Major Options / Build: Alloy Wheels, Bluetooth

Additional Description: The 2016 Kia Soul is a compact hatchback with good handling and an efficient cabin layout, and boxy styling. The base model gets a 1.6-liter four-cylinder making 130 horsepower, mated to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. Soul aces crash testing, impressive for a compact. Kia Soul comes with cloth seats, air conditioning, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a 60/40-split folding rear seat. The proportions are right, as the sharp angles on the chunky sheetmetal work with the roofline. The windshield pillars are abrupt while leaning back a bit, keeping the profile from being too square, although it's still square. the Soul becomes a compact cargo van. There's 24.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, and with them folded there's a vast 61.3 cubic feet. And there is an amazing 39 inches of rear seat legroom, more than many midsize crossovers.There's a black sea of plastic in the dash, with chrome and glossy trim. What a missed opportunity to make Soul special. There are some soft materials and upscale touches, The centerstack with its controls is canted toward the driver. Speakers sit on top of vents at the edges of the dash. They can be made to throb to the music, in fluorescent blood red. The seats are firm and supportive. For an entry-level new car, considering the cargo capacity and cool factor, the base model with the six-speed manual is a good car for the money. The turbo engine, built by Hyundai, makes 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, enough so there's torque steer if you stand on it. With this engine, the Soul is a quick car on a winding backroad. The suspension is right, because the Soul doesn't feel like a tall box in the corners, and the ride isn't too busy on its short wheelbase. Twin-path dampers deliver good control, confidence in corners, and isolation from small bumps. A Sport mode tightens the steering, making the Soul sporty and fun. Four-wheel disc brakes are standard, with brake assist and hill-start assist, even on the base model. They work well, easy to modulate for smooth, controlled braking. The Soul lives up to its name; The base model, especially with the 6-speed manual transmission mated to its 1.6-liter engine, is a good value.Front air conditioning, Front air conditioning zones: single, Rear vents: second row, Airbag deactivation: occupant sensing passenger, Front airbags: dual, Side airbags: front, Side curtain airbags: front / rear, Antenna type: diversity / mast, Auxiliary audio input: Bluetooth / USB / iPod/iPhone / jack, Radio: AM/FM, Satellite radio: SiriusXM, Total speakers: 6, ABS: 4-wheel, Electronic brakeforce distribution, Front brake diameter: 11.0, Front brake type: ventilated disc, Power brakes, Rear brake diameter: 10.3, Rear brake type: disc, Floor material: carpet, Shift knob trim: urethane, Steering wheel trim: urethane, Assist handle: front / rear, Cargo area light, Center console: front console with storage, Courtesy lights: door, Cupholders: front / rear, Multi-function remote: fuel filler door release, One-touch windows: 1, Overhead console: front, Power steering, Power windows: lockout button, Reading lights: front, Rearview mirror: manual day/night, Retained accessory power, Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic, Steering wheel mounted controls: audio / phone, Storage: door pockets / seatback / sunglasses holder, Tool kit, Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating, Liftgate window: fixed, Rear door type: liftgate, Axle ratio: 4.56, Drive mode selector, Battery saver, Door handle color: body-color, Exhaust: hidden, Front bumper color: black, Grille color: black with chrome accents, Mirror color: body-color, Rear bumper color: black, Window trim: black, Clock, Digital odometer, Driver information system, External temperature display, Fuel economy display: MPG / range, Gauge: tachometer, Multi-function display, Multi-functional information center, Trip computer, Trip odometer, Warnings and reminders: low fuel level / low oil level / tire fill alert, Headlights: halogen, Side mirror adjustments: manual folding / power, Body side reinforcements: side impact door beams, Child safety door locks, Child seat anchors: LATCH system, Crumple zones: front / rear, Energy absorbing steering column, Impact sensor: door unlock, Emergency locking retractors: front, Front seatbelts: 3-point, Rear seatbelts: 3-point, Seatbelt force limiters: front, Seatbelt pretensioners: front, Seatbelt warning sensor: front, Driver seat manual adjustments: height / reclining / 6, Front headrests: adjustable / 2, Front seat type: bucket, Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining / 4, Rear headrests: adjustable / 3, Rear seat folding: split, Rear seat type: 60-40 split bench, Upholstery: cloth, 2-stage unlocking doors, Power door locks: auto-locking, Hill holder control, Stability control, Traction control, Steering ratio: 15.7, Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90, Front shock type: gas, Front spring type: coil, Front stabilizer bar, Front struts: MacPherson, Front suspension classification: independent, Front suspension type: lower control arms, Rear shock type: gas, Rear spring type: coil, Rear suspension classification: semi-independent, Rear suspension type: torsion beam, Wireless data link: Bluetooth, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Tire type: all season, Wheels: alloy, Front wipers: variable intermittent, Power windows: safety reverse, Rear privacy glass, Rear wiper: with washer, Solar-tinted glass, Window defogger: rear