Positioning:
The Kia Soul is positioned as a subcompact crossover or hatchback, known for its distinctive boxy styling, practical interior, and value proposition.
Competitors:
Competes with vehicles like the Nissan Cube, Scion xB, Mini Cooper, Fiat 500, and other compact hatchbacks/crossovers.
Styling:
Unique, urban-friendly design with a tall greenhouse and distinctive profile.
Interior Space:
Surprisingly spacious interior for its exterior dimensions, offering good headroom and cargo capacity.
Value:
Generally offers a strong feature set for its price point.
Engine:
1.6L GDI (Gamma G4FD), 2.0L DOHC (Theta II G4GC)
Transmission:
Manual (M5CF1, M6CF3), Automatic (A6GF1, A6LF2)
Chassis:
Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels, Tires
Electrical:
Lighting, Instruments, Audio, HVAC, Body Control Module (BCM), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Fuses, Relays, Wiring Diagrams
Body:
Exterior (panels, doors, windows), Interior (trim, seats, dashboard)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) explanations, diagnostic procedures
Repair:
Component removal, installation, adjustment, and overhaul procedures
Total Pages:
Estimated 2000+ pages (combined)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual (FSM)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, engine management (ECM/PCM), transmission (manual and automatic)
Chassis Systems:
Front and rear suspension, steering system (hydraulic power steering), braking system (ABS, EBD, ESC), wheels and tires
Electrical Systems:
Power distribution, grounds, lighting (headlamps, taillamps, interior), instrument cluster, audio system, HVAC controls, power windows, power locks, airbags, security system, keyless entry, immobilizer
Body And Interior:
Body structural repairs, exterior trim, interior trim, seating systems, airbags, weatherstripping, glass replacement
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil and filter change, air filter replacement, cabin air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, drive belt inspection and replacement, battery maintenance
Repair Procedures:
Engine timing belt/chain replacement, fuel injector replacement, brake caliper rebuild, shock absorber/strut replacement, alternator replacement, starter motor replacement, HVAC blower motor replacement, radiator replacement
Diagnostic Procedures:
OBD-II scanner use, symptom-based troubleshooting, circuit testing, component testing, pressure testing (fuel, cooling), scan tool data analysis
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, advanced diagnostics, and detailed wiring schematics.
1.6L Gdi:
Type: Inline-4, Naturally Aspirated; Displacement: 1591 cc (1.6 L); Bore x Stroke: 77.0 mm x 85.4 mm; Compression Ratio: 11.5:1; Horsepower: 138 hp @ 6300 rpm; Torque: 123 lb-ft @ 4850 rpm; Fuel System: Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI)
2.0L DOHc:
Type: Inline-4, Naturally Aspirated; Displacement: 1998 cc (2.0 L); Bore x Stroke: 81.0 mm x 97.0 mm; Compression Ratio: 10.1:1; Horsepower: 164 hp @ 6200 rpm; Torque: 147 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm; Fuel System: Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) / Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) depending on specific sub-model variant (manual specifies both)
Emission Control:
Catalytic converter, O2 sensors, EVAP system
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approximately 11.4 gallons (43 liters)
Standard Transmission:
5-speed manual transmission (M5CF1) for 1.6L; 6-speed manual transmission (M6CF3) for 2.0L
Optional Transmission:
6-speed automatic transmission (A6GF1) for 1.6L; 6-speed automatic transmission (A6LF2) for 2.0L
Drive Type:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
Genuine ATF SP-IV or equivalent
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W/85W Gear Oil
Length:
160.6 inches (4079 mm)
Width:
70.5 inches (1791 mm)
Height:
63.2 inches (1605 mm)
Wheelbase:
100.4 inches (2550 mm)
Front Headroom:
Approx. 40.2 inches
Rear Headroom:
Approx. 39.5 inches
Front Legroom:
Approx. 40.9 inches
Rear Legroom:
Approx. 35.1 inches
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approx. 19.3 cu ft
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
Approx. 49.3 cu ft
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2700 - 2900 lbs (1225 - 1315 kg), varies by trim and engine
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 3858 lbs (1750 kg)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
4-Star (varies slightly by year and test specifics)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (Good ratings in most categories)
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard
Anti-Lock Braking System:
Standard
Electronic Brake-Force Distribution:
Standard
Traction Control System:
Standard
Airbags:
Front, front-side, and side-curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary input. Optional upgraded systems may include satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB ports.
Navigation:
Optional navigation system available on higher trim levels.
Rearview Camera:
Optional rearview camera system available.
Keyless Entry Start:
Optional push-button start and smart key system.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free phone system and audio streaming.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). Severe conditions may require more frequent changes.
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed or every 15,000 miles.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Replace every 15,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval 1.6L:
Replace every 105,000 miles (Iridium type).
Spark Plug Replacement Interval 2.0L:
Replace every 105,000 miles (Iridium type).
Coolant Replacement Interval:
First replacement at 105,000 miles, then every 52,500 miles thereafter (or as per manual recommendation).
Brake Fluid Replacement Interval:
Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace every 2 years or 30,000 miles.
Engine Oil Spec:
SAE 0W-20, API SN or ILSAC GF-5 compliant
Engine Oil Capacity 1.6L:
Approx. 4.0 quarts (3.8 liters) with filter change
Engine Oil Capacity 2.0L:
Approx. 4.7 quarts (4.4 liters) with filter change
Coolant Spec:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant with long-life inhibitors (e.g., HOAT type), mixture 50/50 with distilled water
Common Problems:
Occasional reports of minor electrical gremlins, potential for noisy suspension components over time, and exhaust system corrosion in certain climates. Check for recalls on specific VINs.
Kia History:
Kia Motors Corporation, a South Korean automobile manufacturer, has a history dating back to 1944, known for its gradual expansion into global markets with diverse vehicle offerings.
First Generation Launch:
The Kia Soul was first introduced globally for the 2009 model year, designed by Mike Torpey. The 2013 model represents the final year of the first generation (AM).
Assembly Location:
Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea (Donghee Plant)
