As the scurrying around getting last minute gifts,
sending cards, and sometimes firing up snowblowers has occupied the time of
many this holiday season, some St Louis residents are also wondering which
subcompact vehicle could be the right one to be idling under their tree! Both
the Kia Rio and Soul have been named 2019 Consumer Guide Automotive Best Buy
Award winners, once again demonstrating the brand's ability to construct vehicles
with high value. Tom Appel, Publisher of Consumer Guide Automotive, claimed
that the Kia Soul earned best buy honors primarily for its excellent passenger
and cargo accommodations, and its value pricing.
He also claimed that the Kia Rio earned Best Buy honors
for its excellent value and amazing refinement for the price. He also added
confidently that the “Rio is one of the best-riding and quietest vehicles in
its class,” a very noticeable quality for anyone who logs a more-than-average
amount of miles on their vehicle. Consumer Guide editors log more
than 100,000 miles every year evaluating vehicles, and use objective criteria
such as price, features, performance, accommodations, fuel economy, reliability
records, and resale value during their assessments.
Decked out with what Car and Driver deemed
as “purposeful polish,” the Rio is best-equipped with the Launch Edition
Package: it adds flashy red accents to the seats and dashboard, where a large
7.0-inch touchscreen is located in the center stack. The EX model is the trim
with which you receive emergency braking, a life-saving and high-tech safety
feature found on only a select few subcompacts. The Rio nailed down an
impressive 39 mpg in the 75 mph fuel economy test, just one reason why so many
urban commuters will find instant favor with it. Ask us to check out the
mid-level Rio S: it offers a backup camera, keyless entry, cruise control, and
Bluetooth!
The 2019 Kia Soul is just what anyone would think
of when “expressive styling” comes to mind, and the high-tech features included
are another abundance of appeal. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, automated
emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and LED interior lighting that
pulses along with your music selection are all fine points. Its body provides a
spacious passenger compartment, with a large amount of glass and a high seating
position offering a situated and commanding view of the road. The Car and
Driver staff really appreciated the power gleaned from the turbocharged
engine, quick-shifting seven-speed automatic, and overall sense of refined
ride. In a 200-mile highway fuel economy test, the Soul rang in at 30 mpg.
Ranked wonderfully for its interior, infotainment, and cargo, this is one
present that would look more-than-perfect under the mistletoe, pine tree, or
any other festive fixture this holiday season!
