OREANDA-NEWS. August 07, 2015.  The extremely popular Soul ups its “wow” factor for the 2016 model year with a host of new style and convenience features, some of which actually debuted on the K900 luxury sedan. In addition, owners can further express their unique individualism through a new Designer Collection that plays up the Soul’s fun-loving attitude with a two-tone paint scheme.

Three unique trim levels (Base, Plus, and Exclaim) remain, and each one adds new features for the 2016 model year.  Alloy wheels now come standard across all models.  Meanwhile, Base models equipped with the Convenience Package add a 4.3-inch color touchscreen, SiriusXM®2 satellite radio, and integrated Rear Camera Display3.

The standard features list grows for the Plus model, which now gets gloss black bumper “tusks,” fog lights, and integrated Rear Camera Display3.  A new Designer Collection package, inspired by its all-electric sibling, brings new style with two visually striking two-toned color combinations: white with a red roof, or red with a black roof. In addition, the Designer Collection also adds 18-inch alloy wheels with black spokes, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob.  The Exclaim now comes standard with leather-trimmed seats. Also new to Exclaim is the Premium Package, which elevates the driving experience with desirable convenience features including Forward Collision Warning System (FCWS)1 and Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)1, both of which are new to the Soul. The camera-based LDWS helps to monitor the Soul’s position and provides visual and auditory warnings to the driver when the vehicle begins to drift too close to the lane markers.  Other creature comforts that come as part of the Premium Package include navigation4, an upgraded Infinity®5audio system, string-LED front speaker surround mood lighting, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front driver and passenger seats, seat heaters for all four outboard positions, a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel, and a leather-wrapped gearshift knob.

The optional interior Umber Color Package, which is available with either the Shadow Black, Titanium, Fathom Blue or Cloud White exterior colors, now benefits from HID projector headlights for the 2016 model year. Also included with the option package is premium Nappa leather seating surfaces and door armrest accents.

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, optionally, to a six-speed automatic.  The Plus and Exclaim models are available exclusively with the six-speed automatic.

About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea.  KMA proudly serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA and set an all-time annual sales record in 2014, surpassing the 500,000 unit mark for the third consecutive year. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles, including the rear-drive K900** flagship sedan, Cadenza premium sedan, Sorento CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Soul Electric Vehicle***, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Optima Hybrid, the Forte compact sedan, Forte5 and Forte Koup, Rio and Rio 5-door subcompacts and the Sedona midsize multi-purpose vehicle, through a network of more than 765 dealers across the United States.  Kia’s U.S. manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia, builds the Optima* and Sorento* and is responsible for the creation of more than 15,000 plant and supplier jobs.

Information about KMA and its full vehicle line-up is available at www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.  To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert.

3 Rear-Camera Display is not a substitute for safe driving, and may not detect all objects behind vehicle. Always drive safely and use caution.

4 Distracted driving can result in a loss of vehicle control. When operating a vehicle, never use a vehicle system that takes your focus away from safe vehicle operation. Navigation is for information purposes only, and Kia does not make any warranties about the accuracy of the information.

5 Infinity® is a trademark of Harman International Industries, Inc.

** 2015 K900 V8 available in select trims and in select markets with limited availability.

*** Soul EV in select markets with limited availability.