We have been waiting for a close up preview of Kia Soul for a long time and finally, the wait is over. A pre-production model of the all new Kia Soul has been caught sans disguise today, while cruising on the highway near Seoul. This is undoubtedly the most revealing set of Soul spy images until now and gives us best ever insight on its unique and youthful exterior styling.
The model spotted here is finished in metallic white and wears sporty looking alloy wheels with 18-inch tires. Chrome door handles, roof racks and large wheels indicate that this is the flagship trim of the Soul.
Production starts in November and will be limited to 120.000 units per year. The production ready Soul will first be displayed at Paris Auto Show in October and is slated to go on sale worldwide early in 2009…Read more
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[Image source: Aving.net&Careview.co.kr]
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:13 pm
Except for the parking sensors in the rear, I’d guess this was destined for the US: no side indicator, front and rear side reflectors. I’d guess it to be an EX model if they’re using that trim. Will they have LX, EX and possibly SX trims of the Soul for the USA? Forgive me if that’s already been answered in a previous post!
July 22nd, 2008 at 9:15 pm
PS: I was hoping they’d be using LEDs for the top brake lamp (like on everything but the Sorento and Rio5) but they appear to have it similar to the Sorento- 5 small bulbs…
July 22nd, 2008 at 11:50 pm
Wow. I’m not amused. I like the 09 Optima behind it better. At least the Optima has a decent engine!!! 2.0 is a no! Unbelievable. Just the small engines is hurting sales already. After hearing engine options, more than 1/4 of all the people on Williams’ Soul waiting list dropped off. WHAT A STUPID MOVE!! I CAN’T GET OVER IT! SEND THE TINY ENGINES TO EUROPE AND AUSTRALIA! FOR SOME REASON, THEY DON’T LIKE A RESPONSE WHEN THEIR FOOT TOUCHES THE PEDAL! UGH! I AM SO PISSED! This is the only thing that makes Honda and Toyota look good. THAT’S RIGHT KIA, I WOULD RATHER HAVE AN UGLY XB! AT LEAST THAT HAS A 2.4 LITER ENGINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 23rd, 2008 at 12:49 am
You do realize that what’s helped Hyundai/Kia lately is these small engines you’re so upset about, right? For the foreseeable future that’s not likely to change. For the record, I’ve got an ’08 xB and love it as a family car but for personal use it’s got more power and space than I really need. I predict that there’s going to be *plenty* of people more than happy to buy one of these things, especially if it can achieve mileage into the mid 30′s. I’m really interested in seeing both the Forte and the Soul when they hit Kia’s lots. I’m thinking that one or the other may make a nice replacement for my 4cyl/5speed Nissan Frontier.
There’s a lot more to cars than the number of HP they have. Chasing HP is part of the reason Detroit is in the crapper right now. They have few if any efficient powertrains and vehicles that utilize them.
July 23rd, 2008 at 1:27 am
I would guess Kia Soul gas mileage to be closer to 20 mpg city and 29 highway, or numbers close to those. A heavy rig and a small engine(even a petrol 2.0L engine) makes the engine have to work harder. Having said that, I still think Kia will sell plenty of these funk-mobiles. The crossover looks great and has that uniqueness to its look that should appeal to many people in the NA market, and around the world.
July 23rd, 2008 at 5:12 am
It’s smaller and lighter than the current xB with a smaller motor so I’m inclined to think the mileage should be better overall. I’d guess the Soul’s mileage ratings to be about what the xD gets. The Scions both have either 5-speed manuals or 4-speed autos.
July 23rd, 2008 at 6:42 am
Hmm, I noticed one interesting point from the summary above. If Kia limits production of the Soul to 120K units per year that would seem to limit availability at US dealers somewhat. Given the current price of gas, Kia could probably move every one they can bring over at MSRP if it gets reasonably good gas mileage.
Are there any estimates how that 120K production will be distributed? With a weak dollar I could imagine Kia being likely to send more units to Europe to help increase profits.
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:59 am
ok greg… again with the ignorance is it? as we have all said before, 2.0 is PLENTY. look at what people can achieve with the SR20DE. see what i mean? also, the xB’s 2.4 is 168 @ 6000rpm. when are you EVER going to floor it like that? people will buy it for either fuel efficiency or tune-ability, just like the scion. go ahead and buyGO AHEAD AND BUY YOURSELF AN xB while we enjoy our sould. i’m not judging the xB – i’ll do that AFTER DRIVING IT!!! think rationally please greg.
July 23rd, 2008 at 2:57 pm
hey i just saw the new photos! it looks great cos the two cars give us a glimpse of whats to come from kia!!! anyways, that soul’s wheel looks massive compared to the forte’s!
July 23rd, 2008 at 5:56 pm
greg— thats not an optima, thats a forte. get a clue.
July 23rd, 2008 at 5:59 pm
PS – is the “read more” link correct? it goes to an older soul post when you click it. i wanna read the rest of the article
July 23rd, 2008 at 7:38 pm
I SAID OPTION! IT SHOULD BE AN OPTION! In the second picture at the top it’s an Optima.
July 23rd, 2008 at 7:51 pm
Greg, your opinion is somewhat short-sighted and out-dated…
I agree that in the ol’ days of the muscle cars there was no substitute for cubic inches, but these days this is not true anymore…
I work in a Kia-Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge dealership ans i’d take the 2.0 diesel over the 2.4 petrol anyday!
July 23rd, 2008 at 7:52 pm
BTW: it IS a Forte!
July 23rd, 2008 at 7:52 pm
It’s a Forte Greg. Don’t get so upset about the engine thing. They pretty much always bring the top engine as the sole engine in the US. From the look of things, It really appears that Kia (and Hyundai) have a clue and have positioned themselves well for the current economy. They have some striking designs in the pipeline and they’ve always represented good value.
July 23rd, 2008 at 7:55 pm
The link is correct. I didn’t want to repeat all the info in the post, so I posted a link leading to the article with a little more detailed informations. Especially for the first time visitors, who don’t know yet everything what we know about the Soul.
July 23rd, 2008 at 10:17 pm
Um, Greg what you want Kia to be, the next Audi? 2.0L engines for Forte and Soul are fine and I live in America too. they are getting the cee’d's engine. And the cee’d is one of the fastest cars in it’s class when picking from 0-60.
July 24th, 2008 at 12:01 am
If the 2.0L engine gets the rumoured 158 hp rating, this will be quite enough for such a small vehicle as Kia Soul is. And it comes pretty close to Scions 168 hp too.
July 24th, 2008 at 12:11 am
Hey himi, the 2008 xB’s 2.4L motor is rated at 158HP. I have one and it’s more than enough motor to motivate a 3000 lb vehicle very well. The Soul being smaller should do really well with the 2.0 L motor.
July 24th, 2008 at 12:26 am
Nothing says youthful like “four cylinder”. Yeah right. Kia needs to offer one that is bigger. About Honda element size. Offer the 3.3 V6 in it. I am a youth counseler, I deal with people about 16-24. Those people just love that type of vehicle, but bigger. V6 or V8 says power to youth. Four cylinder says mom’s economy car.
July 24th, 2008 at 12:32 am
Do those “youths” pay for gas or do their parents do it for them?
July 24th, 2008 at 2:54 am
thats what i wanna know as well, Bancho. I’m a “youth” @ 21 & i guess i’m smart enough to know whats up & whats down. Hey, isn’t my age bracket the one the Soul is going for?! Thats what I thought, and i’m just fine with the stuff the Soul has on it. Unless the Nav isn’t an option – then i’ll be pissed & have to go to the Forte or Koup. As for engines, my Dodge Neon R/T (2006) has a 2.0L and puts out 175HP and my neon’s not the lightest thing out there but it keeps up with all but the exotics on the road. I also get 27MPH. so i’m sure in a little fart like the Soul, 2.0 is just fine. I do, however. think that the 1.6L should come as option in the US as well. As well with diesel.
July 24th, 2008 at 4:16 am
I’m 22 and don’t care for a V6 and like most of the youth HATE the Element. The Element was a marketing bomb, it was made for the youth but only old people buy it. My dad actually likes it alot.
You obviously don’t know what your talking about. This ain’t the 70s. Most of the youth like compact stylish cars with 4 cylinders that can be modified to make big power. Hence Honda and Scion’s success..
July 24th, 2008 at 4:43 am
you know the bigger the engine does not mean the faster. The optima has a 2.7l and sonata has a 3.3l and the sonata is about
one second faster getting up to 60mph. If optima had sonata’s horsepower I bet optima would win. Also what young college student can afford a powerful V6 and pay for tuition and school books? The 2.0l is fine and when I’m done with school then I know I earned a something bigger. Honda and scion may have bigger engines but the more powerful the more young college students have to come out of their pocket. You can by an ex civic over 20 grand.
July 24th, 2008 at 5:10 am
the civic has even a SMALLER engine @ 1.8L for the normal one. look how many college & highschool “YOUTH” have them.
July 24th, 2008 at 5:30 am
Well, if this new Kia Soul can pull mpg ratings in the upper 30′s on the highway, then it will be even more popular in the U.S. I might have over-estimated it’s weight. 2.0L 4-banger ought to be plenty of power for this pup, too.
July 24th, 2008 at 5:51 am
I’m getting 30 mpg with AC in mixed driving in 2.0L Spectra5. I even had a kayak on top for 120 miles.
HP is fine.
I had a Honda Civic 5 speed when I was 16 to 22 and loved that car. I think it only had a 1.5 five speed and I ragged that car as hard as I could and it never broke. It lacked power going up mountains…. but the 2.0L should do fine.
No one in their right mind would buy a small econo box with a 2.4. If you want a big engine they can be had real cheep cuz noone else wants to drive them.
I’ll take a longer wheel base and a smaller engine. In 2 years fuel could be double what it is now.
30 mpg mixed in a lot of city, is good, but 38 mpg would be even better.
The other young people I talk to at the gas station tell me all their money goes into their tank and they can’t wait to get rid of their gas guzzler.
Who wants a car that just sits in the driveway bc you can’t affoard the fuel?
July 24th, 2008 at 6:26 am
Fuel is down here. In one week, regular unleaded went from $4.29 to $3.91 per gallon. Diesel didn’t go down though. Diesel is at $4.98 per gallon. Our Optima has a 2.4 and we get 33 city. A/C doesn’t factor us. Can you imagine the gas mileage for a 2.4 in the Soul? It would be MUCH better than even the 1.6 diesel. A 2.0 in our car would get awful mileage.
July 24th, 2008 at 10:21 am
Hey.. check this out!! You will see 2 great vehicles driving on the real road.
It’s korean web site FYI.
http://keywui.chosun.com/contents/103/34/view.keywui?mvSeqnum=59566
July 24th, 2008 at 10:28 am
thats a stupid thing to say cos that car is heavy as hell compared to the soul. would you really want worse fuel efficiency for 4 MORE HORSEPOWER??? i know i wouldnt. get over it you dont have a valid argument. 33mpg city? what are you, super-duper-mega-hypermillers? your car is excellent but as i said before, DRIVE IT BEFORE JUDGING IT.
July 24th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
I now drive a 1.6 cee’d CRDI (66kW) and I average 5.9 litres/100Kms mixed (and I have a very VERY sporty way of driving!). Since 1 litre is +/- 0.25 gallons and 1 mile 1.6 Kilometres, that gives me a MPG of +/- 42 !
the cee’d has a torque of 235 NM @ 1750RPM the 2.7 Optima/Magentis 6-cilinder barely has more (247) but only @ 4000RPM… Furthermore the Optima has a Curb weight of 1535 Kgs, the cee’d only 1357 Kgs…
I’m absolutely positive that the cee’d is more fun to drive!
July 24th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Bornloser: the calculation I do to figure out mpg in US specs is: X liters/ 100kms, X/3.78 (3.78 liters=1 gallon)= M, 62/M (62 miles in 100 km), so for your figure it’d be 5.9/3.78=1.56, 62/1.56=39.7mpg, which is pretty close to your estimate. And Greg, there is NO WAY a 2.4L gasoline would get “MUCH better” fuel economy than the 1.6L diesel. I was say “MUCH worse” is appropriate. Just look at bornloser’s real world figures, and he mentions “very VERY sporty” driving.
July 24th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Oh yeah, here’s a site that does the math for us if you want to save time (it does US and Imperial figures): http://www.eforecourt.com/l_100km_mpg_convert.htm (sorry if it’s not a live link, I’m not sure how to hyperlink). For 5.9L/100km it gives 39.87mpg US figure.
July 24th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
I am perfectly fine [catch that: PERFECTLY FINE] with a 2.0L motor and a 1.6L is also not bad for a And the back look really good. I just love it. The two tone effects are just right. This soul is a looker. LOVW IT!!!
July 24th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
The Soul has more, umm….”soul” to it than a BMW Mini-Cooper in my estimation. I’d buy the Soul over the competition if I wanted a funky crossover. I love the Soul’s front end styling as well as it’s unique rear end styling. This car will attract those who don’t want a CRV or RAV4 look-like-everyone else’s vehicle type of rig.
July 24th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
I still remember the journalist test driving the three soul concepts and they gotten over 50 mpg in it. That’s up there with Smart but wayyyyyyy more attractive to the eye. I’m not saying expect that but it sure would be nice to get 50 mpg or more on this production version. With an mpg like that, I can go to the gas station like once a month.
July 24th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
Sorry to say, but, Optima is WAY more fun to drive than a cee’d. Every Optima 4 cylinder I know of can get 33 city. We drive it harder than most people, we use the sportmatic shifting to get through the gears faster. Using Sportmatic and shifting at about 2,000 RPM, we can get from 0-60 in just over 8 seconds. Do that with a cee’d. You gonna insult me, I’m gonna insult you back. NONE OF YOU ARE GOING TO CHANGE MY MIND! GET OVER IT!!!
July 24th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
Himi, post a new story. Please!
July 24th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
Wow Greg, just…wow.
Did you get your license yet BTW?
July 24th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
Very soon. I am finished with drivers ed. There is a minimum age. I don’t reach that age until Sept. 15.
July 24th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
I really wish soul had AWD.
July 25th, 2008 at 12:27 am
It doesn’t have enough power for AWD. It would be like putting AWD in a Rio.
July 25th, 2008 at 1:18 am
The Suzuki SX4 has AWD with a 2.0L motor and it’s sized very similarly to the Soul. It’s also well regarded as far as power/handling go.
July 25th, 2008 at 2:33 am
the minimum age to drive is 16 so why bother arguing with someone that isn’t even that old yet. The optima is not more fun to drive than a cee’d and i know you’ve never driven a cee’d since you can’t drive legally anyways & the fact that you call it an Optima proves you live in a land where Cee’ds don’t exist therefore you can’t compare. the cee’d is a much sportier car & smaller for the matter and the optima is a family car. i can respect that we’re not gunna change your mind & thats fine. everyone including me has their way of thinking w/no reason to change but be realistic when you’re talking. there’s many men & women in this forum that work for kia (like me) or used to, who sell kias, or who work on kias so you have no base to argue with any of us.
July 25th, 2008 at 5:28 am
optima more fun to drive than cee’d? LOL. Even I know that’s false and cee’d isn’t here in the US. The cee’d one so many awards what award did the 2006.5 optima win?
July 25th, 2008 at 5:45 am
I mean won so many awards. Ceed’s small engine is so award winning KIA’s giving that performance to the Forte and Soul. Optima more fun to drive than cee’d. So the Amanti must be too since it has the biggest engine and the most horsepower right greg?
July 25th, 2008 at 5:53 am
Hi Greg,
Now we all love you and you’re obviously a very intelligent 15 yo, but you may have taught me something about driving a car, anycar. Now you said earler you can pull and 8 second 0-60mph by only revving the motor out to 2000rpm in each gear in your Optima?? Is that right. Lucky you’re not driving a manual you’d almost stall it driving like that, with an engine that can rev out happily to 6500rpm and doesn’t reach it’s maximum torque to at least 3500rpm, now I haven’t checked. All I can say is your future driving instructor will be saying “sink the boot in boy, lets get moving”.
The is a quote from the reptiable Edmods.com web site, about your Optima.
Although the base four-cylinder provides adequate acceleration, the Optima’s V6 is disappointing. It’s smaller and less powerful than other six-cylinders in the class, and as a result, a V6 Kia Optima takes more than 9 seconds to hit 60 mph. This front-wheel-drive sedan is therefore no hot rod, though its responsive suspension and steering make it reasonably fun to drive around town. Driven aggressively on back roads, the Optima loses that sporting disposition, but as a budget midsize sedan used for daily commuting, it can be surprisingly entertaining. Through it all, the Kia’s ride quality is smooth, though many competitors in this class do a better job of isolating you from bumps and ruts.
Sorry Himi we’ve got off the main subject here.
July 25th, 2008 at 5:57 am
I bet the soul 2.0l (rio cuv with cee’d's engine) can out perform the Rondo (optima wagon).
July 25th, 2008 at 7:02 am
I dont think driving a mid-size sedan is more fun than driving a C-segment hatch. maybe, you can make it to 60 in over 8 seconds while in sports mode but at 2,000 rpm? And as for the soul, its very much possible to have AWD but I can do without it. The soul isnt as heavy as the optima and a 2.0L should do very well in soul. I have no probs with the soul till now. love it.
July 25th, 2008 at 9:30 am
HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA!!! i almost literally ROFL’d after reading that you rev it to 2K rpm and get 8 secs!!! also, you havent driven a cee’d before and therefore you can’t judge wether or not it is more fun to drive than an optima. oh and please show us proof that you got 33mpg and everyone else with an optima that you know gets the exact same mpg… wake up and smell the coffee mate.
i hope this is the last time i type this. ever. DRIVE IT BEFORE JUDGING IT.
July 25th, 2008 at 10:47 am
Hey, geniuses, For every horsepower in the Optima, it only has to pull about 20 pounds, every horse in the pro_cee’d 2.0 diesel has to pull almost 30 pounds. How could it possibly have more get up and go than the Optima? Optima is also bigger, holds the road better, and is not so influenced by wind. Overall, Optima MUST drive better than cee’d. Just use the simple properties of math. 2,000 was a typo. Should have been 3,000. 525 miles on 16 gallons of gas. Figure it out! If you guys would stop being little kids about everything I type, you would be able to have the common sense to figure that out. I drive the Optima Sept 15.
July 25th, 2008 at 11:50 am
Greg, cool down and come back when you’ve had some real driving experience…
First of all comparing cars by comparing its horsepower is a very juvenile way to do it (Torque is what you need: at low RPM!). the Optima has 247Nm@4000RPM the cee’d 2.0CRDI 305@1800RPM!
Second: I probably have driven more different cars than anyone else here and I have driven every Kia available in Belgium. The Optima/Magentis is smooth, comfortable, even luxurious, but it is anything but sporty unless you have a strange definition of “freud am fahren”
And finally… whatever… you have the right to your own oppinion even if it is severely falsified, just stop screaming it from all roof-tops trying to shovel it down our throut…
July 25th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Wow. Unbelievable. I’m just saying that Optima’s engine can move the Optima better than cee’d's engine can move the cee’d. Cee’d probably does drive sportier, but it doesn’t drive as sturdy. Cee’d probably drives alot like Spectra. We owned a Spectra for several years, and Optima drive so much nicer, and has much more pick-up than the Spectra did. It also handles better, and isn’t as noisy. I may not be able to drive legally, but I can drive, and I have driven, and even by riding I can tell that Optima blows away spectra.
July 25th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
That’s Awesome!!!!! 305Nm at only 1800 rpm!
Anyway, since there are no new articles coming up here, I’ll just recap on HKAG’s engines and find out which one is the best for soul. too bad that I havent got the soul’s weight yet but… I dont have much to do, so, its off to google with me.
July 25th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Hey, I found a video of the Soul and Forte driving around taken from inside the same car as these images above. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FTNPDN3gzY
July 25th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Greg I thought we were talking about the cee’d not the Spectra? The cee’d is a whole new car compared to the Spectra. The engine we are talking about it also different to the Spectra’s 2.0 petrol engine. This is a diesel we’re talking about. It has way more torque at lower rpms and has the same horsepower as the Specra but at 2,000rpm lower… so no Greg, I DO NOT think it will be anything like your Spectra. Also, what do you mean “not so influenced by wind”? Also, I’ve heard the diesel in these cars and they are by NO means noisy… I really, really x1000000 don’t like arguing with people, especially you cos I’d like to think we used to be friends… ok I’m done for now…
July 25th, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Oh himi the 2.0 diesel is going in ALL cee’d variants now!!!
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/225468/kia-gets-sporty.html
July 25th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
I was doing some research, and as for the Soul not doing well with AWD, consider this: The USDM Sportage is available with 4×4 in the 2.0L (Beta II) engine with a manual transmission. I don’t know if AWD weighs more or less than 4×4, but I am of the impression that the Soul will be lighter than the Sportage, and probably have a lower coefficient of drag, using the 2.0L to greater effect. As far as if AWD would be available, no word from Kia, but doubtful for the USDM…
July 25th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Sportage has got a SiriusII engine, not BetaII. But anyway, Kia has already confirmed that it will be available in only FWD.
July 25th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
I think that the rear end is too wide.
July 25th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
he probably thinks the cee’d is influenced by wind cuz he thinks its a tall wagon or something. dumb arguments and when greg’s older and learns a few more things about the way cars work, he’ll look back on this convo and laugh his @$$ off.
If what you are saying is true greg (more HP, more speed) then car&driver, motor trend, automobile, car, and so on wouldn’t have any jobs as all anyone would have to do is “oh ok, the kia rio has 300 horsepower but the dodge ram has 305 horsepower, the truck MUST be faster and better on gas. PROBLEM SOLVED!”
July 25th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
More boxes: just what the doctor ordered.
July 25th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
I own multiple Kia’s and I am the Internet Operations Manager for the Dealer I work with. I have to say I get incredible gas mileage with my optima, but by no means do I get close to 33. I get 33 on the hwy driving to work but when I do city driving I am around 23. I even have to message center in my EX Optima and with a fill up after driving all hwy it states about 460 miles to empty.
I do have to say though, I agree that the USDM Optima probly has a better ride than a ceed. The US suspension is geared more towards a smooth ride than sporty handling. plus the Optima is a larger vehicle with a longer wheel base, and heavier weight.
July 26th, 2008 at 12:26 am
When you get 33 on the hwy, do you dog your engine like Greg does?
July 26th, 2008 at 5:46 am
colby, your mpg would be consistent with the hundreds edmonds.com user reviews. It gets good highway mileage becasue of the 5 speed auto tranny. No one is bashing the Optima. We are just correcting misinformation.
Exactly, if you want a 2.4L get a mid size and enjoy the benefits of a larger car. Not an econo box with an oversized engine.
I think the 2.0 is on the large side. I’ll take the MPG and spend my money some place else and be able to drive more.
People who get the Soul will want a car to get them around town, to work, etc.
My Spectra is perfect for me because almost all my driving is city. It’s an economy car like the Civc, Corolra, Matrix, etc.
the Optima, Spectra, Civic Corola, matrix, etc are all good cars. The Kia has the best value.
July 26th, 2008 at 8:33 am
What do you mean dog the engine? With certain fuel additives and sportmatic shifting, when we fill up our 16 gallon tank, it says 525 miles till empty! Want to doubt it some more?? Jackasses.
July 26th, 2008 at 9:00 am
Greg, if you’re basing all your information on what the driving computer is saying then that may be the disconnect between what you claim and reality. I’m not here to offend or insult you. I don’t know you personally, but you’ve got enthusiasm and that’s not such a bad tait when all is said and done. All of us were young at some point and thought we knew it all (I’m as guilty as anyone in this regard). Sportmatic shifting on any transmission that isn’t dual clutch is a gimmick and a toy. It’s unlikely at best to help improve economy since the transmission on its own will do its best to accomplish that anyhow. As far as the computers go, they are usually rather optimistic. The only way to truly gauge your mileage is to use basic math. Miles driven on a tank divided by gallons filled is the way to go. You also have to consistently fill the tank the same way. It will get more accurate over time. Once you’ve got your own set of wheels you’ll get a better feel for it and better understand what people are trying to explain to you. By the way, no one here is disparaging the Optima. It’s a fine car and a great value considering the price and all it has to offer.
July 26th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Yes, I was just posting that the 2.0L Spectra mpg so folks could have some idea what to expect from the Soul with the same size engine.
No doubt the Optima highway mpg is impressive. And a lot of people may want something larger than 2.0L.
And a lot more people will want a higher MPG and reliable economy car. Two different cars.
July 26th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
So far the computer has only been off by 3 miles. When we went to NAIAS, we got about 41 MPG on the highway. Maybe it’s just our Optima, but we get super miles. Mom really isn’t that light-footed either. In our 04.5 Spectra we had a hard time getting the mileage the Optima gets!
July 26th, 2008 at 10:44 pm
In fact, from what I’ve heard, she can put da pedal to da metal from time to time, huh, Greg? Keep posting away, Greg, I am also enthusiastic about Kia and you’re doing fine, man. It’s just that real men have to show all the other real men that they know it all about everything automotive. It’s the old “Ford vs. Chevy” thing that started in the 1950′s. Bring it on and turn up that Foghat and let’s rock’n'ride, gentlemen!
July 28th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Highway mpg is different from city mpg….
Other owners of the Optima are reporting will below 20 mpg in the city for 2.4L Optima.
http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f10c9ce
“According to Consumer Reports, real world MPG on a 4 cylinder Optima with automatic tranny is 15 city 33 highway”
Ouch! 15 mpg city! A 6.0L Chevy truck gets 15 in the city. Maybe that’s why the Optima has a $3,000 rebate?
Sorry but the Soul will not get an oversized 2.4. So, stop bashing it. It’s an economy car. Not a gas hog.
But I will say that most Americans probably don’t bother to calculate the mpg either.
July 28th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
Ok I might have been a little picky between the Optima, Soul and Forte, but no body is going to call the Optima a gas hog. 33 on the highway is not a gas hog. I don’t know where you get your info from but I never get it from another blog. Everyone doesn’t drive the same. Besides you can’t base a car’s mpg from what one person says. And I know for a fact the OPtima is greater than 15 in the City. http://redmccombs.com/Vehicle.aspx? or try v=1161215http://www.edmunds.com/new/2008/kia/optima/100968783/researchlanding.html Even my 2004 Opima is greater than that in the city.
July 28th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
Some people who post about a car just lies because they don’t like the car company.
July 28th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
I’d question the driving style of anyone who managed to get 15mpg city in a vehicle with the 2.4L motor. Sure, it won’t be fantastic since you’re using a somewhat large 4cyl motor, but put that same driver behind the wheel of the 6.0L Chevy truck given as a comparison and watch them get mileage in the single digits.
As for many Americans not calculating their mileage (or just doing it incorrectly), or simply trusting an optimistic computer I’m inclined to agree. I hear a lot of people complain about the cost of a fillup who can’t really tell you what mileage they got on that tank of fuel. They see big numbers and get scared. There really should be tougher driving tests in the US, especially the driving portion.
July 28th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
i almost don’t believe the 15MPG in the optima. like i mentioned before, i have a 2006 Neon R/T with a 2.0L 4 banger and i drive it like it was made to drive & i get 27MPG out of it. thats also a mix of HWY/City driving as i live 7 miles from work & have is spent on a congested highway the rest is in the city.
July 28th, 2008 at 6:53 pm
Those numbers were from a 2.5, not a 2.0. As I aleready posted my Spectra 2.0L is getting 30mpg in mixed.
I’m just posting what other owners are getting. I did my research and the 2.4, 2.5 get poor gas mileage across the board. down in the low to mid twenties. Then not so bad on the highway.
I”m just here to share information. If someone wants to jump all over my case and claim a 2.4 gets better mileage than a 2.0 then they need to back it up with sources. Because there are real drivers who are not even getting 20mpg in the 2.4.
Even if it gets 20-25 mpg that sucks and not far off from a huge V8 truck. I was looking to downsize to save on fuel.
I’m not claiming to be an expert either. Maybe they are driving like a bat out of hell?
Like I said, I’m pleased with the 30mpg. but would like it to be even better.
thats just reality. gas guzzlers aren’t selling.
July 28th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
At any rate, the point is that most people interested in a Soul or any economy car is going to expect at least 30mpg.
I ruled out the larger 2.4 in many 4 baangers because they couldn’t do this. the link I posted have real drivers that report the real mpg and other issues.
sorry im not into misinformation or a personal challenge and flip flopping the topic all over the place
ok fine the Spectra gets better gas mileage that a 6L V8 truck. you win! hahaha
July 28th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
No one was attacking you personally. The key is the driver. When you’re paying $4/gal for gas, 25mpg is nowhere even close to the same league as a fullsize truck. Most fullsize truck drivers would kill to see close to 20mpg in conservative freeway driving.
Now while I’m not apt to accept Greg’s notion that his Optima averages 33mpg with the 2.4L motor, I’m not inclined to believe that mileage in the 2.4L Optima is quite that bad either. Most of my issue with Greg’s claim seems to be the claim at high rates of acceleration coupled with high mileage per gallon (the two values are mutually exclusive). I usually get most of my info regarding mileage from fueleconomy.gov. It’s a fairly good site and it allows people to track and share their mileage. Given that, most people’s mileage in the Optima seem to be in the high 20′s to 30 or even a bit higher.
The 2.0 in your Spectrashould very well get better mileage than the 2.4 since it’s being utilized in a lighter vehicle and the efficiencies can stack. I’m sure if you really put effort into it, you could get your cars mileage into the mid-30′s (mind your speed, acceleration…etc…). I guess Kia’s somewhat on the hook here as well to help improve the efficiencies of their engines across the board. At this point, their engines are good, but provide power, and fuel consumption values that are only average (at least in their US offerings). I have high hopes for them though as they seem to be making steady progress with each new release.
July 28th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
That’s pretty well said Bancho.
My only problem with Greg is that he keeps complaining about the economy cars not having a 2.4.
Sorry, I don’t want this to be personal either. I only posted some links to the sites that had the information.
The fueleconomy.gov only has 4 people who posted 90% highway miles, and 10% city miles. But maybe it can average high 20s?
I’m not saying the Optima only gets 15 in the city, but that’s what Consumer Reports is reporting as well as other drivers in edmonds.
I also don’t think 25 mpg (what all the other 2.4L car owners are also reporting) is very good at all and is not far off from a full sized truck that can get 20 when you do the math.
The 2.4 and 2.5 just seem very low to me when I did my research. I also downsized to save money on fuel, so anything below 30mpg would not have been worth the cost of switching to a more fuel effecient car.
The Optima does great on the highway. And I agree that Kia will need to improve the mpg across the board.
For the same reason you say that a full size truck isn’t as effecent as a 25mpg 2.4, I’m saying the 2.4 isn’t as effecent as a 2.0 or 1.8.
If 25mpg is a safe bet (depending on your diving) then someone can do the math for the number of miles the drive and see if they want to spend that much extra for fuel. For 12,000 mile it may be close to an extra $1,000 a year.
However all these reports of the 2.4 only getting less than 20mpg in the city can’t be ignored either. Most people live neer the city and drive like a bat out of hell.
July 28th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
In conclution, I don’t have a problem with anyone here.
If Greg wants a larger engine than that’s his choice. Not that I agree with his reasoning. I’m not doubting that his Optima performs well and gets good mpg.
My Spectra is getting 30mpg, but maybe that’s not heavy city driving? I have some stop lights, about 10 miles to work. But maybe the Optima would get close to that because it’s not heavy city driving?
I just wanted to back up what I was saying with sources. I feel Greg did the same with his real live experience with his Optima.
Maybe he wants to reconsider his expectations for real world mpg and the amount of driving he expects?
If the Forte or Soul can get well above 30 or 35, at least you can use it without breaking the bank.
Even with 30mpg I have to limit my driving to work and out to exercise, etc. is 40 miles a day which equals 14,400 miles a year. Then I want to go other places. You see how the gas money adds up for a lot of people.
Nothing personal. A lot of Europeans like to drive 200k and burn diesel fumes that contribute more to global warming, all the while complaining about American SUVs.
Maybe this is wrong? But the reason we don’t get the diesel is because our air emissions standards are higher?
Seems like there is a lot of misinformation out there.
July 28th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
We live in a town of 6,000. There are 2 stoplights on the highway between the city limit signs. Speed limit is 40.
July 28th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
Anyway, just to chime in back on the topic of this article, I think I’d prefer the Forte to the Soul based on what I’ve seen so far. They are both great looking vehicles, but since I already have an ’08 xB for family hauling duties, I’d like the Forte for variety’s sake. Lets hope it keeps most of the interesting options listed in the previous articles (mirror mounted turn signals, bluetooth, pushbutton start…).
July 29th, 2008 at 11:48 pm
Optima comes with a 2.5? is that the diesel variant? Also, i was reading on the Koup today & it has a 2.0L with 290HP so i guess small engines CAN produce big numbers.
i honestly thought, though, that the Koup had the 2.4L. im sure when IT comes out it’ll be an option tho as it’s a bigger can and looks like it wants to compete with high-rev speed machines so it’ll need some extra oomph. lol.
July 30th, 2008 at 4:45 am
Yep, the Optima is a 2.4. I was researching 2.4L and 2.5L as the VW has a 2.5. It even had a 2.5 is the Beetle, so I was grouping the 2.4 and 2.5 mpg together and comparing them to the 1.8 and 2.0.
Like I said, that was just the research I did and my minimum mpg was 30.
When I was shopping last month the smaller engines like the Civic, Yaris, etc were out of stock. While the 2.4 and 2.5 were not selling very well.
I think we are in an era where the higher mpg will be in demand as fuel goes up.
by the way the more I drive me Spectra5 the more I like it. Still not a good highway car bc of short wheel base.. but no car is perfect right now.. and I’m very pleased with my Kia.
July 30th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Gas prices are steadily falling.
July 30th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
they are way up from a year ago and way way up from 2 years ago..
get over it the Soul isn’t getting a 2.4…
July 30th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Gas prices might be falling in the short term, but don’t expect them to go down as far as they were in the past. Also, those drops aren’t consistent everywhere. They’re still well above $4.00/gallon where I am.
July 30th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
The lowest I seen was $3.52 a gal. So with the 1.6L Soul should take between $23 to $26 to fill up. The 2.0 may take just under $30 to fill up.
July 31st, 2008 at 1:24 am
It still costs 40-55 dollars to fill our almost 17 gallon tank. I found out today that Kia in KR gets their big tank filled for about $2.15 per gallon. I find that strange because in other parts of the world, gas is alot higher than it is here. Except for a few places……..
July 31st, 2008 at 2:35 am
i believe its the UK now that has gas equal to $9.00/gallon.
islander… another fun-fact of the 2.5L used in VW cars now. The 2.5L 5 banger is EXACTLY half of the engine used in lamborghini. literally they cut the block in half and put it in veedubs and of course put together all the other parts needed. but thats also why the 2.5L engines don’t get great gas mileage cuz its not designed to. they made that engine to compete with all the other small engines that whoop ass and now that we’re in a gas crunch, nobody wants that engine anymore. interesting, eh?
July 31st, 2008 at 6:02 am
Yeah. Wish there was some more news. I am getting sick of coming here for the same story. why would you want HALF of a V10?
August 1st, 2008 at 1:22 am
cuz a WHOLE V10 won’t fit in the front of a Beetle.
August 1st, 2008 at 1:43 am
Didn’t know that JoshyLofty… thanks for the info… the 2.0 tdi should be interesting.. then in 5 years who knows what VW will come up with? Really cool Kia also has some diesel in the works.. maybe we wil get one?
August 1st, 2008 at 5:06 am
let us pray… lol.
August 1st, 2008 at 8:40 pm
Islander, we’re supposed to get the 3.0L diesel for the Borrego in 2010. I’d say that engine could also go into the Sorento and Sedona (and maybe Amanti), since they also have the 3.8L petrol. I think the only obstacle stopping most companies from bringing diesel engines to the USA is Tier 2 Bin 5, which I hear is extremely strict. And to JoshyLofty- touché on the “whole” comment, very nice!
August 2nd, 2008 at 1:31 am
Getting back to the price of fuel where someone said the price in the UK was equivalent to $9US/Gallon.
Now is that a smaller US gallon or the larger British Imperial Gallon??
1 US Gallon= 3.785 Liters
1 UK Gallon= 4.546 Litres
I just thought I’d throw that into the mix…
August 2nd, 2008 at 5:30 am
The VW Beetle is an Audi with a different body. USA has a STRICT 15 ppm ultra-low-sulfer diesel standard. That is why cee’d diesels aren’t here. I heard a rumor going around that cee’d xR will get the 3.0 diesel as an “order only” option. What do you small engine freaks think of that?? Remember the AMC Gremlin? That had a freaking V8! as an option! Kia wants the 3.0 diesel in all cars starting at Forte xR to Borrego EX-D 4×4. I got a bunch of info on the diesel engine. The Kias with a diesel engine will have a -D distinction after the trim letters. LX-D, xR-D, and EX-D. Pretty interesting, huh? himi, PLEASE!!!!!!!! Post new news! Where are you? Oh, if any of you want more info on the clean diesel, click on my name above.
August 3rd, 2008 at 9:52 pm
whatever happened with the XR trim levels anyways?! we heard so much about them and then… nothing… And greg, the Beetle is NOT a variant Audi, the Audi TT is a variant of a Beetle which is a variant of the Golf. And Chris… Thanks! I figured it was the ONLY logical answer. haha.
August 11th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
Off-topic: Did you notice this thread has a record number of replys. Waiting for record, 100th reply…
August 11th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Hey, himi, welcome back. Did you have nice vacation? I’ll agree with you, this thread is ultra-active!
August 11th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
Hello Bryan. Yes I had a nice vacations. I went to Pag island (Croatia) where I spent 10 days. Had a lot of fun, swimming and realxing. It was very good.
Do you go on vacation soon, or have you already been?
August 11th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
himi…my wife and I went up north to see ZZ Top and Brooks and Dunn rock bands in Phoenix, AZ last weekend. Stayed in Wickenburg, AZ. In June we went to see The Drive-By Truckers rock band in Tucson and stayed in a downtown Tucson hotel afterwards. So we’re taking close-by mini-vacations this summer, but very fun ones! My wife and son went to visit her family in Chicago in late June as well. Glad you’re well and doing good, himi. Lots of cool Kia news to share here, we’ve kept the lights on while you were gone!
August 12th, 2008 at 12:38 am
On the 4th of July I saw Cheap Trick. Next week I get to see Night Ranger. Other than that, I have had an incredible boring summer.