Review: Kia AM.I Soul (2009-11)

Overview

Released in April 2009, the Kia AM Series I (AM.I) Soul was a compact, five-door wagon. Manufactured in Gwangju, South Korea, the front-wheel drive Soul was available with either a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine or a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel unit. The Soul range initially consisted of three models: the Soul, Soul 2 and Soul 3. In September 2010, however, the range was reduced to the Soul and Soul +.

G4FC petrol and D4FB diesel engines

Of the engines,

• the 1.6-litre G4FC ‘Gamma II’ petrol engine had an aluminium block and head, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable intake and exhaust valve timing (dual CVVT) and a compression ratio of 10.5:1; and,
• the 1.6-litre D4FB ‘U’ diesel engine had a cast iron engine block, an aluminium cylinder head, common-rail injection, a variable geometry turbocharger, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 17.3:1.

For the AM.I Soul, both engines were available with four-speed automatic and five-speed manual transmissions.

Dimensions and suspension

The AM Soul was 4105 mm long, 1785 mm wide, 1610 mm tall and had a 2550 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the Soul was fitted with MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the AM.I Soul included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelt pretensioners; the Soul 2 and 3 were also fitted with traction control and electronic stability control. From September 2010, traction control and electronic stability control were standard across the range.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , the AM Soul – when fitted with electronic stability control – received a five star safety rating which included an 87 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 86 per child protection rating. Under ANCAP’s methodology , equivalent cars received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 33.11 out of 37. However, because ANCAP required electronic stability control to be fitted for a five star rating, models without it were given a four star rating.

Features: Soul, Soul 2, Soul + and Soul 3

Standard features for the Soul included a six speaker sound system with CD player, MP3-compatibility, USB and auxiliary inputs, air conditioning, split and flat folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, tinted windows, 12 volt power outlets, space saver spare tyre and immobiliser.

The Soul 2 was further equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, height adjustable driver’s seat and roof rails. The Soul + was similarly equipped to the Soul 2 but added telescopic steering wheel adjustment and a ‘windshield sunband’.

Compared to the Soul 2, the Soul 3 omitted roof rails but was further equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, an eight speaker sound system with subwoofer, heated door mirrors and body kit.

Review: Kia AM.II Soul (2011-13)

Overview

Released in November 2011, the AM Series II (AM.II) Soul introduced a 2.0-litre ‘Theta II’ four-cylinder petrol engine, subtle cosmetic changes and six-speed automatic and manual transmissions. The range was also revised as the standard Soul was solely available with the 1.6-litre petrol engine, while the Soul + variant was available with the 2.0-litre petrol or 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engines.

Visually, the AM.II Soul could be identified by its larger front bumper with a wider air intake, larger fog lights (for the Soul +), chrome edging for the Schreyer grille, redesigned door mirrors with integrated indicator lights and pull-type door handles. 

GG4KD petrol engine

The 2.0-litre G4KD ‘Theta II’ petrol engine had an aluminium cylinder blocks and head, double overhead camshaft, four valves per cylinder, continuously variable intake and exhaust valve timing (D-CVVT), a variable intake system and a compression ratio of 10.5:1.

Features: Soul and Soul +

Compared to its AM.I predecessor, standard features for the Soul were extended to include Bluetooth audio streaming and telescopic steering wheel adjustment. Furthermore, the Soul + gained 18-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, a luggage cover and roof rails.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Kia AM Soul

Review: Kia PS.I Soul (2014-16)

Overview

Released in Australia in February 2014, the Kia PS Soul was a five-door hatchback. Manufactured in Gwangju, South Korea, the front-wheel drive PS Soul was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

G4NA engine

The 2.0-litre G4NA ‘Nu’ petrol engine had an aluminium block and cylinder head, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable intake and exhaust valve timing (D-CVVT) and a compression ratio of 10.3:1.

Body and dimensions

Underpinned by the same platform as the Kia YD Cerato , the PS Soul chassis achieved a 28.7 per cent increase in torsional rigidity relative to the Kia AM Soul which it replaced; in part, this was attributable to the increased use of Ultra High Strength and High Strength Steels (35 per cent and 31 per cent, respectively). According to Kia, the use of expansion foam (previously block foam) in body cavities and polyurethane-layered carpet also contributed to greater refinement.

Compared to the Kia AM Soul , the second-generation PS Soul was 20 mm longer (at 4140 mm), 15 mm wider (1800 mm), the same height (1610 mm) and had a 20 mm longer wheelbase (2570 mm), while the drag coefficient was 0.34 Cd (previously 0.35 Cd). Cargo capacity was 238 litres with the rear seats in position, though this increased to 878 litres (loaded to the window line) with the rear seats folded.

Suspension and steering

The Kia PS Soul had MacPherson strut front suspension – with a stabilizer bar – that was mounted to a sub-frame with four bushings, while the torsion beam rear suspension had longer travel shock absorbers than its predecessor. Furthermore, the PS Soul had rack-and-pinion steering with electric power assistance; as part of Kia’s ‘FlexSteer’ system, the driver could select from Comfort, Normal and Sport settings that varied the level of power assistance.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Kia Soul included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Brakes

The Kia PS Soul had 280 mm by 23 mm ventilated front disc brakes and 262 mm by 10 mm solid rear discs.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , the 2014 Kia Soul – with a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine – received a four star safety rating which included a 75 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 82 per cent child occupant protection rating. In the frontal offset test, protection of the driver’s head, neck and chest were rated as good, though protection of the thighs and lower leg were rated as adequate, and protection of the lower right leg and feet as marginal. Maximum points were awarded in the side impact test; in the more severe pole test, however, protection of the driver’s chest and abdomen were rated as weak and adequate, respectively.

Features: Kia Soul Si

Standard features for the Kia Soul Si included 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/55 R17 tyres, a six speaker sound system with auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/iPod), Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and audio streaming, a 4.3-inch colour touch screen, air conditioning, cloth seats, cruise control, front fog lights, automatic headlights, rear parking sensors, a reversing camera with parking guidelines, 60:40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, a height adjustable driver’s seat, tinted windows, roof rails, three 12 volt power outlets, a trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.

Related links

• Kia News: Refinement Brings New Soul to Gen 2 Hero (February 2014)
• Specifications: Kia PS Soul (February 2014)
• Specifications: Kia PS Soul (September 2014)

Review: Kia PS.II Soul (2016-18)

Overview

The Kia PS Series II (PS.II) Soul was released in Australia in October 2016. The PS.II Soul could be identified by its updated styling which included changes to the radiator grille, front bumper, air intake, fog lamps, reflectors and alloy wheels.

Inside, the PS.II Soul had a revised centre fascia, a 5.0-inch colour screen audio unit with Kia’s Radio Data System (RDS), new cloth door trim, new seat fabrics and a metal painted steering wheel bezel. For the FlexSteer system, changes to the selected drive mode (from Comfort, Normal and Sport settings) would also affect engine mapping.

Features

It is understood that features for the Kia PS.II Soul were largely unchanged.

Related links

• Kia Motors Australia: Kia Soul
• Wikipedia.org: Kia PS Soul
• Behind the Wheel: 2017 Kia Soul Review

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Kia PS Soul

2014-15 Kia PS Soul: potential loss of steering control

In April 2016, a recall was issued for Kia PS Soul vehicles that were produced from 18 January 2014 to 30 September 2015. During the manufacturing process of these vehicles, the adhesive used to secure the steering pinion gear to the steering gear assembly may have had insufficient strength. As a result, the pinion gear may separate from the steering gear assembly, causing a loss of steering control and posing an accident hazard for the driver and other road users. In May 2018, this recall was updated such that the recalled Kia PS Soul vehicles had VINs in the range KNAJ######7049000 to KNAJ######7802452 (PRA 2016/15293).

2016-18 Kia PS Soul: airbags may not deploy

In March 2022, recall campaign 221004 was issued for 2016-18 Kia PS Soul vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the Airbag Control Unit (ACU) cover and the Electronically Erasable Programming Read-Only Memory (EEPROM) chip may have been produced with insufficient clearance. This could cause the airbag warning lights to illuminate and the airbags may not deploy. In the event of a collision, failure of the airbags to deploy increased the risk of injury to vehicle occupants. For this recall, the dealer was to replace the ACU with an improved unit if the airbag warning light was illuminated and fault code B162000 was stored. If, however, the airbag warning light was not illuminated, then a software update would be performed to the ACU to ensure airbag deployment in the event of a collision. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-005069.

2013-15 Kia PS Soul: airbags may not deploy

In May 2022, recall campaign 221040 was issued for 2013-15 Kia PS Soul vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the Airbag Control Unit may not deploy the front airbags in the event of a collision. This condition increased the risk of injury to vehicle occupants. To fix, the Airbag Control Unit software was to be updated. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-005440.

Problems and faults: Kia PS Soul

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

2014 Kia PS Soul: airbag unit replacement

In the UK, Kia Motors issued Technical Service Bulletin KCE15-81-P030-PS for Kia PS Soul vehicles that were manufactured prior to 12 November 2014. For these Kia Soul vehicles, the left and right side airbags were to be replaced to improve their performance in the event of a side impact; the service bulletin stated that this was not due to a defect. For a small number of vehicles, the Airbag Control Unit (ACU) and/or Cluster (CLU) could also require a software upgrade.

Recalls: Kia AM Soul

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Kia AM Soul

2009-10 Kia AM Soul: wiring for speakers could become heat-affected

In September 2010, a recall was issued for 27 Kia AM Soul vehicles manufactured from 7 September 2009 to 8 June 2010 due to an issue with the wiring that controlled illumination of the speaker and could cause the wiring to become heat-affected. The recalled vehicles had the following VINs: KNAJT813MA7110586, KNAJT811MA7139968, KNAJT811MA7141137, KNAJT813MA7143483, KNAJT813MA7143397, KNAJT813MA7143482, KNAJT813MA7143846, KNAJT813MA7146223, KNAJT813MA7146224, KNAJT813MA7146222, KNAJT813MA7147895, KNAJT813MA7148493, KNAJT813MA7158746, KNAJT813MA7170534, KNAJT813MA7170535, KNAJT813MA7170536, KNAJT813MA7170537, KNAJT813MA7170538, KNAJT813MA7170539, KNAJT813MA7170716, KNAJT813MA7170717, KNAJT813MA7170718, KNAJT813MA7170719, KNAJT813MA7170720, KNAJT813MA7170721, KNAJT813MA7172666 and KNAJT813MA7172667 (PRA 2010/11977).

2011-12 Kia AM Soul: tensioning cable in seatbelt pre-tensioner not crimped

In January 2014, a recall was issued for Kia AM Soul vehicles that were manufactured between 23 August 2011 and 31 March 2012. In these vehicles, the tensioning cable in the seatbelt pretensioner assembly was not securely crimped. As such, the tensioning cable may be unleashed and cause injury to an occupant of the vehicle. Furthermore, if the cable were to break during pretensioner deployment, the cable would not be able to restrain the occupant to its full capacity. For a list of the vehicles by VIN, please see PRA 2014/13960.

Problems and faults: Kia AM Soul

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

2009-13 Kia AM Soul: MDPS coupling and clicking noise from steering wheel

In August 2016, Kia Motors America issued Technical Service Bulletin CHA 074 Revision 1 for Kia AM Soul vehicles manufactured from 1 September 2009 to 15 August 2013. In these vehicles, the flexible coupling in the motor-driven power steering (MDPS) may prematurely wear and cause a ‘clicking’ noise to be heard when the vehicle is stationary and the steering wheel is turned. According to Kia, this condition mainly occurred in high humidity states adjacent to warm ocean waters.

To fix, the flexible coupling was to be replaced with a re-designed flexible coupling that had the part number 56315 2K000FFF; for identification purposes, the improved flexible coupling had ‘HNBR’ embossed on it.

Kia AM Soul: steering wheel noise and vibration

In February 2012, Kia Motors issued Technical Service Bulletin KCE11-61-P080-AMHM for Kia AM Soul vehicles. According to the bulletin, these vehicles may make abnormal noises from the steering wheel. To fix, a spring washer in the steering wheel (part number 1360214001QQK) was to be replaced.

2010 Kia AM Soul 1.6 CRDi: ECM software upgrade

In January 2012, Kia Motors issued Technical Service Bulletin KCE11-14-E581-AM for Kia AM Soul vehicles that:

• Had 1.6-litre ‘U2’ diesel engines (Euro 5 emissions compliant); and,
• Were manufactured from 11 August 2010 to 23 November 2010.

According to the service bulletin, an Engine Control Module (ECM) software upgrade was introduced for these vehicles to protect the diesel particulate filter (DPF).

2010 Kia AM Soul: power window switch may not work

In January 2011, Kia Motors issued Technical Service Bulletin KCE10-92-P220-AM for Kia AM Soul vehicles that:

• Were manufactured from 9 June 2010 to 29 July 2010; and,
• Had VINs in the range KNDJT2A27B7195371 to KNAJU811BBK711000.

According to the service bulletin, the power window main switch on the driver’s side might not operate because the PCB of the power window main switch had been damaged by a surge voltage. To fix, the main power window switch assembly was to be replaced with an improved part.

2011 Kia AM Soul: rear door latch doesn’t work

In October 2011, Kia Motors issued Technical Service Bulletin KCE11-91-P220-AM for Kia AM Soul vehicles that were manufactured from 15 June 2011 to 25 June 2011. According to the service bulletin, the rear door latch for these Kia Soul vehicles may not operate normally. To fix, the rear door outside handle rod was to be replaced.

2011 Kia AM Soul with 1.6 CRDi engine: excessive fuel suction noise

In October 2011, Kia Motors issued Technical Service Bulletin KCE11-14-P060-AM for Kia AM Soul vehicles that:

• Had 1.6-litre diesel engines; and,
• Were manufactured from 15 June 2011 to 23 July 2011.

According to the bulletin, some of these vehicles may make an excessive fuel suction noise from the fuel pump assembly. To fix, the fuel pump assembly was to be replaced.

Released in April 2009, the Kia AM Series I (AM.I) Soul was a compact, five-door wagon. Manufactured in Gwangju, South Korea, the front-wheel drive Soul was available with either a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine or a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel unit. The Soul range initially consisted of three models: the Soul, Soul 2 and Soul 3. In September 2010, however, the range was reduced to the Soul and Soul +… Read full Kia AM Soul review

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Images: Kia AM.II Soul (2011-13)

Released in November 2011, the Kia AM Series II (AM.II) Soul introduced a 2.0-litre ‘Theta II’ four-cylinder petrol engine, subtle cosmetic changes and six-speed automatic and manual transmissions. The range was also revised as the standard Soul was solely available with the 1.6-litre petrol engine, while the Soul + variant was available with the 2.0-litre petrol or 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engines. The Kia AM.II Soul could be identified by its larger front bumper with a wider air intake, larger fog lights (for the Soul +), chrome edging for the Schreyer grille, redesigned door mirrors with integrated indicator lights and pull-type door handles.

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Released in Australia in February 2014, the Kia PS Soul was a five-door hatchback. Manufactured in Gwangju, South Korea, the front-wheel drive PS Soul was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission… Read full Kia PS Soul review

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Images: Kia PS.II Soul (2016-18)

The Kia PS Series II (PS.II) Soul was released in Australia in October 2016. The PS.II Soul could be identified by its updated styling which included changes to the radiator grille, front bumper, air intake, fog lamps, reflectors and alloy wheels. Inside, the PS.II Soul had a revised centre fascia, a 5.0-inch colour screen audio unit with Kia’s Radio Data System (RDS), new cloth door trim, new seat fabrics and a metal painted steering wheel bezel.

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Euro NCAP: 2014 Kia Soul – crash testing

In Euro NCAP testing, the 2014 Kia Soul – with a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine – received a four star safety rating which included a 75 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 82 per cent child occupant protection rating. Videos are provided with the permission of Euro NCAP.

Carbuyer: 2014 Kia PS Soul review

Note

Please note that these videos are applicable to vehicles as they are supplied to their respective markets. As such, the features, prices and performance of the vehicles in these videos may differ from those which are supplied in Australia. In international markets, for example, the Liberty is marketed as the Legacy.

Euro NCAP: Kia Soul – crash and ESC testing

In Euro NCAP testing, the AM Soul – when fitted with electronic stability control – received a five star safety rating, including an 87 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 86 per child protection rating. For more information regarding this testing, please go to the Euro NCAP website. Videos are provided with the permission of Euro NCAP.

CarBuyer: Kia AM Soul

Note

Please note these videos are applicable to vehicles as they are supplied to their respective markets. As such, the features, prices and performance of the vehicles in these videos may differ from those which are supplied in Australia.