IRVINE, Calif., May 18, 2015 – Kia Motors America’s (KMA) popular urban hatchback, the 2015 Soul, is one of the 10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000 in 2015, according to Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com.  This year marks the fourth consecutive time Soul has been recognized by the editors at KBB.com, and similar to last year, Kia’s fun-and-funky urban runabout ranked among the top three on the annual list, which highlights the hippest and most affordable cars on the market.  Editors at Kelley Blue Book once again included the Soul for its stylish looks and tech-savvy content.  With a base price of $15,1901, the Soul offers flexible interior configurations and a unique exterior design with a wide array of available features at a great value.

“Since first coming onto the scene in 2009, the Soul has been an out-of-the-park homerun for Kia, and the second generation retains its iconic design while including modern cues and premium features to enhance our brand’s value proposition,” said Tim Chaney, vice president of marketing communications, KMA.  “It’s these refinements, along with its funky persona, roomy cabin and ample cargo space, that have upped the Soul’s allure, making it even more popular with consumers.”

New for 2015 on the Exclaim model is an available interior Umber Color Package, which is available with either the Fathom Blue or Cloud White exterior colors.  Included with the option package is premium Nappa leather seating surfaces and door armrest accents.  Outside, Gloss Black wheel inserts further set the Umber Color Package apart.

“Some cool vehicles aren’t very versatile, but the Kia Soul made our list of the 10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000 just because it is so versatile,” said Jack Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com. “On the road the Soul’s funky, squared-off shape won’t be mistaken for anything else, and standing out is cool.  At the same time, its collection of useful features and its interior versatility at a very affordable price add significantly to its overall cool quotient.”

The 2015 Soul is offered in three trim levels:  Base, Plus and Exclaim.  Motivation for the Base Soul is delivered by a gasoline direct injection (GDI) 130-horsepower (at 6,300 rpm) 1.6-liter all-aluminum DOHC four-cylinder engine.  The GAMMA engine produces 118 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,850 rpm.  The Plus and Exclaim models enjoy the more powerful 2.0-liter NU power plant with GDI technology.  Power is rated at 164 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 151 lb.-ft. of torque at a 4,000 rpm.  The 1.6-liter engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic. The Plus and Exclaim models are available exclusively with the six-speed automatic gearbox.