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4 The IFP * Halton Hills *WHEELS January 12 2012 Soul has dizzying array of seven different trim levels tric power steering (EPS), tinted glass, Continued from pg. 1 replaces the previous five-speed. A power windows, power door locks, new, optional six-speed automatic has heated power mirrors, heated front seats and Bluetooth hands-free phone bumped the old four-speed version. The 1.6-litre is perky enough to connectivity, and a four-speaker AM/ please, but customers in search of a lit- FM/CD/MP3 stereo with aux and iPod tle more oomph can opt up for the new ports. Also standard are fog lights, au2.0-litre engine harnessing a healthy to-off headlamps, body-coloured door 164 hp (up 22 hp) with the same choice handles and outside mirrors, variable of transmissions. Unfortunately, we intermittent windshield wipers and a don't get the diesel four-banger avail- rear wiper/washer. If air conditioning was included, it able in Europe and other markets and, keeping in mind the economy level would be perfect. This well-stocked position mentioned earlier, only front- 2012 Soul base model starts at a very competitive $16,595. wheel-drive is available. My tester added the six-speed StepNew standard additions to the Soul tronic automatic along with an Aclineup are rounded out by the addition of tilt/telescopic steering, Vehicle tive Eco System that can be engaged Stability Management (VSM) and a to reduce acceleration response and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) system. change transmission shift patterns for There's a new Infinity audio system better mileage. The air conditioning and a UVO audio infotainment system also comes with this package, with a driver's armrest thrown in to boot. available for top-of-the-line trims. Soul has beat the competition with And, speaking of trim, the 2012 Soul an optional, fuel-saving Idle Stop and comes in a dizzying array of seven different trim levels-- 1.6, 1.6 ECO, 2U, Go (ISG) system that temporarily turns 4U, 4U Retro, 4U Burner, and 4U Lux- off the engine when the vehicle is not ury. If that's not enough flavour choice, in motion, like, say at a stoplight. This is the first time I've come customers can pimp the personalizaacross the technology in a non-hybrid tion factor from a list of over 60 accessories, with everything from sport application and, because it doesn't use spoilers to dragon decals, even a tent the larger electric motor of a hybrid, re-starts ring with that classic `ningattachment. I'll stick with describing my as-test- ning-ning' starter motor sound. But ed offering, starting with the base 1.6- the engine gets up and going before litre engine and the typically healthy your foot can make the transition from list of all-inclusive standards set by brake to gas pedal. It's not perfect. The ISG only works when the engine most Korean manufacturers-- six airmanagement system decides that all of bags, four-wheel the right criteria disc brakes bolhave been me-- stered by techbattery condinologies that intion, grade angle, clude Electronic steering angle, Stability Control even whether (ESC), Traction the ambient temControl System perature is be(TCS), Electronic tween -2C to 35C, Brake Distribuwhich rules out a tion (EBD), Brake good-sized chunk Assist System of the Canadian (BAS). The 2012 Soul 1.6 ECO A/T harnesses a 138 The base hp, 1.6-litre GDI (gasoline direction injection) winter. But it remains model comes four-cylinder engine mated here to a six-speed with 15-inch Steptronic automatic with Active Eco system an impressive steel wheels, tilt/ and new optional Idle Stop and Go (ISG) sys- start and hopeful step towards telescopic elec- tem. Inside, the 2012 Kia Soul has been refined with upgraded materials and instrumentation and with an accent on reducing noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). a universal idle-free future. With this combination of technologies, the Soul 1.6 ECO with the ISG system offers an optimistic 7.0/5.4L/100km (city/hwy) rating, although those lab numbers are rarely reflected in real world driving. My combined averages were a more realistic 8.3L/100km. The Kia Soul is a pleasure to drive with more than adequate power, wellfinished interior appointments and tall, boxy dimensions that create an airy and roomy cabin for passengers, along with 546 litres (19.3 cu.ft.) of cargo space, expanding to 1,511 litres (53.4 cu.ft.) with the 60/40 second row folded. The Kia Soul was designed for a youthful audience but I think it offers cross-generational appeal courtesy of contemporary styling, funky personality, large-windowed openness, a raised hip point and easy access, an abundance of headroom, lightweight tailgate and steering operation, and dollar-value packaging that blends practicality with price-point choices for a wide selection of consumer needs and budgets. The 2012 Kia Soul 1.6 ECO-- what more can I say? It's certainly made our family's shortlist. Kia Soul 2012 1.6 ECO A/T (at a glance) BODY STYLE: Compact five-passenger hatchback. DRIVE METHOD: front-engine, front-wheel-drive ENGINE: As tested 1.6-litre DOHC inline four-cylinder (138 hp, 123 lb/ft) FUEL ECONOMY: 7.0/5.4L/100km (city/hwy); as tested actual 8.3L/100km (comb) CARGO: 546 litres (19.3 cu ft) behind rear seat; 1,511 litres (53.4 cu ft) folded. TOW RATING: NA PRICE: As tested $19,995; Additional equipment above $16,595 base price includes six-speed automatic transmission, Active ECO, air conditioning, driver's armrest, ISG system, remote keyless, cruise control, 16-inch alloy wheels with low resistance rolling tires, satellite radio. WEBSITE: www.kia.ca SPECIALS OF THE WEEK Sale e Pric Sale e Pric Sale e Pric e Sal le Sa ice e Pr Pric $ 16,900 $ 7,800 $ 9,500 $ 24,500 2010 JOURNEY SXT 7 PASS, LOADED, ALLOYS, VERY CLEAN, ONE OWNER, 53000 KMS STK# V15296D 2006 MAZDA 6 SPORT HATCHBACK, 2.5L, 5SPD, ALLOYS, KEYLESS, 151000 KMS STK# X25587D 2006 ACCORD LX, AUTO, LOADED, KEYLESS, VERY CLEAN, 104000 KMS STK# F25670D AWD, FULLY LOADED, ALLOYS, REMOTE START, 43000 KMS STK# 02228 2010 CRV EX CONCEPT 361 Guelph St. (Hwy. #7), Georgetown More vehicles online at: www.conceptford.com Discloser: All sale prices are plus HST, and Licensing, O.A.C 905-873-1626