Segment Positioning:
The Kia Soul entered the market as a stylish and practical subcompact crossover, targeting younger buyers and those seeking an alternative to traditional hatchbacks and small SUVs.
Key Competitors:
Scion xB, Nissan Cube, Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta.
Design Philosophy:
Distinctive, boxy styling with a spacious and versatile interior, emphasizing individuality and practicality.
Target Audience:
Urban dwellers, young professionals, small families, individuals seeking a unique and functional vehicle.
Diagnostic Coverage:
Comprehensive diagnostic procedures for all major systems.
Repair Coverage:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all components.
Maintenance Coverage:
Complete preventative maintenance schedules and procedures.
Electrical Coverage:
Extensive wiring diagrams and electrical troubleshooting.
Bodywork Coverage:
Body repair, panel replacement, and alignment procedures.
Estimated Pages:
Over 1000 pages (estimated based on typical full factory manuals for this class).
Type:
Official Factory Service Manual / Workshop Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine, transmission, drivetrain, exhaust system.
Chassis:
Suspension, steering, brakes, wheels, tires.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, trim, HVAC.
Electrical And Electronics:
ECU, sensors, lighting, audio, infotainment, comfort systems.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement.
Engine Repair:
Engine assembly/disassembly, cylinder head work, piston/ring replacement, timing belt/chain service.
Transmission Repair:
Transmission fluid service, clutch replacement, internal component repair (for manual and automatic variants).
Brake Service:
Brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper service, brake fluid flush, ABS system diagnostics.
Suspension And Steering:
Strut/shock replacement, ball joint service, tie rod end replacement, power steering system service.
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Wiring diagram interpretation, component testing, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) diagnosis.
Depth:
Full factory specification with detailed diagnostic trees and repair procedures.
Rebuild Procedures:
Covers complete engine and transmission rebuilds with torque specifications and clearances.
Diagnostic Tools:
Specifies necessary diagnostic tools and equipment, including scan tools.
Engine Option 1:
1.6L Gamma G4FC Inline-4
Horsepower 1:
124 hp @ 6300 rpm
Torque 1:
115 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
Engine Option 2:
2.0L Beta II G4GC Inline-4
Horsepower 2:
142 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 2:
137 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Injection Type:
Electronic Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
ECU Type:
Kia Engine Control Unit (ECU) with diagnostic capabilities.
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 6.0 liters (6.3 US quarts) for 2.0L, 5.4 liters (5.7 US quarts) for 1.6L.
Oil Type:
API SM or higher, SAE 5W-20 recommended for both engines.
Oil Capacity 1:
3.7 liters (3.9 US quarts) with filter for 1.6L
Oil Capacity 2:
4.3 liters (4.5 US quarts) with filter for 2.0L
Transmission Type 1:
5-speed Manual Transmission (M5CF1 for 1.6L, M5GF1 for 2.0L)
Transmission Type 2:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (4AT-F4AEL for 1.6L, 4AT-F4AELF for 2.0L)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Electronically controlled, with overdrive.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-85
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Kia Genuine ATF (or equivalent, e.g., SPIII)
Length:
4035 mm (158.9 in)
Height:
1600 mm (63.0 in)
Wheelbase:
2550 mm (100.4 in)
Passenger Volume:
Approximately 2739 liters (96.7 cu ft)
Cargo Volume Seats Up:
Approximately 340 liters (12.0 cu ft)
Cargo Volume Seats Down:
Approximately 1360 liters (48.0 cu ft)
Curb Weight Min:
Approximately 1200 kg (2646 lbs)
Curb Weight Max:
Approximately 1300 kg (2866 lbs)
Tire Size Standard:
195/65R15
Tire Size Optional:
205/55R16, 215/50R17
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 114.3 mm (5 x 4.5 inches)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
4-Star
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4-Star
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Stability Control:
Available Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Airbags Front:
Standard Dual Front Airbags
Airbags Side:
Standard Front Side-Impact Airbags
Airbags Curtain:
Standard Curtain Airbags (for front and rear passengers)
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with auxiliary input. Optional premium audio system with subwoofer and amplifier available on higher trims.
Connectivity Options:
Bluetooth hands-free connectivity available on select trims.
Cruise Control:
Available cruise control.
Keyless Entry:
Available keyless entry system.
Power Windows Locks:
Standard power windows and door locks.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first. Severe driving conditions may require more frequent changes.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 7,500 miles (12,000 km), replace as needed or every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect every 7,500 miles (12,000 km), replace as needed or every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
Spark Plugs 1.6L:
Replace at 60,000 miles (96,000 km)
Spark Plugs 2.0L:
Replace at 105,000 miles (168,000 km)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), replace approximately every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or as per severe conditions.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Replace at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or as needed.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant, pre-mixed 50/50 with deionized water.
Common Problem 1:
Some owners report premature wear of the front suspension components (struts, ball joints) due to the vehicle's design and typical usage patterns.
Common Problem 2:
Potential for condensation issues in the headlight assemblies, leading to fogging.
Common Problem 3:
Intermittent issues with interior electronics or infotainment systems in some units.
Oil Filter Example:
Fram PH10158 (or equivalent, e.g., Kia OEM 26300-35503)
Engine Air Filter Example:
Wix WA10040 (or equivalent, e.g., Kia OEM 28113-1H000)
Brand Focus:
Kia, as part of Hyundai Motor Group, has a history of producing affordable and increasingly stylish vehicles with a focus on value.
First Generation:
The first generation Kia Soul (AM) was introduced for the 2009 model year, marking a significant departure into the subcompact crossover segment with a unique design.
Manufacturing Location:
Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea.