Moritz KIA Fort Worth Presents All New 2012 KIA Soul

Sept. 9, 2011 - PRLog -- Now, the Soul for 2012 gets even better with more powerful engines and higher fuel economy, plus new infotainment, connectivity and comfort options.

The Kia Soul (2012 MSRP to be announced) brought some much-needed soul to the compact vehicle market, uniquely blending the driving agility of a compact sedan with the practicality of a small crossover. Good fuel economy has always been part of the package, but it jumps even higher in the revised 2012 Soul models.

New headlights, hood, grille, projector headlamps, bumpers and LED rear light clusters streamline the look of the Kia Soul without rounding off the boxy-chic design that people love. Under the revised styling lurk two new engine choices and new six-speed transmissions to deliver even spunkier performance and up to 34 mpg highway fuel economy. Having six speeds enhances performance and economy, a win-win for sure.

A new 1.6-liter Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine produces 135 hp (11 percent more than the previous engine) and 121 lb/ft of torque. By comparison, the 1.6-liter engine in the much pricier MINI Cooper Clubman produces 121 hp and 114 lb/ft of torque while specifying more expensive Premium grade fuel. The Kia Soul runs mighty fine on Regular.

For the 2012 Soul+ and Soul! models, a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine belts out 160 hp and 143 lb/ft of torque. With either new engine, you can choose between the new six-speed manual transmission and a new six-speed automatic. Check out these numbers: The 1.6-liter achieves 28 mpg city/34 mpg highway with both transmission, and the more powerful 2.0 delivers 27/33 with either transmission.

In addition to its new look and increased power and fuel economy, the Kia Soul also delivers more comfort, convenience and connectivity for 2012. First, there’s a new Infinity premium audio system that’s available on Soul+ models and standard on Soul!. Next, for safer communication, the 2012 Soul! model offers the new UVO (powered-by-Microsoft®) in-car hands-free communication and infotainment system.

Back in 2010, the Kia Soul picked up the “Grooviest Interior” award from Ward’s AutoWorld, a leading automotive industry trade publication. A unique design makes the Kia Soul interior the perfect personal lounge on wheels without resorting to gimmicky or tacky design touches. How could Kia improve on “groovy” for the 2012 Soul? Kia has done just that by introducing an available Premium Package that includes heated front seats, leather seat trim, automatic climate control and pushbutton start. This very grown-up and upscale-sounding option package also replaces the UVO system with a navigation system.

In upgrading the Soul for 2012, Kia wisely did not change the practicality and value that have helped garner this versatile vehicle so many awards. It’s a good thing the Soul offers up to 53.4 cubic feet of carrying space with the rear seats folded; it would need much of that room to haul home the accolades it has won over the past few years. Most important, the Soul received the Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) three years in a row. There’s nothing groovier than peace of mind.

The Soul has also won the Consumers Digest “Best Buy” award, the “Top RecommendedSM Vehicle for 2011” by Edmunds.com, a “Best Family Cars for 2010” designation from Edmunds.com and Parents magazine (for all those groovy families) and “Best Hatchback of 2010” from Cars.com.

Chances are, all those awards would fit behind the backseat, leaving rear passengers with the comfort of 39.0 inches of legroom. That’s about four to six inches more than most compact sedans, by the way.

Also unchanged for 2012, all new Kia models come with the assurance of a five-year/60,000-mile Limited Basic Warranty, five years or 60,000 miles of 24-hour Roadside Assistance and a 10-year/100,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty.

Whether you’re of a generation that says “groovy” or not, come in and test-drive one of the 2012 Kia Soul models. Feel the power.

For more information on the new 2012 KIA Soul, visit Moritz KIA Fort Worth online website at http://moritzkiafw.com.

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At MORITZ KIA Fort Worth, we work hard to get you into the vehicle you have always wanted. We work with a vast array of lending sources to make sure you will get the most complete and comprehensive financial package available.