Kia Soul 1

The differences between cars are becoming smaller and smaller. From year to year, disproportions in equipment, behavior and assembly quality are melting.

Review

The differences between cars are becoming smaller and smaller. From year to year, disproportions in equipment, behavior and assembly quality are melting. In our time of universal unification, originality is worth its weight in gold. This is well demonstrated by Nissan, which, after the start of sales of the Juke, barely copes with orders. Try their hand at the segment of original crossovers and other manufacturers. In 2004, Kia introduced a very spectacular prototype of the Soul Concept, combining the capabilities of a microvan and a small crossover. The fate of the project hung in the balance until 2008, when the model still went into mass production. Soul was introduced in Europe in early 2009. Kia Soul provides everything that crossovers appreciate: a high landing behind the wheel and a spacious interior with compact dimensions. The trunk does not have a record capacity - only 222 liters. An additional 118 litres are located in the bay under the floor. Thanks to the high and flat roof, a large amount of space overhead was obtained. Even tall passengers will not be able to complain about the lack of space. Kia, using the experience gained in the development of cars for the American and European markets, has created an impressive yet simple and easy to use dashboard. The massive roof racks look interesting, but severely limit visibility to the sides and back. However, maneuvering is not a difficult task. The size feels pretty good. For an additional fee, Kia offered a rear-view camera with a display inside a salon mirror.

Engines

Under the hood you can find 1.6-liter engines: gasoline power of 124 and 140 hp and diesel - 128 hp. In cars imported from the United States, you can find 2-liter gasoline units with a capacity of 140 and 166 hp.

In the combined cycle, turbodiesel consumes about 6 l / 100 km, gasoline - about 8 l / 100 km. In cars with gasoline 1.6-liter engines during acceleration and at high speeds, it pesters a strong engine noise.

The gas distribution mechanism of the 1.6-liter engines does not require maintenance, it uses a reliable chain.

The gasoline engines are very reliable. The only drawback is that with age, the oil begins to eat up. Sometimes you have to change the sensor position of the crankshaft (1600 rubles) and burnt out corrugated exhaust system (usually after 100,000 km).

Particulate filter in turbo diesels does not like long-term operation in the urban cycle. After 150-200 thousand km, problems with launching may arise due to failed incandescent candles (from 700 rubles per piece). And the reason for the difficult start in the cold can be melted contacts of the fuel filter heater.

Fuel injectors usually nurse more than 200-250 thousand km (17 000 rubles for one). Turbine and TNVD are rarely failed.

Transmission

Many cars are equipped with automatic transmission. It is quite reliable, but because of its slowness, it is more suitable for calm drivers.

The diesel engine accelerates the wear of the clutch and the two-mass flywheel. Most often, the clutch has to be changed after 100-150 thousand km.

Oil leaks from the gearbox are not uncommon - seals are let down quite often (100 rubles for a oil oil oilplug plus 3000 rubles for work).

Difficulties with gear shifting may arise due to the production of the main clutch cylinder in the plastic tip.

Walking

Soul was designed for individualists who wanted to stand out from the crowd and enjoy driving. Optimal traction with the road had to provide wheels of large diameter and a dense chassis. Soul's suspension is not suitable for Russian roads. It's too tough. This affects not only the level of comfort, but also behavior. With the rapid passage of sections of damaged roads, the microvan begins to prowl. Still, from a crossover-like car you expect greater resistance to the flaws of the roadway. It is better to use wheels with dimensions of 205/55 R16. The 225/45 R18 offered in the more expensive versions is worse at absorbing bumps. Strangely enough, the rigid suspension did not make Kia Soul an athlete. Insufficient lateral support of seats and low steering accuracy do not have a dynamic driving. Often, the concern is caused by knocking when passing irregularities. However, finding the source is not always possible. Yes, and unpleasant sounds, reminiscent of signs of wear of suspension components, in modern cars - a common thing after a symbolic run of several thousand kilometers. Shock absorbers usually reach 80-120 thousand km (from 1 to 6 thousand rubles per rack). Silent blocks of front levers and ball supports reach up to 100-150 thousand km (4000 rubles for the original lever). A little later, the sleeves are handed over. The bushings of the rear beam wear out after 150-200 thousand km (two for 1-3.5 thousand rubles). Soon it is necessary to update the rear springs (1700-4000 rubles).

Other problems and malfunctions

In everyday operation, minor electrical and electronic failures sometimes become annoying, resulting in problems related to the central lock (relay melting), electric windows, audio system or steering system.

With age, you have to change the steering switches - the wiring falls off inside or the contacts burn up. The new switch will cost 3500 rubles.

Frequently, the lamps of the front lights burn out. And because of the unsatisfactory tightness suffers camera rear view (from 1000 rubles for an analog).

After 80-120 thousand km can make noise overtaking clutch generator (from 1500 rubles for analog).

The interior decoration elements are assembled with proper quality. It is a pity that the creators did not care about their wear resistance. After a couple of years on the plastic in the cabin appear scratches and scuffs.

The first foci of corrosion most often occur at the edges of body parts and on the chassis elements. Almost all Hyundai and Kia cars are attacked by the corrosion of sheet metal of the trunk door. As a rule, the disadvantage was eliminated by official services within the framework of warranty obligations. The lacquer covering the Soul body is prone to scratches and chipping. Frequent use of automatic washing and saving on the means for the care of paintwork is not the best idea. The least durable red varnish.

Engines

• km may have problems with the launch due to failed candles (from 700 rubles per piece).

Transmission

• The diesel engine accelerates the wear of the clutch and the two-mass flywheel.

Walking

• Often, the concern is caused by knocking when passing irregularities.
• Yes, and unpleasant sounds, reminiscent of signs of wear of suspension components, in modern cars - a common thing after a symbolic run of several thousand kilometers.

Other problems and malfunctions

• In everyday operation, minor electrical and electronic failures sometimes become annoying, resulting in problems related to the central lock (relay melting), electric windows, audio system or steering system.
• It is a pity that the creators did not care about their wear resistance.
• After a couple of years on the plastic in the cabin appear scratches and scuffs.
• The first foci of corrosion most often occur at the edges of body parts and on the chassis elements.
• Almost all Hyundai and Kia cars are attacked by the corrosion of sheet metal of the trunk door.

Most of the knots and assemblies Kia Soul is used in other models of the brand. This means that finding replacements at a reasonable price for repairing the brake system, suspension or transmission will not be difficult. The prices of spare parts at official dealers are not the lowest.

The impressive Soul is not a cheap car. It came about when the buyer meticulously selected and compared offers. What other manufacturers required additional payment, Kia was included in the list of standard equipment. The prices for used copies are not overstated. The car has not lost its originality and practicality. If you are not confused by the tight suspension, then Kia Soul will not disappoint.

• The differences between cars are getting smaller and smaller.
• Engines: km may have problems with starting due to failed candles (from 700 rubles per piece).
• Transmission: The diesel engine accelerates wear of the clutch and dual-mass flywheel.
• Walking: Often, knocking is a concern when passing irregularities.
• Other problems and malfunctions: In everyday use, minor electrical and electronic failures sometimes become annoying, resulting in problems related to the central lock (relay melting), electric windows, audio system or steering system.

Shows, bargaining and re-registration take time: buyers look, promise to think and disappear. Fair price after inspection closes the auction on the spot. If money is needed urgently, the purchase takes away waiting and repeat displays.

Leave a request with the car data. We will discuss the preliminary assessment and inspection. After checking the status and documents, we agree on the final price and terms of the transaction.