Kia Soul Named One of AAA's 'Top Vehicle Picks for Dog Owners'

IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2010 Kia Soul urban passenger vehicle recently was named to the "Top Vehicle Picks for Dog Owners" list by AAA, North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization.  The uniquely styled vehicle was selected as a good choice for transporting smaller and mid-size breeds, and recognized by AAA for its roomy interior, handling, fuel economy and variety of available accessories that offer ease and comfort for both dogs and owners.

"The versatile and uniquely styled Soul offers dog owners the complete package of style, value and numerous safety features that keep both drivers and their canine companions safe and comfortable on the road," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, KMA.  "We are happy that the Soul is able to offer owners a little extra piece of mind while they are transporting their dogs."

AAA Auto Buying's team of experts selected vehicles for a wide variety of factors including: crash test ratings, safety features, fuel economy, ease of animal ingress and egress, cargo size area, availability of tie-down hooks and easy-to-clean interiors.  The list includes vehicles aimed toward a variety of lifestyles, and all winning vehicles were selected for their ability to keep drivers, passengers and canine companions safe and comfortable while on the road.  Vehicles were selected in the following categories:  Luxury, Active Lifestyle, Kids, Dogs & Everything Else, Efficient and Fun, Green and Economical.

A 2009 and 2010 "Top Safety Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), Soul has a trophy case full of awards and accolades, including "Best Family Cars for 2010" by Edmunds.com and Parents Magazine, "Best Hatchback of 2010" by Cars.com, "2010 Top Cars for Families" by Motherproof.com, "Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000" and "Top 10 Back-to-School Cars" for 2010 from Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com.  Soul is available in four trims - Soul, Soul+, Soul! (exclaim) and Soul sport.  Pricing for the versatile five-door begins under $14,000(1).

Available in four trims, Soul, Soul+, Soul! (exclaim) and Soul sport, Kia Motors' funky five-door is a perfect embodiment of the brand's current design-led transformation with its unique design.  In addition to immense style and value, all four Soul models also offer consumers the same high level of standard safety equipment as all Kia vehicles, including front seat active headrests, dual front advanced airbags, front seat-mounted and full-length side curtain airbags, an Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist System (BAS) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).  Front and rear crumple zones, side-impact door beams, an impact-absorbing steering column and Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system also come standard.

Kia Motors America in 2010

Kia Motors is in the midst of a dramatic, design-led transformation, which has been delivering dynamically styled vehicles in several important segments at exactly the right time, contributing to the brand's continued gains in U.S. market share.  With three new vehicle introductions and several other key initiatives planned for 2010, Kia is poised to continue its momentum and build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and with new technology such as UVO powered by Microsoft®(2), an advanced hands-free in-car communication and entertainment system (expected to be available in select Kia models in the U.S. later this year).  

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 700 dealers throughout the United States. For 2009, KMA recorded its 15th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline "The Power to Surprise."

Kia Motors America is the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA." Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

(1) Starting MSRP for base Soul excludes $695 destination and handling fee, and title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.

(2) Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

SOURCE Kia Motors America