CONCLUSION

My favorite Soul was the “!” trim, only available in cream white, navy blue, silver, or black. Its two-tone beige and black dash may not suit everyone’s tastes, nor will its houndstooth-patterned seats. After posting an image of the seats on Facebook, a friend commented on why Kia would use “leftover 80’s fabric.” I hadn’t the heart to say it had made a comeback…three years ago.

That’s the sort of discussion Kia hopes to generate with the Soul. Unless you sew your own seats, there’s no way to find a Toyota Matrix with such an eclectic interior. Compact cars are a more common sight on our roads, and the Soul seemed in my short drive to generate at least some positive attention from passing motorists.

A lady in her 50s even took the time to roll down her window and say the car was, “So cool.”

She was just about the age to appreciate mood lighting, too.

    See also:

    Interior features
    Cigarette lighter To use the cigarette lighter, pull the assembly cover out. To operate the cigarette lighter, press it in and release it. When it is heated, it automatically pops out ready for ...

    Air cleaner
    Element replacement Have the air cleaner element checked and replaced in accordance with the maintenance schedule. NOTICE Do not drive with the air cleaner removed; this will result in excessi ...

    Overview
    With upgraded state-of-the-art diesel power, European-standard ride and handling, modern and dynamic styling, top-level safety and low costs of ownership, the Kia Magentis has all that it takes to ...