Driver's Seat: Upgraded Kia Soul Thinking Outside the Box

2014 Kia Soul+: Adding some heart.

Price: $24,010 as tested ($18,200 for a no-options Soul+, or $14,900 for a Base)

Marketer's pitch: "Totally transformed."

Outside the box: When Kia made much of its new, improved Soul last summer, I immediately thought, "How much can you do with a box?"

A lot, it turns out.

Not much on the outside. A few minor updates have given the Soul a more zippy and modern appearance, but the overall shape remains unchanged.

Inside the box: Throughout its lineup, Kia has focused smartly on dressing up its products, and getting away from the chintzy feeling of the Rio and Sportage models of yore.

This shined through on the Soul+. The leather seats were extremely comfortable and contoured for drivers. My notes include the phrase, "This is one of the most comfortable cars I've spent any time in." Comfort can be in the rear of the beholder, but that's still high praise at this end of the price spectrum.

The small, soft leather-wrapped steering wheel was a nice touch -- head and shoulders (and wrists and fingers) above the sad plastic circle that guides Mrs. Passenger Seat's 2013 Base model.

Smoother: From the time I first drove a friend's early model upgraded Soul, one noticeable downside was a bouncy ride. The old Soul lost its composure over bumps in truck-like fashion. The 2014+ model is a whole new ballgame. A much smoother ride really is good for the Soul.

Up to speed: Acceleration is quick and smooth with the 2.0-liter four (a 1.6-liter still powers the Base, just like in 2013). The 164 horses came through a six-speed automatic with shift capability in my tester, and the transmission mostly did what it was asked. But the shifting felt awfully marshmallowy and often the gears didn't change when I thought they should have. Shifts in automatic mode felt fine for the most part, although they can be a bit abrupt when the Soul is cold.

More nice touches: The steering wheel controls for stereo and cruise control get a better look and feel than the old plastic levers on previous models.

Play some tunes: Kia's $1,400 Audio Package adds Infinity audio system, navigation, 8-inch screen and automatic climate control. The problem common to Kia models, where it skips the opening notes of each song, has been eliminated by removing the CD player from the system. I think this is a bit of a technology rush. The sound, though, was superb, and the touch screen functioned well.

Family comfort: A trip across Pennsylvania with 5-foot-3-inch Sturgis Kid 3.0 and 5-foot-6-inch Sturgis Kid 4.0 elicited no complaints about legroom or footroom.

The $3,000 for heated rear seats and panoramic sunroof also helped (the package also included heated and ventilated front seats and front fog lights).

Night shift: The interior lighting shone brightly enough to see by but did not interfere with the driver's ability to see the road.

Keeping apprised: The Venn diagram gauges, which seemed a little annoying in our 2013, seemed much more difficult to read in the 2014 model. I found myself having to crane my neck to see certain dashboard lights and other information.

Going down: Kia has relocated the hatch handle down near the bumper from the center of the door.

Fuel economy: I had trouble cracking 25 mpg -- pitiful for its size, but not unusual for its shape.

Where it's built: Hwsang, South Korea.

How it's built: Though the redesign means Consumer Reports won't predict its reliability yet, 2010 through 2013 models range from average to excellent.

In the end: Kia has really done right by the Soul this time around, and I'd definitely pick it ahead of a 500L.

Healthy and Energizing Drinks for Morning Commutes

Chai Tea instead of Coffee

Drinking a hot drink in the morning helps your body wake up, but caffeine is not necessarily very healthy because it will dehydrate you and cause you to “crash” once the effects go away. Get a Chai Tea with natural ingredients, like ginger root. That will be healthy and a great sickness fighting drink.




Protein Smoothie

Nothing beats a good refreshing protein smoothie. You can always make that with Almond Milk as opposed to be using traditional milk. If you work out this will definitely work to your advantage and you will not be disappointed. Make sure you consult a trainer if you’re interested in buying the right protein powder.



Herbal Hot Tea

Very simple to make, this is one of the best morning drink to start off the day right. Make sure you buy quality Tea and stay away from the cheap stuff, it makes a difference. We suggest Hibiscus or Green Tea, and if you have a sweet tooth, add a little honey to it.




Vegetable Juice

It’s not for everyone in the sense that you need to like bypassing the sweets in the morning. If you can handle it, that’s the best way to go. A great vegetable juice with some orange juice or even a banana to sweeten it a little bit, will provide you with the best nutrients for the day.




Almond Milk
For all the lactose intolerant people out there, be sure to give this a try, you can now find it at most grocery stores. It has become very popular and it is very healthy. You can even warm it up and use it as Hot Cocoa material! Don’t hesitate to give this a try.




Honey Ginger Lemonade

This will help you stay refreshed and help your tummy pains! It’s simply honey and fresh, peeled ginger added to fresh squeezed lemon juice and water on top of ice. You can add a little mint to freshen it up more.

Kia Motors Showcases Future Transportation Technology At 2014 Consumer Electronics Show

The journey through Nevada’s desert, heading toward the bright lights and mega hotels of Las Vegas, can provide its own sense of adventure—a travelers’ simultaneous experience of freedom through mobility and the solitude of the open road, a feeling that bonds driver to car and brings into sharp focus the channels of connectivity to the outside world.  At the 2014 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Kia Motors America (KMA) brings a collection of new and future technologies highlighting telematics and infotainment, each focused on creating a safer, more dynamic and efficient driving experience, with an eye on the expanding horizon of connected cars.  The cornerstone of these new technologies is Kia’s UVO system, which serves as the catalyst for connectivity between driver and car.  As a design leader, Kia will also feature the North American debut of its KND-7 concept car powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged, four-cylinder engine and boasting head-turning, futuristic interior and exterior styling.
 
“With UVO, Kia has a strong base to build from in the advancement of telematics and infotainment technology, pushing the boundaries of connectivity and convenience while maintaining safety as a top priority,” said Henry Bzeih, chief technology strategist, KMA.  “Kia’s teams are constantly looking for new and better ways to strengthen the relationship between driver and car.  Our real-world approach to in-car technology, coupled with compelling design and premium amenities has the Kia brand moving in new and exciting directions.”

User-centered Driver Concept (UCD)The UCD concept focuses on safety and an intuitive interface with an innovative multi-sensory design.  Keeping the driver’s eyes on the road and hands on the wheel is central to Kia’s approach to in-vehicle technology, as evidenced by the UVO system. The UCD concept remains true to this principle while enhancing functionality, providing a widescreen, 18-inch Head-Up Display (HUD), which offers drivers an augmented-reality snapshot of vital information such as speed, navigation and traffic information.  Additionally, the 12.3-inch TFT-LCD cluster presents a 3D view of vital vehicle information, utilizing eye-tracking technology to maintain a clear view from various angles.

Developed to allow full use of the vehicle’s navigation services and other driver-controlled operations without sacrificing safety, the UCD concept also includes a hand-gesture controller.  Thanks to advanced infrared light and camera sensors, users can quickly access radio and navigation options with simple hand or finger movements without taking their eyes from the road.  The UCD concept also includes a mobile device wireless charging system.  The system’s power is delivered through magnetic induction, which allows the driver to simply set the device on the charging pad without the inconvenience of charging cords.

In-vehicle Infotainment Concept (IVI)Kia has developed and delivered cutting-edge and user-friendly infotainment technologies for many recent vehicle releases, including the all-new 2014 Soul.  At this year’s CES, the eye-catching IVI Concept provides a look at Kia’s latest innovations in the area of in-vehicle services.  The seamless delivery of content is achieved by a multi-display layout, prominently featuring a 20-inch multi-touch center console display.  Information is then synchronized through a portable plug-in tablet or the driver’s own smartphone, providing easy access to a suite of services such as concierge, social networking and parking assist.

Innovative advancements in music-delivery technology are found in the IVI Concept’s “Smart Radio” functions, including the ability to personalize playlists according to the user’s mood or based on five templates for different driving environments, such as summer driving on a coastal road, all delivered via Kia’s proprietary music service.

The development of vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication is demonstrated in the IVI Concept as a series of real-world scenarios.  Visual and auditory alerts of drive-route hazards and real-time warnings for potential danger such as a frontal collision and lane departure, as well as current intersection conditions, provide peace of mind for driver and passengers.  

Dynamic HD wireless (WiHD) technology enables and optimizes connectivity of these various components, including front-seat display and two independently functioning rear-seat entertainment units.  This “mirroring” technology allows passengers to enjoy their own music and video experiences while vital information, such as pre-programmed smartphone navigation notifications, is simultaneously provided to the driver. 

UVO for EV (Electric vehicle)In anticipation of the launch later this year of Kia’s first all-electric vehicle in the U.S. market, the Kia CES display also highlights the enhanced capabilities of Kia’s UVO EV smartphone app with telematics functionality specifically designed for electric vehicles.  This unique interactive exhibit, which points to the next production-ready version of the UVO telematics system, provides up-to-the-minute battery-level status, distance to empty, and the ability to search for nearby charging stations.  Also, via the downloadable smartphone app, owners can preset charging time and charging level ratios, as well as precondition the vehicle cabin with remote control of HVAC presets.

The Future of UVOAt the heart of Kia’s telematics and infotainment innovations is UVO VR (Voice Recognition) technology.  Powering the next generation Kia telematics, this Hybrid VR platform enables users to easily and efficiently perform functions such as dictating messages, selecting their favorite music or asking for directions, all while keeping their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. 

As soon as next year, some 2015 model year Kia vehicles will arrive with an all-new generation of multimedia suite, including the ability to download additional apps such as the music service, iHeart Radio.  The addition of the Sound Hound music recognition app will take in-car music engagement to the next level, and the integration of Yelp^® will help Kia owners locate the hottest restaurants and best clubs.  Kia’s own UVO-based app store will allow owners to customize their infotainment and telematics experience.   

Today and Tomorrow – Kia’s Advanced TechnologyPresented as a cross-sectional vehicle display, Kia proudly showcases current and future technology in engaging, interactive style.  Featured are 24 different technologies, 10 of which are integrated in current production vehicles such as the recently unveiled K900 rear-drive flagship sedan, including Smart Cruise Control and Around View Monitoring systems.  In addition to the display, detailed video demonstrations of each technological component provide an opportunity to learn more about the projects currently being developed by Kia’s global R&D teams, including advancements in Eco-friendly and multimedia technology such as wireless charging and a water-cooled battery system.

Kia KND-7 Vehicle ConceptThe KND-7 compact four-door coupe display makes its North American debut at this year’s CES. Designed at the Kia studio in Seoul and under the direction of President and Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, the KND-7 is less than four meters long, has rearward-opening rear doors and an 'access-all-areas' interior concept without traditional B-pillars, providing excellent access to the luxuriously trimmed cabin.

The exterior styling of the KND-7 is both sleek and small, with a cheerful face and a daring character.  Design features created by Peter Schreyer for the 2007 Kia Kee 2+2 concept are revisited in a new form. The KND-7's nose has a broad wrap-around 'mouth,' and there is a 'dip' in the top of the windshield – a design element that is featured on Optima, Sportage and the Cadenza premium sedan. The latest interpretation of Kia’s signature grille is a shallower design and incorporates the turbocharger's air intake.

The KND-7 powertrain features a 1.6-liter GDI (gasoline direct injection) turbocharged engine producing 201 horsepower for a powerfully efficient driving experience.

Test drive a Kia today at Executive Kia and be sure to check us out on Facebook and Twitter for further news and updates.