[KinLM]

You've gone on about this performance and aerodynamics thingm even comparing it to the McLaren and Mustang.

Did you notice that in other parts of the thread, I:

1. Agreed that it isn't a hot hatch.

2. Compared it to cars much more closely related such as a PT Cruiser (albeit a decade older) as well as a Polo Bluemotion. Did you overlook this or something?

 

[Downhill Dino]

Well I thought I saw such a thing right here.

Really! Tell me more about how all the supercars have it wrong, and that their teardrop shapes are inferior to the cut off rear end of a Soul. Maybe in some ways a cut off rear end may be more efficient (McLaren F1) but this is different than a car that is this boxy.

And here.

Personally I don't care if they're rats or hamsters. Either way the ad doesn't make sense.

But I will agree that I do prefer these ads to those wretched Cadillac ATS commercials where they make the car sound like its faster than an F1 car.

Or maybe I'm mistaking myself.

 

[Doog]

Which is why I've had many comparisons to other cars and many stats, something he acknowledged.

Yes, the Mclaren and Mustang comparisons are very, very valid.

No it doesn't. The AccuChek Nano commercial is the most annoying 30 seconds I've ever seen. And if I had diabetes, this ad would ensure that I would NEVER buy this product. I have to mute the TV every time it comes on.

Memorable? Yes. Good? No.

First, .

Second, I can relate that there are some commercials that have put me off a particular product. Of course, I can't remember those commercials anymore, so there aren't any products for me to be put off. But take McDonalds' Fish McBites ad campaign, you've certainly seen it. Most people I know find it annoying, but it puts Fish McBites in their head, so there's a larger chance that they'll succumb to curiosity and try them, and McDonald's makes a profit. So while the ad may annoy you, McDonald's succeeds at their ultimate goal of making money.

 

[Antonisbob]

Yea, I don't know. It's ugly, just like the rest of the cars out there today, and the past 10 years.

You're looking at it the wrong way. The Kia Soul offers a blend of value, decent fuel economy, practicality, but is also small and easy to park. The similarly priced used car has always been a notable alternative to a new, cheap car, but some people don't want the headaches that come with used car shopping. Used car shopping comes with dishonest sellers, lemons, and sometimes having to settle for a car that doesn't have all the options you like. A new, cheap car gives you peace of mind that it will last for a very long time, and that's all some people want. And most people I've met generally like the Soul.

My car's just under 18 feet long, I learnt how to drive on it and I have no problem parking it. I also get about 24 MPG Highway with a V8 & 4 bbl carb. This thing apparently get's 30? That's with 2 less cylinders, 3 less liters and probably 1,000 less pounds. Not very good to be honest. Not to mention something like mine can tow much more and carry probably the same amount of cargo. An added bonus mine's good looking, classy...

 

[KinLM]

Well I thought I saw such a thing right here.

And here.

Or maybe I'm mistaking myself.

The first post was a discussion over whether or not the cut off shape of the back was beneficial to fuel economy or not. I said that it might be as this design technique was found on one of the most aerodynamic cars in history, the McLaren F1.

But I don't see how this is suggesting that it's sporty? We were simply discussing whether or not it's shape has good aerodynamics which would help fuel economy.

I don't know about you, but fuel economy seems like a pretty important thing for an economic car to have.

And the second quote. Please read that more carefully.

I was talking about the ad campaign for the Soul. I stated that I didn't like the Hamster idea but that it was better than the conventional ad setup like Cadillac has been doing where somebody drives the car exuberantly around a few corners and talks about all it's stats.

I don't see how comparing ad campaigns has ANYTHING to do with me suggesting that the Soul is a sporty car. Don't take offense to this, but I'd suggest reading the rest of the thread a bit more closely.

 

[KinLM]

Yes, the Mclaren and Mustang comparisons are very, very valid.

I thought my PT Cruiser comparison, and my Volkswagen Polo comparison, were both very valid to be honest.

First, .

Second, I can relate that there are some commercials that have put me off a particular product. Of course, I can't remember those commercials anymore, so there aren't any products for me to be put off. But take McDonalds' Fish McBites ad campaign, you've certainly seen it. Most people I know find it annoying, but it puts Fish McBites in their head, so there's a larger chance that they'll succumb to curiosity and try them, and McDonald's makes a profit. So while the ad may annoy you, McDonald's succeeds at their ultimate goal of making money.

Yes I have seen that and I agree it's horribly annoying as well. But I do see your point in that it makes it stick in your head.

Personally the annoyingness and randomness of the Kia ad is still more of a simple put-off for me. But if it had the effect that the McDonald's ad has, then I will admit that it could be quite effective.

 

[Downhill Dino]

It's not that you're suggesting. You're coming off as if you think it should be. Which wasn't its intention.

 

[Doog]

My car's just under 18 feet long, I learnt how to drive on it and I have no problem parking it. I also get about 24 MPG Highway with a V8 & 4 bbl carb. This thing apparently get's 30? That's with 2 less cylinders, 3 less liters and probably 1,000 less pounds. Not very good to be honest. Not to mention something like mine can tow and carry probably the same amount of stuff. As an added bonus mine looks good, classy...

Yes, but a smaller car is almost always easier to park, unless it has poor visibility. Your Pontiac also benefits from a torquey V8 and tall gears, so at highway speeds it doesn't have to do much work to keep up with traffic. I highly doubt you can fit more things into a large sedan than a tall, boxy hatchback. Yours may be able to tow more, but as an older car it's more prone to problems, and the Soul benefits from a design that's much, much safer in a crash. Don't think I'm biased against large, old cars though, I'd love to have a Parisienne myself.

 

[KinLM]

It's not that you're suggesting. You're coming off as if you think it should be. Which wasn't its intention.

I still don't see how I've made it seem like I think it should be sporty.

I stated that it wasnt sporty. And I compared it to the crazy ads of exuberant driving today.

The Chevrolet Sonic is not a particularly sporty car. In fact, it's very close to the Soul in class and such. Yet the latest ad for it featured it being used as a skateboard. I don't think you're understanding where I'm going with things.

 

[Downhill Dino]

Just how I've interpreted your posts. I'm probably wrong so don't take to heart.

They offer a turbo option for the Sonic, pretty sporty eh? It's highly advertised a sporty car, or a hot hatch basically. Even has decal and body modifications to really give that look that a European hot hatch would typically have. It even has a relatively sporty name.

 

[Kylehnat]

You're clearly missing the point of this thread. I was asking to see if anybody who likes this car could possibly describe why they like it. Thanks for your input.

And you are missing the point of my post, which is that Kia has sold tons of these things. Whether you like it or not is irrelevant. There are tons of cars that I don't like, yet people still buy them. I'm not going to post a thread about it, nor am I going to suggest that those people shouldn't buy those cars. The essence of a free market is that someone can spend their money on whatever the hell they want. If Company X produces Product Y, and people buy it, Company X will continue to produce Product Y. If people don't buy it, Company X will axe Product Y and make something else. Obviously plenty of people like the Kia Soul, which is why you see them on the road. I would never buy one, but they are affordable and practical, so I can see why someone else might...

 

[Antonisbob]

Yes, but a smaller car is almost always easier to park, unless it has poor visibility. Your Pontiac also benefits from a torquey V8 and tall gears, so at highway speeds it doesn't have to do much work to keep up with traffic. I highly doubt you can fit more things into a large sedan than a tall, boxy hatchback. Yours may be able to tow more, but as an older car it's more prone to problems, and the Soul benefits from a design that's much, much safer in a crash. Don't think I'm biased against large, old cars though, I'd love to have a Parisienne myself.

Valid points.

 

[homeforsummer]

I quite like the Soul.

I tested one last year. Some of this doesn't apply to the U.S, since I live in the UK and drove a diesel model not available over there.

But generally, I was impressed. It was comfortable, spacious, acceptably economical for its type, and even handled nicely given its relative tallness. I also like the slightly crazy looks, and surprisingly, so did all my late-20s friends. Even though it had a dragon painted on the side...

Not so good stuff: Small boot, and engine felt a bit under-endowed. But really, those are my only two real criticisms of it.

Kias in general these days are pretty damn good - certainly nearer the upper-end of cars in their class, rather than the lower end.

 

[KinLM]

And you are missing the point of my post, which is that Kia has sold tons of these things. Whether you like it or not is irrelevant. There are tons of cars that I don't like, yet people still buy them. I'm not going to post a thread about it, nor am I going to suggest that those people shouldn't buy those cars. The essence of a free market is that someone can spend their money on whatever the hell they want. If Company X produces Product Y, and people buy it, Company X will continue to produce Product Y. If people don't buy it, Company X will axe Product Y and make something else. Obviously plenty of people like the Kia Soul, which is why you see them on the road. I would never buy one, but they are affordable and practical, so I can see why someone else might...

I know how free market works. I made this thread because I see so many that there must be something special about it. So I was asking others what this might be.

It is obvious that people like the Kia soul. I'd appreciate it if you'd give me some more potential reasons as to why people might buy these cars, which is what most of the other people in this thread have been doing.

 

[KinLM]

Just how I've interpreted your posts. I'm probably wrong so don't take to heart.

They offer a turbo option for the Sonic, pretty sporty eh? It's highly advertised a sporty car, or a hot hatch basically. Even has decal and body modifications to really give that look that a European hot hatch would typically have. It even has a relatively sporty name.

Yeah, I'm sorry. I'll try and relax a little bit. Thanks for all your input so far.

And yeah, it does seem to be marketed as a "sporty" car. The thing is though is that people think Ford Focuses and Type R's and such when they think of sporty hatches, so I can't see the Sonic having it easy against these. But I could be wrong.

 

[justchyllan]

My sister just bought one. They are definitely girls cars and they find them cute, no thanks to the ad campaign. They are extremely practical and actually fairly well built. My sister got the loaded model and its a surprisingly nice place to be. I personally don't see the appeal but I can see it from an average consumers standpoint.

 

[Downhill Dino]

And yeah, it does seem to be marketed as a "sporty" car. The thing is though is that people think Ford Focuses and Type R's and such when they think of sporty hatches, so I can't see the Sonic having it easy against these. But I could be wrong.

Then again those two are like huge cars compared to the Sonic. Such a small car it is, I'm not sure what it competes with. Mazda 2?

 

[YSSMAN]

Then again those two are like huge cars compared to the Sonic. Such a small car it is, I'm not sure what it competes with. Mazda 2?

Technically the Sonic is a B-Segment car, which means it competes with the following:

• Ford Fiesta
• Mazda 2
• Kia Rio
• Hyundai Accent
• Honda Fit
• Toyota Yaris
• MINI Cooper
• Fiat 500

Thing is, the Chevrolet is actually pretty big compared to the rest. Or, at least, it seems to be that way.

 

[Downhill Dino]

I knew the Fiesta was also in there. 👍 Thanks for info.

I wouldn't expect the MINI and 500 to be in there. I don't know, just me.

 

[YSSMAN]

There are some models that straddle a pretty thin line between the A-Segment and B-Segment. I think you could put the Fiat 500 in there, the new Mitsubishi Mirage would be in the same place as well. Although they're meant to fight in a class above, their actual size is a bit smaller than the rest of the competition.

 

[Murcie_LP640]

And yeah, it does seem to be marketed as a "sporty" car. The thing is though is that people think Ford Focuses and Type R's and such when they think of sporty hatches, so I can't see the Sonic having it easy against these. But I could be wrong.

People that tend to not know anything about cars won't even know what a Type-R is. To them, it's the whole "it looks sporty so it must be sporty, right?" sorta deal. Hence why those who aren't automotive-oriented immediately thought of the Kia Cerato Koup when I asked them what's a cheap sporty car, which is a car I've driven before and didn't feel very sporty at all. Decent steering but an unwilling engine/transmission combination and somewhat rolly-poly dynamics.

When I asked them if they'd heard of the Suzuki Swift Sport, the response usually was "they made a sports model of it?"

 

[XS]

Around here if you see a Kia Soul you better give it a lot of extra space. That's because the vast majority of Soul drivers here are teenage girls, usually of the "princess" variety, who think driving is 80% texting and 20% doing your makeup. Not joking either, at all, it's really a little scary. My friend called bs on my theory and I told him the next time he sees a Soul to look for dents and scratches and I guarantee maybe one out of ten won't have any. He had to concede I was correct about a week later.

 

[Moglet]

Unlike the Kia, a Mustang won't go out of style. Unlike the Kia, it will get you where you're going in a hurry if you need it. Unlike the Kia, the Mustang won't make most people vomit at it's shape.

How do you know the Mustang "won't go out of style"? Can you predict the future?

As for getting you where you need to go in a hurry I reckon it could get you anywhere just as quickly as the Mustang. They can both hit the speed limit pretty easily.

Oh, and I know a LOT of people who think the Mustang is vulgar as it's too showy.

And it doesn't work as a cool car because you have to suffer the ridicule of your friends when you tell them you own a Korean Box called the Kia Soul.

What do you consider 'cool' then? Big cars with big engines? Most people don't anymore. The world has changed! My girlfriend has a Kia Picanto (the Halo model with the slightly sportier look) and all of my friends love the way it looks and how the interior is put together. It's got a lot of kit for the price too.

 

[Joey D]

Unfortunately, then there's the price. The base model is in the $13,000 range. But you really get so little for this price, I don't get the point. Prices go all the way up past $20,000. I'm sorry, but my parents just bought a 2012 Ford Mustang Premium for $20,000. Unlike the Kia, a Mustang won't go out of style. Unlike the Kia, it will get you where you're going in a hurry if you need it. Unlike the Kia, the Mustang won't make most people vomit at it's shape.

Ignoring Mustangs in specific, I don't see the point. If you want a base model, there's really hardly anything to like, ignoring the fact that I saw a Scion tC for $3000 less a few days ago, as well as a very low mileage and nearly brand new Honda Fit for even less, both of which seem like better buys. And the high range models seem to be a little on the pricey side for what they're offering.

Why buy a $20,000 Mustang when you can get a $15,000 Ferrari? Comparing a used car to a new car in any sense, even if it is only a year old is meaningless. And comparing a purpose built sports car to an economy car really doesn't make any sense either, for the most part buyers aren't going to cross shop the two.

The Soul really isn't expensive for what you get, the base model is $15,000 and well equipped it's still cheaper then it's actual competitor, those being the Fit, Cub and xB. It also comes with a better warranty. And all cars that are cheap can be optioned up to something really expensive. The MINI is a great example, the base Cooper starts at $20,000 but by checking option boxes I can double the price. Even my car, a Mk3 Focus, went from it's base price of $19,000 to $27,000 only after throwing a few options on it.

Also the Mustang was out of style when Ford released it. Having something that looks like it's from the 1960's isn't exactly modern.

So here's my summary; It doesn't work as a performance car due to it's soft suspension and lack of power.

The Soul never was meant to be a performance car, although given the engine sizes it has, it's not exactly underpowered. The 1.6L engine has 138hp, which is 18hp more than a MINI with the NA 1.6L in it, and the 2.0L has 164hp, which is 4hp more than the Focus. So while it's not a performance car by any means, it's not exactly lacking in power compared to other similar sized engines on the market.

It's suspension isn't meant for hard cornering either, most economy cars aren't setup that way unless it's a special package. Developing a sporty suspension costs more money and puts off more people to the car because it gives a rougher ride.

====

As for why people buy the Soul? It's inexpensive, practical, and comes with Kia's exceptionally good warranty. Also people like uniquely styled cars since it gives it character. There are only a few cars on the road that look anything like the Soul, so buying one does help you stand out over say a Corolla.

I've driven one and I didn't hate it. Sure the 1.6L wasn't exactly fast but I didn't really expect it to be. I'd never buy one, but the Soul isn't the kind of car I'd really ever consider since so that's besides the point. I don't even think it's that good looking of a car either, but I can see where the funky styling would appeal to some people, I mean people did by the xB and that looked like a toaster.

 

[Spirithockey61]

The soul was made as a teenagers car, just watch the commercials. The reason so many kids like them is because of what the car does. When you play music, the speakers change colors to the beat of the music which i find extremely annoying (you can turn it off) but for a 16 year old kid that likes to blast his 2 chainz while ridding in his box mobile, it's the best invention ever. I have no clue why but for some reason i actually kind of like the soul. There's something about it that just kind of attracts me to it and I honestly can't figure it out. If the soul was made as a more "grown up" car, you wouldn't see as many of them. Look at VW Bugs for an example, barbie had one and after that, what did you see EVERY girl in the world going out and buying? It all depends on the marketing.

 

[Moglet]

Look at VW Bugs for an example, barbie had one and after that, what did you see EVERY girl in the world going out and buying?

2nd hand Ford Kas.

 

[KinLM]

How do you know the Mustang "won't go out of style"? Can you predict the future?

As for getting you where you need to go in a hurry I reckon it could get you anywhere just as quickly as the Mustang. They can both hit the speed limit pretty easily.

Oh, and I know a LOT of people who think the Mustang is vulgar as it's too showy.

There will always be a market for Mustangs, simply because it's a Mustang. It's got history and heritage and unless Ford decide to somehow ruin the Mustang name in some way, there will be a good market for them.

Also, why do you bring up speed limit? I can take my Mustang to the local track for a track day. I wouldn't want to do that in a Soul.

And I know alot of people who admire it for it's "vulgarness." It's an American icon as far as cars go, why can't it be flashy?

What do you consider 'cool' then? Big cars with big engines? Most people don't anymore.

Some people don't. Most is a stretch. From my high school student friends (boys and girls) to their parents, to my family, to the amount of mustangs that you see on the street, the general population seems to think that they're still very cool.

The world has changed! My girlfriend has a Kia Picanto (the Halo model with the slightly sportier look) and all of my friends love the way it looks and how the interior is put together. It's got a lot of kit for the price too.

Reminds me of the Aston Martin Cyborg, only not quite as.. Astony.

But the Halo model is going to have better interior and stats than any normal one. Just as a top-end Kia Soul is going to have very good interior and more power

In fact, any car's top end model is going to (hopefully) be pretty good.

The thing is, these start to cost alot more.

How much did she pay for this special Halo edition? I know you said that its good value for the money, but I'm pretty sure that a special edition model isn't going to be exactly cheap.[/b][/color]

 

[KinLM]

Why buy a $20,000 Mustang when you can get a $15,000 Ferrari? Comparing a used car to a new car in any sense, even if it is only a year old is meaningless. And comparing a purpose built sports car to an economy car really doesn't make any sense either, for the most part buyers aren't going to cross shop the two.

It's very relevant actually. We covered this more extensively earlier in the thread.

The Soul really isn't expensive for what you get, the base model is $15,000 and well equipped it's still cheaper then it's actual competitor, those being the Fit, Cub and xB. It also comes with a better warranty. And all cars that are cheap can be optioned up to something really expensive. The MINI is a great example, the base Cooper starts at $20,000 but by checking option boxes I can double the price. Even my car, a Mk3 Focus, went from it's base price of $19,000 to $27,000 only after throwing a few options on it.

You may think that the base model is well-equipped, but for my likes (and those of most of my teenage guy friends) it's too bare. And by the time that it has enough things added to it, none of us would pay that money over something else.

Teenage GIRLS on the other hand, love the thing. I see them in it all the time. I guess it depends what you want in a car.

Also the Mustang was out of style when Ford released it. Having something that looks like it's from the 1960's isn't exactly modern.

This made me laugh.

Hahaha. So you're saying that the current day Astons aren't cool? Because their styling has many roots of their much older models?

So the new Camaro is out of style?

The Ferrari P4/5 is outdated?

The new Miura concept is behind it's time?

The new Dodge Challenger isn't cool?

The Mini too?

The Fiat 500 even? Because many experts called it the car of the year!

Saying that a car is out of style simply because it has some retro looks is by far one of the funniest things I've heard today.

Underneath the Mustang's retro body lies a nice leather interior, Bluetooth connectivity, a crushing stereo system, Sirius XM, and many more nice touches that keep this car from being ANYTHING close to out of style.

The Soul never was meant to be a performance car, although given the engine sizes it has, it's not exactly underpowered. The 1.6L engine has 138hp, which is 18hp more than a MINI with the NA 1.6L in it, and the 2.0L has 164hp, which is 4hp more than the Focus. So while it's not a performance car by any means, it's not exactly lacking in power compared to other similar sized engines on the market.

We discussed this in length earlier in the thread as well.

It's suspension isn't meant for hard cornering either, most economy cars aren't setup that way unless it's a special package. Developing a sporty suspension costs more money and puts off more people to the car because it gives a rougher ride.

Once again, already extensively covered earlier on.

====

As for why people buy the Soul? It's inexpensive, practical, and comes with Kia's exceptionally good warranty. Also people like uniquely styled cars since it gives it character. There are only a few cars on the road that look anything like the Soul, so buying one does help you stand out over say a Corolla.

If you took every paragraph in this post, this is the only one I wanted in the first place, which is why I originally asked for people to simply tell me what some of the appeal was. And a very good one at that. Thank you, this one right here is golden.

I've driven one and I didn't hate it. Sure the 1.6L wasn't exactly fast but I didn't really expect it to be. I'd never buy one, but the Soul isn't the kind of car I'd really ever consider since so that's besides the point. I don't even think it's that good looking of a car either, but I can see where the funky styling would appeal to some people, I mean people did by the xB and that looked like a toaster.

Scratch what I said above.

The previous paragraph AND this one. Both golden my friend. Thanks a million for this right here. 👍