Kia Soul

Kia Soul: which generation changed what

Six labelled generations sit in the file. They overlap in calendar months, so a used-car year is not a generation name.

Six labelled generations sit in the file. They overlap in calendar months, so a used-car year is not a generation name.

1 generation (2008-11-01 to 2011-09-30) is the only era with a 4-speed Automatic, a 5-speed Manual, 48 L tank, and the 1975 cm³ 2.0 AT / 2.0 MT pair at 142 hp. Diesel 1.6 MT and 1.6 AT exist here; mixed use on the 128 hp 1.6 MT Diesel is 5.2 L/100 km. Gasoline 1.6 AT 124 hp is the slowest listed top speed in the whole model: 162 km/h.

1 generation, restyling (2011-10-01 to 2014-03-31) keeps the 48 L tank, adds 6-speed Manual and 6-speed Automatic on the gasoline 1.6s, and raises the 2.0 gasoline pair to 164 hp. Two 1.6 MT gasoline cars share a name: 129 hp (Euro 4, 6.6 L/100 km mixed) and 140 hp (Euro 5, 6.4 L/100 km mixed). Rear brakes split: Drum on 1.6 AT 129 hp and 1.6 AT 132 hp; Disc on the others that publish the field.

2 generation (2014-04-01 to 2017-12-31) is the widest menu: tank 54 L, clearance 150 mm where measured, diesel 1.6 MT 136 hp and two diesel 1.6 AT cars (128 hp and 136 hp), gasoline 2.0 MT / 2.0 AT at 175 hp, and the only Electro version, named AT (110 hp, 145 km/h). 0–100 km/h and fuel use for 2.0 MT 175 hp are not measured; 0–100 km/h for 2.0 AT 175 hp is not measured.

2 generation, restyling (2017-01-01 to 2018-10-31) drops diesel and Electro from this catalogue and introduces 1.6 DSG at 204 hp. Two 1.6 AT gasoline cars share a name: 124 hp (12.5 s to 100 km/h) and 132 hp (11.7 s).

3 generation (2018-11-01 to 2022-07-31) is four versions only. Clearance jumps to 180 mm on the naturally aspirated cars and 170 mm on 1.6 DSG. Euro 5 is listed on all four. 1.6 DSG power is 200 hp, 4 hp below the restyling car of the same name.

3 generation, restyling 1 (from 2022-08-01; stop not measured) is one version: 2.0 MPI i-VT. Rear suspension is Independent, spring — the only Soul here with an independent rear. Boost is not measured. 0–100 km/h, top speed, CO2 and wheels are not measured.

Engines and specs (buyer's table)

Same name, different output: read the hp column. Boost, injection and gearbox labels are taken as stored.

Power per litre (hp ÷ cm³ × 1000), where displacement is measured: 1.6 DSG 204 hp = 128.2 hp/L; 1.6 DSG 200 hp = 125.7 hp/L; 2.0 AT / 2.0 MT 175 hp = 87.5 hp/L; 1.6 MT 140 hp = 88.0 hp/L; 3 generation 1.6 MT 123 hp = 77.3 hp/L; 2.0 MPI i-VT 147 hp = 73.5 hp/L; 1 generation 2.0 AT 142 hp on 1975 cm³ = 71.9 hp/L. Turbo diesel 136 hp on 1582 cm³ = 86.0 hp/L; torque density there is 164 Nm/L versus 167 Nm/L on 1.6 DSG.

Engine position is Front, transverse except 1 generation 2.0 AT and 2.0 MT, which list Central. Injection is Distributed injection (multi-point) on most naturally aspirated 1.6 gasoline cars; Direct injection (direct) on 1.6 DSG, on 2 generation, restyling 2.0 AT and 1.6 AT 132 hp, on 1 generation, restyling 1.6 MT 140 hp and 1.6 AT 140 hp, and on 2.0 MPI i-VT. Diesel injection is not measured. Fuel is 95 on gasoline cars, Diesel on diesels, Electro on AT.

Performance and economy

0–100 km/h, where measured, spans 7.8 s (1.6 DSG 200 hp and 1.6 DSG 204 hp) to 12.5 s (1.6 AT 124 hp in both 2 generation and 2 generation, restyling). The 1.0 s gap between 3 generation 1.6 AT (11.2 s) and 2 generation, restyling 1.6 AT 124 hp (12.5 s) is the Automatic 1.6 becoming 1.3 s quicker while power falls 1 hp (124 to 123) and kerb mass rises 15 kg (1315 to 1330). 3 generation 1.6 MT and 1.6 AT share 11.2 s and 182 km/h; the Automatic costs 0.2 L/100 km mixed (7.4 vs 7.2) and 30 kg.

3 generation 2.0 AT 150 hp is 1.0 s quicker to 100 km/h than that generation’s 1.6 AT (10.2 vs 11.2) for +27 hp and +41 Nm, at +0.6 L/100 km mixed (8.0 vs 7.4) and +19 kg. Top speed rises 4 km/h (186 vs 182). Against 1.6 DSG in the same generation, 2.0 AT is 2.4 s slower, 19 km/h slower on vmax, and 1.1 L/100 km thirstier mixed, despite a 408 cm³ larger engine: the Turbo 1591 cm³ Robotic 7-speed is the performance buy, not the 2.0.

2 generation, restyling 1.6 DSG matches 7.8 s but lists 200 km/h, 5 km/h below 3 generation 1.6 DSG. Mixed use is the same 6.9 L/100 km. City use is 8.7 vs 8.9; highway 5.8 vs 5.7. The restyling DSG is 123 kg lighter (1289 vs 1412). Weight per horsepower: 1289/204 = 6.3 kg/hp versus 1412/200 = 7.1 kg/hp. Clearance is 153 mm vs 170 mm.

1 generation, restyling 2.0 AT 164 hp is the quickest non-DSG with a measured sprint: 8.9 s, 185 km/h. 2.0 MT 164 hp has top speed 190 km/h; 0–100 km/h is not measured. Fuel for both 164 hp cars is not measured.

1 generation 2.0 MT 142 hp: 9.9 s, 186 km/h, mixed 9.0 L/100 km. 2.0 AT 142 hp: 10.2 s, 177 km/h, mixed 9.7 L/100 km — the 4-speed Automatic costs 0.3 s, 9 km/h and 0.7 L/100 km mixed versus the 5-speed Manual.

Diesel mixed use, where measured: 2 generation 1.6 MT 136 hp 4.8 L/100 km (city 5.8, highway 4.2); 2 generation 1.6 AT 136 hp 5.2; 2 generation 1.6 AT 128 hp 6.0; 1 generation, restyling 1.6 MT 128 hp 5.2; 1 generation, restyling 1.6 AT 128 hp 5.9. Gasoline mixed lows: 1 generation, restyling 1.6 MT 140 hp 6.4; 1 generation 1.6 MT 124 hp 6.5; 3 generation 1.6 DSG 6.9. Gasoline mixed highs among measured cars: 1 generation 2.0 AT 142 hp 9.7; 2 generation 2.0 AT 175 hp 9.0 (city 10.2, highway 8.4). AT Electro fuel use is not measured.

CO2, where measured: lowest 2 generation 1.6 MT 136 hp at 128 g/km; then 2 generation 1.6 AT 136 hp 135; 1 generation, restyling 1.6 AT 128 hp Diesel 137; 1 generation, restyling 1.6 MT 140 hp 149; 2 generation, restyling 1.6 DSG 156; 3 generation 1.6 DSG 159. Highest measured: 2 generation, restyling 2.0 AT 188; 3 generation 2.0 AT 181. Many versions: CO2 not measured.

Eco class: Euro 6 on 2 generation diesels 136 hp and on 2.0 MPI i-VT; Euro 5 on 3 generation (all four), 2 generation, restyling 1.6 DSG, and the 140 hp 1.6 gasoline restyling cars; Euro 4 on several 1 generation / 1 generation, restyling cars. The rest: eco class not measured.

0–100 km/h not measured: 2.0 MT 175 hp, 2.0 AT 175 hp, 1 generation 1.6 AT 116 hp, 1 generation, restyling 2.0 MT, 2.0 MPI i-VT. Top speed not measured: 2.0 MT 175 hp, 2.0 AT 175 hp, 1 generation 1.6 AT 116 hp, 2.0 MPI i-VT.

Dimensions and weight

Tank: 48 L through 1 generation and 1 generation, restyling; 54 L from 2 generation onward, including AT Electro and 2.0 MPI i-VT. Extra 6 L is +12.5% volume.

Clearance: 180 mm on 3 generation 1.6 MT, 1.6 AT, 2.0 AT; 170 mm on 3 generation 1.6 DSG and 2.0 MPI i-VT; 164–165 mm on 1 generation / restyling; 153 mm on 2 generation, restyling 1.6 DSG; 150 mm on the other 2 generation and 2 generation, restyling cars that list it. AT Electro clearance is not measured. Choosing 3 generation over 2 generation on the 1.6 Automatic is +30 mm (180 vs 150).

Kerb mass, where measured, runs 1170 kg (1 generation, restyling 1.6 MT 140 hp) to 1425 kg (2 generation 1.6 AT 136 hp Diesel). Lightest DSG: 1289 kg. Heaviest DSG: 1412 kg. 2.0 MPI i-VT is 1310 kg — 39 kg below 3 generation 2.0 AT 150 hp (1349 kg) at −3 hp and −13 Nm. Gross mass peaks at 1940 kg on 2 generation diesel Automatics; 1860 kg on both DSGs’ generations and 2 generation, restyling 2.0 AT. Gross not measured on 1 generation 2.0 cars, several diesels’ siblings, 2 generation 175 hp pair, AT, and 1.6 MT 132 hp.

Wheels, where listed: 1 generation 195/65 R15 and 205/55 R16, often plus 225/45 R18. From 2 generation gasoline/diesel with a list: 205/60 R16, 215/55 R17, 235/45 R18. 2.0 MPI i-VT, AT, 2 generation 175 hp cars, 1.6 MT 132 hp, and 1 generation 2.0 cars: wheels not measured.

Front suspension is Independent, spring on every version. Rear: Semi-independent, torsion on the 1.6 naturally aspirated torsion cars; Semi-independent, springorts hélicoïdaux, sem on the 2.0, DSG, many diesels and Electro as stored; Independent, spring only on 2.0 MPI i-VT. Front brakes Ventilated disc throughout. Rear Disc except Drum on 1 generation 1.6 AT 124 hp and 1 generation, restyling 1.6 AT 129 hp and 1.6 AT 132 hp; rear brakes not measured on 1 generation 1.6 MT 128 hp.

mpg and fuel: what the extra displacement buys

On 3 generation, stepping 1.6 AT → 2.0 AT costs +1.5 L/100 km city (9.3 → 10.8), +0.1 highway (6.2 → 6.3), +0.6 mixed, +14 g/km CO2 (167 → 181), for +27 hp and −1.0 s. Stepping 1.6 AT → 1.6 DSG saves 0.4 city, 0.5 highway, 0.5 mixed and 8 g/km, for +77 hp and −3.4 s, at +82 kg and −10 mm clearance.

On 2 generation, restyling, 1.6 AT 124 hp mixed 7.9 versus 1.6 AT 132 hp mixed 7.6: +8 hp returns −0.3 L/100 km mixed and −0.8 s (12.5 → 11.7). 1.6 MT 124 hp mixed 7.3 is 0.6 below the 124 hp Automatic. 2.0 AT 150 hp mixed 8.0 matches 3 generation 2.0 AT mixed 8.0; city is 11.0 vs 10.8.

2 generation 2.0 AT 175 hp mixed 9.0 is 1.0 L/100 km above the 150 hp 2.0 AT of the restyling — you do not get a measured 0–100 km/h in return. 2 generation diesel 1.6 MT 136 hp mixed 4.8 versus gasoline 1.6 MT 124 hp mixed 7.3 is −2.5 L/100 km, at +108 kg (1390 vs 1282) and identical 150 mm clearance.

1 generation gasoline 1.6 AT 124 hp mixed 7.2 versus 1 generation, restyling 1.6 AT 129 hp mixed 7.3: the restyling Automatic is not more economical on the mixed figure; it is 5 hp up, 15 km/h up on vmax (162 → 177), and 0.5 s quicker (12.0 → 11.5). Tank stays 48 L.

Range arithmetic on mixed use × tank, where both exist: 2 generation 1.6 MT 136 hp 54/4.8 ≈ 1125 km; 3 generation 1.6 DSG 54/6.9 ≈ 783 km; 3 generation 1.6 MT 54/7.2 = 750 km; 1 generation 2.0 AT 142 hp 48/9.7 ≈ 495 km. 2.0 MPI i-VT mixed 7.6 on 54 L ≈ 711 km; 0–100 km/h not measured, so that range is the main measured economy argument for the newest car.

Which version to choose

Want the measured sprint and vmax. 3 generation 1.6 DSG (200 hp, 7.8 s, 205 km/h, 6.9 mixed, 170 mm, Euro 5) or 2 generation, restyling 1.6 DSG (204 hp, 7.8 s, 200 km/h, 6.9 mixed, 153 mm, 1289 kg). Same mixed use; the older DSG is 123 kg lighter and 4 hp stronger; the newer DSG is 17 mm taller and 5 km/h faster on the listed vmax.

Want fuel use. Diesel 2 generation 1.6 MT 136 hp (4.8 mixed, 128 g/km, Euro 6) if a 6-speed Manual is acceptable; 1.6 AT 136 hp if Automatic (5.2 mixed, 135 g/km). Older diesel 1 generation, restyling 1.6 MT 128 hp: 5.2 mixed, 48 L tank. Electro AT: consumption not measured; 110 hp, 12.0 s, 145 km/h, tank listed 54 L.

Want ground clearance. 3 generation 1.6 MT or 1.6 AT at 180 mm. They share 123 hp, 11.2 s, 182 km/h. Pick 1.6 MT for 7.2 mixed and 1300 kg; 1.6 AT for Automatic at 7.4 mixed and 1330 kg.

Want a 2.0 Automatic with a full sprint figure. 3 generation 2.0 AT (150 hp, 10.2 s, 186 km/h, 8.0 mixed, 180 mm, Euro 5) or 2 generation, restyling 2.0 AT (same 150 hp, 10.2 s, 186 km/h, 8.0 mixed, 150 mm, CO2 188). The later car buys 30 mm clearance and −7 g/km (181 vs 188) at +90 kg (1349 vs 1259). 1 generation, restyling 2.0 AT 164 hp is 1.3 s quicker (8.9 s) but mixed use not measured, tank 48 L, clearance 165 mm.

Want the 175 hp 2.0. Only 2 generation 2.0 MT and 2.0 AT. Highest gasoline hp in the file, 209 Nm, 11.5 compression. 0–100 km/h not measured on either; mixed use not measured on 2.0 MT; 2.0 AT mixed 9.0 is the thirstiest measured 2.0 Automatic after 1 generation 2.0 AT 142 hp at 9.7.

Want the newest production row. Only 2.0 MPI i-VT: 147 hp, 179 Nm, compression 12.5, Direct injection (direct), Robotic 6, Euro 6, 170 mm, Independent, spring rear, 1310 / 1825 kg, mixed 7.6. Boost, 0–100 km/h, vmax, CO2, wheels: not measured. Versus 3 generation 2.0 AT you give up 3 hp and 13 Nm and the 10.2 s / 186 km/h figures, and you gain Euro 6, −0.4 mixed, −39 kg, and the independent rear.

Want the lightest kerb. 1 generation, restyling 1.6 MT 140 hp at 1170 kg (10.4 s, 6.4 mixed, Euro 5, 164 mm). Weight per horsepower 8.4 kg/hp. 2 generation 1.6 MT 132 hp is 1186 kg; 0–100 11.0 s; gross and wheels not measured.

Avoid if you need a complete measured sheet. 1 generation 1.6 AT 116 hp: 0–100, vmax, fuel, CO2, eco, kerb, gross all not measured. AT Electro: displacement, cylinders, gears, kerb, gross, clearance, wheels, fuel use, CO2 not measured. 2 generation 2.0 MT: 0–100, vmax, fuel, CO2, eco, gross, wheels not measured.

Problems and reliability

Fault rates, service intervals, recall lists and real-world reliability are not measured in this dataset. What the sheet does record as hardware splits that a buyer can treat as maintenance differences: Drum rear brakes on three 1.6 Automatics in 1 generation / restyling versus Disc elsewhere; 4-speed Automatic only in 1 generation; 5-speed Manual only in 1 generation; Robotic 7 on both 1.6 DSG cars versus Robotic 6 on 2.0 MPI i-VT; Turbo only on 1.6 DSG and the diesels; Diesel absent after 2 generation in this catalogue; Electro only as 2 generation AT. Compression on diesels is 17.3 (1 generation / restyling) or 16 (2 generation 136 hp); gasoline compression where listed runs 9.5 (2 generation, restyling 1.6 DSG) to 12.5 (2.0 MPI i-VT). Those figures are catalogue values, not durability scores.

Specs recap for the shortlist

3 generation 1.6 DSG — 200 hp / 147 kW at 6000 rpm, 265 Nm at 4500, 1591 cm³, Gasoline, 4 Inline, 4 valves, Turbo, Front, transverse, Direct injection (direct), compression 10, 75 × 85.44, fuel 95, 7.8 s, 205 km/h, Robotic 7, FWD, 8.9 / 5.7 / 6.9, 54 L, 159 g/km, Euro 5, 1412 / 1860 kg, 170 mm.

2 generation, restyling 1.6 DSG — 204 hp / 150 kW at 6000, 265 Nm at 1500–4500, 1591 cm³, Turbo, Direct injection (direct), compression 9.5, 75 × 85.4, 7.8 s, 200 km/h, Robotic 7, 8.7 / 5.8 / 6.9, 54 L, 156 g/km, Euro 5, 1289 / 1890 kg, 153 mm.

2 generation 1.6 MT 136 hp — Diesel Turbo, 136 hp at 4000, 260 Nm at 1500–3000, 1582 cm³, compression 16, 77.2 × 84.5, Manual 6, 11.2 s, 180 km/h, 5.8 / 4.2 / 4.8, 54 L, 128 g/km, Euro 6, 1390 / 1920 kg, 150 mm.

3 generation 1.6 MT — 123 hp, 151 Nm, 11.2 s, 182 km/h, Manual 6, 9.0 / 6.1 / 7.2, 162 g/km, Euro 5, 1300 / 1785 kg, 180 mm.

3 generation 2.0 AT — 150 hp, 192 Nm, 10.2 s, 186 km/h, Automatic 6, 10.8 / 6.3 / 8.0, 181 g/km, Euro 5, 1349 / 1830 kg, 180 mm.

3 generation, restyling 1 2.0 MPI i-VT — 147 hp / 108 kW at 6200, 179 Nm at 4500, 1999 cm³, Gasoline, 4 Inline, boost not measured, Robotic 6, Direct injection (direct), compression 12.5, 81 x 97, 0–100 not measured, vmax not measured, 8.1 / 6.7 / 7.6, 54 L, CO2 not measured, Euro 6, 1310 / 1825 kg, 170 mm, Independent, spring rear.

No all-wheel-drive Soul is in the data. No prices are in the data. Duplicate names must be matched by horsepower: 1.6 AT appears at 116, 124, 128, 129, 132 and 140 hp; 1.6 MT at 116, 123, 124, 128, 129, 132, 136 and 140 hp; 2.0 AT at 142, 150, 164 and 175 hp.