Kia's Top-Selling Urban Passenger Vehicle Returns with Style,Performance, Comfort and Value

• Gasoline direct injection (GDI)engine mated to six-speed automatic transmission helps Soul achieve spirited performance while maintaining impressive fuel economy
• New-for-2013 exterior accents and interior upgrades build on Soul's already solid appeal

IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 14, 2012 - The vehicle that helped usher in Kia Motors America's (KMA) complete design-led transformation and one of the brand's best-selling vehicles, the 2013 Kia Soul urban passenger vehicle returns to the lineupwith its refreshingly unique style, fun-to-drive performance and myriad standard comfort and convenience features. Refreshed in 2012 with technology, powertrain and design enhancements, Soul bringsspirited performance and impressive fuel efficiency of up to 30 miles per gallon (mpg) on the highway¹ to its segment. A consumer and critical favorite since hitting the scene in 2009, Soul has garnered many prestigious awards, including being named to MSN Autos' 2012 "10 Great Cars for Less Than $20,000." It was also recognized by NADAguides as one of the "Most Versatile 2012 New Cars Under $20K" and by Consumers Digest as a 2012 "Best Buy."

For 2013, Soul continues to offer three trim levels – Soul, Soul + and Soul ! – and builds upon its successful formula of out-of-the-box styling, performance and value by adding a number of features to further increase its appeal, including darkened chrome surrounding the grille for an upscale appearance, upgraded leather on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, standard Bluetooth^® wireless technology² with steering wheel-mounted controls, standard steering wheel-mounted audio controls, power-folding side mirrors (exclaim) and standard cruise control (plus M/T). Also new for 2013, consumers will benefit from Kia's Idle Stop and Go (ISG) technology as part of the Eco Package (production summer 2012). The 2013 Soul remains a class-leading value³ with the lowest price of its competitive set starting at $14,400 MSRP⁴ while the Soul A/T starts at $16,200.

Edgy and Confident Exterior
Lauded for its standout design, the versatile five-door's low, wide stance is complemented by an angled window line and rounded nose with a beltline that rises from the front wheel arch to create a gentle wedge shape. Updated in 2012, the Soul received subtle changes in exterior styling to project a wider stance and a more modern appeal. The base trim offers numerous standard convenience features, including a chrome-accented grille (darkened on all trims for a contemporary look), clear lens auto-off headlamps, body color door handles and side mirrors, black body-side molding, rear wiper/washer, variable intermittent windshield wipers, front and rear disc brakes and 15-inch steel wheels fitted with P195/65R15 tires.

Upgrading to the Soul +, with its 2.0-liter engine, adds keyless remote entry with flip key, privacy glass on the hatch and rear side windows, body-color door handles and dual body-color power side mirrors with integrated turn signals, along with 16-inch alloy wheels with P205/55R16 tires. Soul + also comes with optional front fog lamps and a power sunroof.

The Soul ! (exclaim) is easily distinguishable from the other models with exclusive LED projector headlamps with front LED accents, fog lights and LED taillights complemented by stunning 18-inch alloy wheelspaired with P235/45R18 tires. The top-of-the-line trim also adds a standard power sunroof, body-colored bumper, unique body-color front and rear fascias, heated outside mirrors and for 2013, standard power-folding side mirrors for additional convenience.

Adding to the distinctiveness of Soul, buyers can choose from a wide palate of exotic exterior paint colors, including: Moss, Dune and Clear White; metallic tones of Shadow, Titanium and Bright Silver; red-hot Molten; and Alien green.

Spacious, State-of-the-Art Interior
Inside, Soul's high-tech, futuristic cabin features a well-equipped blend of technology features at a tremendous overall value. Soul's cabin was designed to offer occupants the perfect personal lounge on wheels. The spacious cabin offersa roomy 40.2/39.6 inches of headroom (front/rear), shoulder room of 55.2/55.1 inches, 42.1/39.0 inches of legroom and a passenger volume of 102.3 cubic feet. With 14 storage zones optimized for storing all that life has to offer, the Soul is perfect for weekend getaways or quick trips to the beach.

Soul's interior design is decidedly influenced by the car's highly specified audio system. An uncluttered dashboard with a three-dial instrument cluster, LCD illumination and floating center stack design is the key visual feature and offers instant access to the AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted with SiriusXM Satellite Radio and three months complimentary service⁵. Bluetooth^® wireless technology with steering wheel-mounted controls and steering wheel-mounted audio controls are standard across all trims, as are USB and auxiliary input jacks found in the center console with full iPod^®6 and MP3 controllability via the audio head unit and steering wheel-mounted controls achieved with an Apple iPod cable⁶.

Additional standard interior features that make the Soul stand out from the crowd include air conditioning, power door locks, illuminated window switches, power windows with driver's side auto-down, telescoping steering column, in-radio external temperature display and digital clock, an upper storage bin, dual-level glove box, 12-volt power outlet, rear window defroster, cargo area light and a dome light with delay out. Soul is stylishly appointed with black cloth seats, adding to its comfortable interior. A 60/40 split-folding rear seat with height-adjustable headrests offers multiple seating and cargo arrangements depending on driver and passenger needs.

Soul + with manual transmission offers additional standard features, including a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, dual front 12-volt power outlets with single power outlet in the cargo area, and tweeter speakers, all enhancing creature comforts on the road. Standard on the Soul + is a covered upper storage bin, dual visor vanity mirrors with covers and dual map lights, while black cloth seats are adorned with Soul logo inserts. An optional Audio Upgrade Package also is available for Soul + featuring UVO powered by Microsoft^®7 technology with a 350-watt seven-speaker Infinity^®8 audio system that enhances the sound with acenter speaker, subwoofer, external amplifier and speaker lights in a rainbow of colors that pulse to the beat of the music or add mood lighting. A rear camera display⁹ and auto on/off headlamps also are part of the audio upgrade package for enhanced visibility and convenience.

Advancing to the Soul ! adds carpeted floor mats, combined with sand-black cloth interior trim with houndstooth inserts for a distinguishing Soul style. The Soul ! also includes a standard Infinity audio system, UVO technology with HD Radio^®10 and a rear camera display¹¹.

For added upscale comforts, an available Premium Package on Soul ! includes Navigation with SiriusXM Traffic^™(in lieu of UVO system), heated front seats, leather seat trim, automatic climate control and push-button start with smart key.

More Power, Less Fuel
The 2013 Soul enhances the fun-to-drive factor with remarkable horsepower and fuel economy. A 1.6-liter GDI engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission produces 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque, and for those looking for a boost in power, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is available with either the six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The latter engine produces 164 horsepower and 148 pound-feet of torque, and is standard on Soul + and Soul ! models. Fuel economy for the 1.6-liter comes in at an impressive 25/30 mpg¹² (city/highway), while the 2.0-liter offers a fuel-sipping 24/29 mpg¹¹ for the manual and 23/28 mpg for the automatic transmission.

For 2013, Soul + models offer an Eco Package on the 2.0-liter engines with an automatic transmission, which includes ISG technologyand low-rolling-resistance tires for improved fuel economy, appealing to environmentallyconsciousconsumers.

Unique Platform/Chassis
Soul is different, right down to its platform. With its own unique style, Soul features front-wheel drive, a high roofline and a wide, distinctive stance. Built with a wheelbase of 100.4 inches, an overall length of 162.2 inches, an overall width of 70.3 inches and overall height of 63.4 inches, Soul offers a comfortable interior with roomy seating for up to five passengers. Constructed with more than 70-percent high-tensile-strength steel to enhance structural strength without adding a lot of weight, the Kia-engineered body achieves high torsional rigidity, benefiting handling, ride quality and refinement.

Soul has been outfitted with a number of measures to help improve noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) reduction qualities, including a thicker dash insulation panel, an A-pillar noise-absorber pad and an optimized exhaust silencer, a vibration-damper, a center floor anti-vibration pad, and vinyl sealing on door trim. All Soul + and Soul ! trims also receive an added sub-frame dynamic damper and a heavy engine support dynamic damper, which help reduce transfer of NVH into the cabin for a quieter, more refined ride.

Soul features a fully independent, sub-frame mounted front suspension system with MacPherson struts, coil springs, rear monotube gas shock absorbers and stabilizer bar, providing steering stability with responsive handling to offer passengers optimal comfort. At the rear, Soul's suspension is sub-frame mounted with a transverse torsion beam axle with trailing arms, coil springs and gas shock absorbers for a smooth ride and minimum intrusion into the cargo space.

Advanced Safety Features
All Soul models continue to offer a comprehensive list of safety features, including front seat active headrests, dual front advanced airbags, and 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), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) also are standard, as arefront and rear crumple zones, side-impact door beams, impact-absorbing steering column and Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH).

Industry-Leading Warranty
The 2013 Soul is covered by Kia's warranty program¹³, which offers consumer protection at an exceptional value. Included in this program are a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan also is part of the vehicle coverage.

Kia's Unprecedented Growth
Kia Motors is one of the world's fastest moving global automotive brands; from 2009-2011 Kia launched more new vehicles in the U.S. than any other automaker, and under the guidance of chief design officer Peter Schreyer earned a reputation as an industry leader in automotive styling. Kia Motors America's full line of fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive cars and CUVs has earned critical acclaim and dramatically increased consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand. In 2011, KMA recorded its 17th consecutive year of market share growth, thanks in part to the largest increase of any major brand in perceived quality¹⁴ and the industry's highest brand loyalty ranking¹⁵. Kia's U.S.-based manufacturing facility in West Point, Georgia – KMMG – is responsible for the creation of more than 10,000 plant and supplier jobs and builds two of the company's best-selling vehicles in the U.S. – the Sorento CUV and Optima midsize sedan. Kia's value and technology-laden lineup also includes the Sportage compact CUV, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Optima Hybrid, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio and Rio5-door sub-compacts and Sedona minivan.

About Kia Motors America
Kia Motors America 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 755 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner" of the NBA and LPGA. In 2011, KMA recorded its best-ever annual sales total and became one of the fastest growing car companies in the U.S.¹⁶ Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, advanced safety features and new technologies.

Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its website – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

^{*The Sorento and Optima GDI (EX Trims and certain LX Trims only) and GDI Turbo are built in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.
1 EPA estimated for highway mileage for 2013 Soul. EPA city estimated up to 25 mpg. Actual mileage will vary.
2 The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Kia is under license. Other trademarks and tradenames are those of their respective owners. A compatible Bluetooth® wireless technology enabled cell phone is required to use Bluetooth® wireless technology.
3 Claim based on comparison to 2012 competitors as of July 2012.
4 Starting price is manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for lowest trim level. MSRPs exclude $775 destination and handling fee, title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.
5 Sirius services require subscriptions, sold separately after 3-month trial included with vehicle purchase/lease. Subscriptions governed by SiriusXM Customer Agreement at siriusxm.com© 2011 SiriusXM Radio Inc. Sirius, XM and all related marks and logos are trademarks of SiriusXM Radio Inc.
6 Apple cable required for iPod® mobile digital device connectivity. For standard and UVO audio units, navigation system requires optional Kia accessory cable, sold separately. iPod® is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc.
7 Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
8 Infinity is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Incorporated.
9 The rear-view backup camera is not a substitute for proper and safe backing-up procedures. Always drive safely and use caution when backing up.
10 HD Radio™ and the HD, HD Radio, and "Arc" logos are proprietary trademarks of iBiquity Digital Corporation.
11 The rear camera display is not a substitute for proper and safe backing-up procedures. Always drive safely and use caution when backing up.
12 EPA fuel economy estimated for 2013 Soul. Actual mileage will vary.
13 All warranties are limited. See retailer for warranty details or go to kia.com.
14 Source: Automotive Lease Guide Spring 2011 Perceived Quality Study.
15 Source: Experian Automotive Q2 2011 market analysis.
16 Based on 5-year cumulative growth between 12-month retail sales for periods ending June 2007 and June 2012 of all U.S. automotive brands.}