Kia Soul Exclaim – Adding Funtility to a Boxy Economy Car

April 20, 2018

In case you didn’t already know it, this boxy car suddenly feels like a hot euro hatchback, but with more practicality.

The turbo-charged 2018 Kia Soul Exclaim certainly has the zip, the power, the grip, and the style that rivals a few more traditional hot hatchback brands.

However, the 2018 Exclaim does NOT have something that those brands have: an exorbitant price tag.

If you’re looking for practicality + utility, and wishing there was a little more fun involved, keep reading. While the base-level Soul is great, it’s time to start thinking outside the box. (Or, more appropriately, start thinking about a different type of box).

Let’s examine exactly how the Soul Exclaim differs from the base-level Soul.

Kia Soul Exclaim vs. Kia Soul Base

First – the power. Under the Exclaim’s hood, the turbo 4cyl hides 201 horses – 71 more than the base-level Soul. The Exclaim also yields 195 pounds-foot of torque versus a mere 118 pounds-foot of torque for the regular Soul. If that sounds very significant to you, it’s because it is – you will notice (and enjoy) the 55% bump in horsepower power in nearly every maneuver on the road.

Typically, as power increases, fuel efficiency tends to decline. However, the Soul Exclaim actually delivers slightly higher fuel efficiency ratings than the base Soul with its 26/31 mpg city/highway (vs 25/30 mpg for the base Soul). While only 1 mile per gallon better, you’re (obviously) going to love the Exclaim so much that you’ll drive it for 100,000+ miles, and that 1 mile per tank will certainly add up over time.

Exclaim(!) For More on the Inside

The Exclaim is also bigger in personality. Among the many other advantages, the Exclaim comes standard with top tech and features optional on other trim levels. Larger 18” wheels are standard, its (optional) 8” touchscreen features navigation and HD Radio, its interior finishes are classier (including standard leather cloth seats with orange stitching), and its red/black accents are noticeably flashier.

If tech is your bag, then your bag is full with the Exclaim. Nearly every gadget, computer, and/or blinking light is included in the Exclaim, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, Siri Eyes Free and voice recognition. The technology gamut – the Soul Exclaim has it covered.

We’re especially fond of the smart key with push-button start. Because who wants to deal with taking things out of their pocket repeatedly anymore? This is 2018. Nobody has time for that.

Hot Hatch Performance With an Econobox Price

Lastly, let’s talk about price. All of what we’ve just discussed places the 2018 Soul Exclaim at $22,900. While higher than the $16,200 base-level pricing, you’re looking at a car that performs well above it’s class. Considering performance is closing in the Volkswagen GTI (with a $28k price tag) the 2018 Soul Exclaim is absolutely a winning deal.

Come test drive the Soul Exclaim – the best of Soul practicality with the Soul of a sports car.