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2016 Kia Soul EV gets $2k-cheaper base model

With the 2016 Kia Soul EV arriving at dealers in Washington, Oregon, Texas, Georgia, and Hawaii, the company is set to tap a huge array of new customers. Perhaps recognizing that fact, the South Korean brand has added a new base trim that allegedly slashes the electric car's starting price by some $2,000. Joining the former entry-level Soul EV and top-of-the-line EV+, is the new EV-e. While it's considered the base model, it still offers push-button start and a special driver's-side-only ventilation function for the HVAC system, on top of standard front heated seats and a heated steering wheel. The charging system – two ports, one for Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging, and another for DC fast charging – and electric motor/battery pack remains unchanged on the new base trim. As for the rumored pricing figure, it comes from Kia World, which claims the new EV-e will ring up at just $31,950 before and state or federal incentives. As we said, that's some $2,000 less than the current starting price, if the report proves true. Kia is also addressing the customers at the top of the Soul EV range, adding a new Sun and Fun package for the EV+. The new package adds a panoramic sunroof and LED speaker lights that match to whatever music is playing through the six-speaker stereo. Both features have existed on the gas-powered Soul for some time, but are welcome additions to the electric hatchback. As we reported previously, sales of the Soul EV in Oregon, Washington, Texas, Georgia, and Hawaii should be underway as of this month. It's not clear, however, when the new entry level EV-e will arrive in dealers. Related Video: 2016 KIA SOUL EV OVERVIEW Kia Expands Eco-friendly and Affordable Soul EV Lineup for 2016 New 2016 Soul EV-e trim1 adds new value to the electric vehicle segment New Sun & Fun Package for Soul EV+ (plus) adds a host of premium amenities, including panoramic sunroof IRVINE, Calif., July 8, 2015 – The 2016 Soul EV marks the second year of Kia's first mass-market zero emissions, battery electric vehicle. For 2016, the Soul EV is offered in three trims – Soul EV-e, Soul EV, Soul EV+ (plus) – up from two in 2015. Offering a long list of standard equipment at a lower price point, the Soul EV-e brings new value for those looking for a fun and funky alternative in the EV segment. The Soul EV+ continues as the range-topping trim, and is further enhanced for 2016 with the addition of the Sun & Fun Package.

Predictable is good | 2017 Kia Sorento Quick Spin

It's been a while since we've tested the latest Kia Sorento, and we've never reviewed the V6 model. That's a shame. It's comfortable, drives well, and offers a lot of features. It's one of Kia's best-sellers, though sales have slipped as competitors roll out fresher models. Still, with consumers flocking to crossovers, the Sorento remains a critical vehicle for Kia. We spent a couple of days running around metro Detroit in the top trim SXL V6 model, which starts at $46,595. With optional Snow White Pearl paint ($395) our tester comes in at $46,990. It's loaded, with the 3.3-liter V6, all-wheel drive, 19-inch chrome alloy wheels, HID headlights, and LED fog and taillights. The interior has heated and vented seats, a heated leather steering wheel, Kia's UVO infotainment, satellite radio, and Infinity surround sound audio. Safety features include an auto emergency braking system, lane departure warning, surround view monitor, and rear traffic alert. Put simply, it's a really nice crossover. Here's our impressions. We were immediately impressed with the V6, which pumps out 290 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque. It offers strong, even acceleration. We took off from a stoplight, revved to 6,000 rpm, and shot past a line of traffic cued up to the left. The Sorento feels a little bit like a sleeper. It's strong on the expressway. We had no trouble merging or maneuvering through plodding traffic. Reaching cruising speeds of 75 or 80 miles per hour isn't a chore. We occasionally floored it to stretch things out and weren't disappointed. Response is very acceptable for this segment. We noticed the sound of the V6 is basic, and not sporty. Just six cylinders doing their thing. Teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission, the V6 was refreshing. So many crossovers come with turbo and/or naturally-aspirated four-cylinders (the Sorento offers both). But a competent engine moving us forward in a linear fashion is kind of nice. Traditional even. Yes, the industry is moving toward downsized displacement, and that's a smart tactic. But a turbocharged engine — they all have some degree of lag — is a strange dynamic for some consumers. Add in a dual-clutch or an eight- or nine-speed gearbox, and everyday vehicles can start to feel weird. Accelerate quickly in a turbo crossover with a non-enthusiast and they're not going to like it. The point: the traditional powertrain in the Sorento delivers. Once we're cruising, we noticed a little bit of road and wind noise.

5 new EVs that make driving fun

One of the things enthusiasts bellyache about the most is electrification. The noisiest complainers say that EVs will suck the fun out of driving and can’t possibly be as engaging as a roaring gas engine. ItÂ’s undoubtedly true that the noises EVs make are not always as visceral and thrilling, but itÂ’s also true that electrification has ushered in a new era of performance that gas vehicles simply cannot match. WeÂ’ve gathered a list of EVs that donÂ’t suck to drive. We all know by now about Tesla and its Plaid models, which absolutely set the quarter-mile ablaze with their amazing acceleration figures. The vehicles on this list don't come from Tesla. Nor does the list include some highly anticipated performance EVs that will soon hit the market, such as the new 2024 Porsche Macan. This selection may be a bit short on range compared to tamer models, but at the same time, itÂ’s hard to ignore their specs and even harder to ignore the sensation that a full-throttle electric powertrain delivers. LetÂ’s dive in to see five new EVs that make driving fun. Porsche Taycan PorscheÂ’s gas-powered vehicles are among the most exciting on the road, so itÂ’s not surprising to see the automakerÂ’s first electric effort as a home run. The Taycan is available in a staggering number of configurations, ranging from the 375-horsepower base model to the massively powerful Turbo S models with up to 750 horsepower in temporary boost mode. Classic Porsche styling and high-end tech round out the package, making the Taycan one of the most desirable EVs today. That said, the TaycanÂ’s almost $91,000 starting price puts it out of reach for a majority of car buyers, and the prices keep steadily rising along with the performance. It also trades range for performance, as the least powerful variant is the most efficient, returning 242 miles with the extended-range battery. The car can take advantage of fast charging, however, and can recover up to 80 percent of its battery capacity in just over 22 minutes.   Kia EV6 GT How about a Kia that can out-accelerate many supercars, especially from a few years ago? The EV6 GT comes with two electric motors with a combined 576 horsepower and 545 pound-feet of torque. Its 0-60 mph time lands at just 3.4 seconds, and the EV offers a top speed of 161 mph, making it one serious Korean EV. At the same time, it features the standout styling of the standard model, which gives it a striking curb presence and a futuristic look that is unique among EVs.