Automotive

Kia turbocharges 2017 Exclaim to top of the Soul range

Kia turbocharges 2017 Exclaim to top of the Soul range
Unique wheels and red accents distinguish the Exclaim trim
Unique wheels and red accents distinguish the Exclaim trim
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The Kia Soul gets turbocharged
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The Kia Soul gets turbocharged
The new 2017 Soul Exclaim was revealed at an event in San Francisco this week
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The new 2017 Soul Exclaim was revealed at an event in San Francisco this week
In addition to its 201-hp turbo engine, the Kia Exclaim gets a variety of other upgrades and modifications, inside and out
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In addition to its 201-hp turbo engine, the Kia Exclaim gets a variety of other upgrades and modifications, inside and out
The Soul Exclaim combines a 1.6-liter turbo engine and 7-speed DCT
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The Soul Exclaim combines a 1.6-liter turbo engine and 7-speed DCT 
Unique wheels and red accents distinguish the Exclaim trim
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Unique wheels and red accents distinguish the Exclaim trim
2017 Kia Soul Exclaim
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2017 Kia Soul Exclaim
The 2017 Soul has redesigned headlights and fog lights
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The 2017 Soul has redesigned headlights and fog lights
The 2017 Soul has redesigned headlights and fog lights
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The 2017 Soul has redesigned headlights and fog lights
The Kia Soul Exclaim comes with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and UVO3 infotainment system
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The Kia Soul Exclaim comes with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and UVO3 infotainment system
Inside the 2017 Kia Soul Exclaim
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Inside the 2017 Kia Soul Exclaim
The Soul Exclaim has leather and cloth seat trim standard
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The Soul Exclaim has leather and cloth seat trim standard
Inside the 2017 Kia Soul Exclaim
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Inside the 2017 Kia Soul Exclaim
Leather-wrapped D-shaped steering wheel
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Leather-wrapped D-shaped steering wheel
Inside the 2017 Kia Soul Exclaim
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Inside the 2017 Kia Soul Exclaim
Signature badging
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Signature badging
UVO3 infotainment comes standard and an 8-in nav touchscreen is an option
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UVO3 infotainment comes standard and an 8-in nav touchscreen is an option
The Kia Soul gets turbocharged
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The Kia Soul gets turbocharged
The Kia Soul gets turbocharged
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The Kia Soul gets turbocharged
The Kia Soul gets turbocharged
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The Kia Soul gets turbocharged
In addition to more power and dynamic performance, the new powertrain improves fuel economy
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In addition to more power and dynamic performance, the new powertrain improves fuel economy
The Kia Soul gets turbocharged
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The Kia Soul gets turbocharged
View gallery - 21 images

Giving its quirky Soul a little more oomph, Kia has revealed the turbocharged 2017 Soul Exclaim. The new Soul brings more than 200 hp, while still besting 30 mpg (7.8 L/100km) on the highway. It gets a host of sporty features and accents to match, making it a sure bet for those that want a Soul with a bit more performance and pizzazz.

The 2017 Soul Exclaim rises to the top of the Soul range, which also includes the naturally aspirated 161-hp Soul Plus and 130-hp Soul Base. The "exclamatory" levels of power come from the 201-hp 1.6-liter GDI turbo working with the new 7-speed dual clutch. Kia claims the transmission offers smoother, quicker shift points, improving acceleration. The engine puts out 195 lb-ft (264 Nm) of torque.

The Kia Soul gets turbocharged
The Kia Soul gets turbocharged

The new Exclaim seems like the obvious choice for Soul shoppers looking for a little more zip, and as a bonus the new trim also exceeds the fuel economy of lower-trim models with a 26 mpg (9 L/100km) city, 31 mpg (7.6 L/100km) highway and 28 mpg (8.4 L/100km) combined EPA estimate.

The Exclaim is distinguished by exclusive 18-in wheels, a dual chrome twin-tip exhaust, a chrome grille surround, a unique tailgate badge and red accents. Inside, standard features include the UVO3 infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, leather-wrapped steering wheel and push-button start with smart key. A 315-watt, eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, 8-in touchscreen navigation display and HD radio are available as options, as are rear cross traffic alert and blind spot detection systems.

The 2017 Soul Exclaim starts at US$22,650 before $850 destination charge.

Source: Kia

View gallery - 21 images
3 comments
3 comments
JoeFrederick
Do we need a Kia Soul that can do 130mph? No, we don't. But we certainly could use a HYBRID Kia Soul that gets 45mpg. So where is it?
icykel
Kia already have an electric Soul on the market.
techmanmacho
What amazes me is the shortsightedness of Toyota/Scion claiming the market has shrunk for the Scion Xb, and thereby discontinuing it, but yet the market for the Kia Soul is strong and healthy.