Kerry & Kathy
Member #007
When Kathy and I went to pick up our new Genesis we decided to rent a car for the trip to Evansville.
Initially, we chose to rent a Hyundai Elantra sedan but the morning we went to pick up the car…none were available so we were “upgraded” to a four-cylinder automatic Kia Soul.
Or…a “Kleenex box on wheels”.
I was not pleased… It looked small and cramped and suitable for a grocery run…but, not a 400-mile highway round trip.
But…I decided to sit in it and adjusted the seat and was surprised at the fact it was quite comfortable. Legroom was not abundant…but adequate.
The controls were well laid out and the Navigation / audio system was great. The four-cylinder was surprisingly peppy and the transmission seemed to be well matched to the limited power. It was no speed demon…but it ran well on the highway with adequate power for passing. The more I drove the car the more I was impressed…when I was anything but impressed at the start.
The interior was well designed and the quality and finish were much better than I expected. The leather seats were very comfortable and the bolster support was more typical of a sports sedan or coupe.
The ride was very good. Not too harsh and not too soft. The turning radius was exceptionally short. Parking this thing in a small space was a breeze.
Handling was responsive and I noticed very little body lean. This thing was actually fun to drive.
When we checked the gas mileage after returning that night …it was an impressive 41 mpg…!!
This would be a GREAT second car for a retired couple… or a small family with small children… or just running around town… or for a college student.
The level of fit and finish was far better than any “economy car” I have ever driven.
It is obvious that the Koreans have gotten their act together.
This is a well-rounded little car with excellent comfort and excellent gas economy.
The only downside is the styling. Fit and finish of body panels were great…but it had the aerodynamics of a brick. All the more surprising that the fuel economy was so good.
But… I was a convert…
Four and a half thumbs up...!
For a “Kleenex box on wheels” no less…
Kerry
Initially, we chose to rent a Hyundai Elantra sedan but the morning we went to pick up the car…none were available so we were “upgraded” to a four-cylinder automatic Kia Soul.
Or…a “Kleenex box on wheels”.
I was not pleased… It looked small and cramped and suitable for a grocery run…but, not a 400-mile highway round trip.
But…I decided to sit in it and adjusted the seat and was surprised at the fact it was quite comfortable. Legroom was not abundant…but adequate.
The controls were well laid out and the Navigation / audio system was great. The four-cylinder was surprisingly peppy and the transmission seemed to be well matched to the limited power. It was no speed demon…but it ran well on the highway with adequate power for passing. The more I drove the car the more I was impressed…when I was anything but impressed at the start.
The interior was well designed and the quality and finish were much better than I expected. The leather seats were very comfortable and the bolster support was more typical of a sports sedan or coupe.
The ride was very good. Not too harsh and not too soft. The turning radius was exceptionally short. Parking this thing in a small space was a breeze.
Handling was responsive and I noticed very little body lean. This thing was actually fun to drive.
When we checked the gas mileage after returning that night …it was an impressive 41 mpg…!!
This would be a GREAT second car for a retired couple… or a small family with small children… or just running around town… or for a college student.
The level of fit and finish was far better than any “economy car” I have ever driven.
It is obvious that the Koreans have gotten their act together.
This is a well-rounded little car with excellent comfort and excellent gas economy.
The only downside is the styling. Fit and finish of body panels were great…but it had the aerodynamics of a brick. All the more surprising that the fuel economy was so good.
But… I was a convert…
Four and a half thumbs up...!
For a “Kleenex box on wheels” no less…
Kerry
