Hate to Love it but Kia has got SOUL!

Who would have thought people would have the desire to drive a vehicle that is essentially a box on wheels? After Scion brought the little xB to America in 2004 it seems every automaker is following suit with a little box of their own. Nissan recently released the funky Cube and now Kia has the SOUL. Of all the "box cars" I have to say the new Kia has really grown on me.

From a pure design perspective it works. The side profile draws you in instantly as the rake is reversed from the norm. This "reverse wedge" design has always appealed to me as I loved the effect it had on the redesigned 2002 Ford Thunderbird. While it may look like an aerodynamic nightmare, the SOUL is no slouch in the wind tunnel as it still achieves up to 31 mpg on the highway.

Perhaps my favorite angle of the SOUL is from the rear. The wide rear pillars and vertical tail lights make room for a rear hatch devoid of any extra lights or panels that are not needed. The simple design reminds me of a bank vault which is strong, safe, and somewhere many of us will never be in. What could be more exciting than that?

On the inside everything seems to be laid out in a very functional manner. For a car that starts at just a hair over $13,000 the interior will make you feel as if you spent much more. Like its exterior, it is a funky yet functional design which can be optioned out with all the tech goodies you would expect in a car today. Not to say that it is the nicest interior in the world because it most certainly is not. What I am saying is that unlike many other economy cars it does not feel like you have been thrown into the penalty box when you slide behind the wheel.

The get up and go factor is delivered via a 1.6 liter or 2.0 liter 4 cylinder. While neither will pin you to the back of the seat from brute acceleration they are adequate for daily driving. That being said the 2.0 liter may be a better bet for those who would like to pass a semi on the interstate without feeling the need to say an Our Father and Three Hail Mary's.

Kia has amazed me over the past 10 years in continually improving its products. The more unique models introduced such as the Soul the better for business. Efficient, high quality, affordable vehicles that don't make you yawn when you see them on the road? Maybe a few other automakers should take note of this strategy as it seems to sell cars.