Kia Soul, or So Long, Dancing Hamsters!

Jan 9, 2017

You may know the Kia Soul for its long-running ad campaign featuring anthropomorphic hamsters more than for the car itself. From its arrival in 2008, the Kia Soul was marketed as a unique car that breaks from the general design cues of other vehicles on the road, and highlighting that were hamsters, trading in wire wheels, stuck in stationary positions on highways and city streets, for, well, Kia Souls. After years of new iterations of the “hamsters-driving-cars” concept, however, the 2017 Kia Soul has completely done away with the ad campaign, and we at Classic Kia are glad that this practical and fun car is reaching out to a more grown-up audience.

The new Kia Soul is unique. Boxier than most any other car on the road, the body style is reminiscent of ‘80s hatchbacks, but with modern lines and curves in the molding around its wheels and in the shape of its lights and windows. But that boxy style doesn’t just stand out, it adds more headroom to the rear and storage space in the trunk.

For 2017, Kia decided to add a 3rd engine configuration to the Kia Soul. Now, drivers can choose from a standard 1.6 liter four-cylinder, capable of 130-hp, a 2.0 liter four capable of 161-hp, or the all-new 1.6-liter turbo, capable of 201-hp with a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic. This new engine configuration helped push Car and Driver magazine to award the 2017 Kia Soul in their annual 10Best list. Add in top safety ratings from the IIHS and the NHTSA, and you’ll understand why we at Classic Kia are so ready to recommend this great car to our customers in Gurnee, IL and Kenosha, WI.

But, if you’re not sold, be sure to come check out our selection of pre-owned Kia cars for comparison. You’re always welcome at Classic Kia dealership in Waukegan, IL.