The fun Kia Soul has been one of Kia’s best-selling models for years. Its combination of youthful styling, its the crossover-like driving position and great value, plus the fun hamster marketing have put it at the top of many buyers’ lists. The last time that I tested the Soul, I loved almost everything about it, but wished it had one thing – more hamsters under the hood. The Soul needed more power and now Kia has answered that with the addition of the new Soul Turbo, yup a turbocharged Soul is finally available. Here are five reasons why the 2017 Kia Soul Turbo should or shouldn’t be on your list:
1Turbo = More Fun
The 2017 Soul Turbo is powered by the same 201-hp 1.6L four-cylinder that gives the Hyundai Veloster Turbo life. In the Soul, the turbocharged engine gives it the power that it needed with up to 40 more horsepower and 45 lb-ft. more torque than the naturally aspirated 2.0L four-cylinder. The turbocharged engine is also mated to a standard seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, although it would be even more fun if a manual transmission was on the options list. One other great thing is that even with the extra power, the turbocharged engine is more fuel-efficient than the 2.0L at 26/31 mpg vs 25/30 mpg.
