2010 ALL-NEW KIA SOUL NAMED TO TOP 10 BACK-TO-SCHOOL CARS LIST
BY
KELLEY BLUE BOOKS KBB.COM
Kia Urban Passenger Vehicle Honored by
Prestigious Automotive Resource Site
IRVINE, Calif., August 17, 2009 – Directly on the heels of earning a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the all-new 2010 Kia Soul urban passenger vehicle has been named to the 2009 Top 10 Back-to-School Cars list by Kelley Blue Books kbb.com. Soul was recognized by the well-known automotive resource site for its fun and quirky styling, impressive interior space, extensive warranty, notable fuel economy and enjoyable creature comforts.
Soul is the perfect back-to-school vehicle, providing style and options that will appeal to students, as well as safety features, fuel economy and reliability that will give any parent piece of mind, said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing of Kia Motors America (KMA). Soul, along with the all-new dynamically styled Forte compact sedan and the companys first-ever two-door, the Forte Koup, is a perfect representation of the exciting new direction of Kia Motors as the brand continues its most aggressive design-led product transformation to date.
The list, compiled by editors at kbb.com, represents vehicles that offer reliability, safety features, affordability, practicality, good handling and attractive styling, effectively appealing to both parents and students. Also taken into consideration is value, with all new vehicles posting starting prices below $18,000, with Soul easily complying with a base starting MSRP of $13,3002.
Soul, which also has been included on kbb.coms Coolest New Cars Under $18,000 list, offers consumers a new way to roll with an extensive list of personalization options and unique exterior styling. Kia Motors affordable halo car stands out in a sea of sameness with funky and fun features, including speaker lights, part of an available Audio Upgrade Package, that can pulse to the beat of the music or add mood lighting to the interior cabin, enhancing the overall personal lounge feeling. Standard features, including SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service1 , USB and auxiliary input jacks in the center console with full iPod and MP3 controllability via the audio head unit and steering wheel-mounted controls, and Bluetooth phone connectivity with steering wheel-mounted controls, only add to the overall appeal of this spirited vehicle.
Available in four trims, Soul, Soul+, Soul! (exclaim) and Soul sport, pricing for the versatile five door begins at $13,3002 for the base trim, while Soul+ starts at $14,950. Moving up to the Soul! offers a price beginning at $16,950 and the Soul sport, designed for those with active lifestyles, starts at $16,950 and tops out at $18,600.
For more information about the 2009 Top 10 Back-to-School Cars from Kelley Blue Books kbb.com, visit www.kbb.com/schoolrides09.
Kelley Blue Book is a registered trademark of Kelley Blue Book Co., Inc.
About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 630 dealers throughout the United States. For 2008, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline The Power to Surprise.
Kia Motors America is the “Official Automotive Partner of the NBA.” Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.
1 Customers must obtain SIRIUS subscription after trial period if they wish to retain service. SIRIUS three-month complimentary service not available in Canada, AK or HI. For full terms and conditions please visit SIRIUS.com. SIRIUS, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SIRIUS XM Radio Inc. and its subsidiaries.
2 Starting at MSRPs excludes freight ($695), title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.