The Kia Soul refresh for 2012 includes two rings of LEDs in the giant taillights.
CAPTION
By Kia
It's also easily outpacing its boxy-car rivals, Scion xB and Nissan Cube. At the unveiling, Kia boasted that it sold 10,028 Souls last month. Total sales through March are 22,057, compared with 4,743 for the xB and 6,944 for the Cube.
For the 2012 model, due this fall, the base engine is a new 135-hp, 1.6-liter four-cylinder (manual transmission only) -- but standard on most trims will be a new 160-hp, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder mated to a six-speed manual or automatic. The base will be rated 34 mpg on the highway, 28 city, while the 2.0 is just a mile per gallon less on each.
Kia said the bigger engine comes in response to customer demand and Drive On agrees -- it's fun and practical, but a little more scoot will make it more satisfying to drive.
The most notable exterior changes involve trendy LED lighting: The large vertical taillights now feature a double outline of LEDs on all models. And on the top trim, the new projector headlights are set off with LED daytime running lights. Front and rear bumpers also are new, but the basic box design is unchanged. Inside, a new premium package offers upscale amenities that include heated leather seats and automatic climate control.
Also likely to carry over to 2012: The Soul's hamster ads. At the reveal, Kia proudly noted that the hamsters won The Nielsen Company's Auto Ad of the Year award for a second time. The winning ad, "This or That," features hip-hop hamsters (video below). Last year it won with the first Soul ad with the music-loving hamsters.