Earlier this year, the Kelly Blue Book company was including Korean auto maker Kia in a list of companies offering affordable cars under $18,000, but more American consumers might be swayed toward the brand with new information about 2012 Kia models priced significantly under this figure. Specifically, Kia Motors announced on August 19 that the 2012 Kia Soul will start at under $14,000. The base MSRP for the Soul was quoted as $13,900, while other trims retail for up to nearly $20,000. That gives customers a lot of choices in how much they want to pay for one of these competitive, fuel-efficient small cars. For customers who can get past the unique titling of the Kia Soul trim models, a larger 2.0L engine is available in the Kia Soul+ (the base model runs on a 1.6) while the top Kia Soul! offers items like 18 inch alloy wheels, LED lighting, and a seven-speaker Infinity sound system. There’s also more modern in-dash gear in the form of a proprietary Kia UVO “infotainment” system that comes with extras like a rear camera.
A restyled body and updated build give the 2012 Kia Soul more appeal to today’s car buying audience. According to Kia, this car’s at the top of its class with an estimated 35 miles per gallon on highway. More new technology like Kia’s Idle Stop and Go system brings more attention to the Soul as a top choice for commuters and others looking for value on a new car purchase. Critics have also praised the car’s noise reduction capabilities, the smoothness of the ride, and additional controls for a modern driving experience.
Customers interested in this kind of new car purchase should keep apprised of all of Kia’s customer incentives, including rebates and cashback offers, as well as good low interest financing opportunities, as this car goes on sale in the months to come. Look for these Kia vehicles at your local dealer’s lot and consider how you can get in on the value for cost provided by a company that’s emerging on the north American auto market.