MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Award Goes to Kia Soul EV

MotorWeek, the PBS auto review show, has named the Kia Soul EV as one of its annual Drivers’ Choice Award winners. Taking the Best Eco-Friendly Vehicle Award, the Kia Soul EV is a hip urban ride that’s as green as it gets. The all-electric Kia Soul EV produces zero emissions, and its unique powertrain can go further on a single charge. Class-leading power and a long list of premium standards make this a top pick.

MotorWeek reviewers gave the Soul EV high marks for design, spaciousness, and power. The Soul EV has a funky style that makes driving it really cool, explained MotorWeek host John Davis. The iconic look is available in solid colors, but it's the two-tone design that keeps turning heads. Drivers can choose a Caribbean Blue body with white roof or a black body with red roof and accents. Either way the result is extremely sporty. The interior design reflects the same sporty, modern aesthetic.

While small cars are rarely cited for spaciousness, the Soul EV deserves praise for maximizing wiggle room. The engineers put the battery under the flat floor, allowing the designers to utilize more space for its human occupants. As MotorWeek points out, the Soul EV leads its class in rear seat legroom. Cargo space is good for this segment, too. The split-folding rear seats produce a class-leading cargo hold.

When it comes to power and range, MotorWeek recognizes the Kia Soul EV as better than its rivals. This all-electric vehicle has more get-up-and-go to tackle highway driving. Its smart acceleration comes from the 210 lb.-ft. of torque that is generated by the unique electric powertrain. The Soul EV also leads its class with a total driving range of 93 miles, according to EPA estimates. It utilizes a special ultra-dense battery to retain more energy for longer trips between charges. If compared to a gas-powered car, the difference is striking. Rather than an average 23 miles per gallon, the Soul EV gets 105 MPGe. This figure is an average of the EV's 92 MPGe/highway and 120 MPGe/city. A DC fast charge port and a 6.6 KW port are both standard features. With two onboard chargers, it really is easy to power up and go.

For many consumers, the game-changer may be the way that the Soul EV piles on the standard features. Consumers don’t have to pay extra for a power driver’s seat, for instance. Navigation, always a premium on other cars, is also standard. The 8-inch touchscreen, another must-have standard feature, offers apps for audio and other functions. The large screen is an excellent viewing medium for the real life images that are generated by the standard rearview camera. The standard UVO system provides smartphone syncing. Bluetooth makes it hands-free.

MotorWeek's award recognizes that the Kia Soul EV is really the next evolution in environment-friendly driving. The extra power and the longer range make it a more viable alternative to traditional gas-powered cars. The sporty good looks and more spacious cabin make it appealing to the average buyer. Truly it is easier than ever to go green, and the federal rebate that's available on the Soul EV just sweetens the deal.

a href=http://www.kiaofvalencia.comKeyes Kia of Valencia in Los Angeles is your full-service Kia dealership, providing new and pre-owned Kia cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles.