Kia had its work cut out for the 2012 Soul, and so it enters this model year with a mid-cycle freshening and a more refined powertrain. The vast majority of drivers are very satisfied with their Soul, but better fuel economy and power became the top desires after Kia successfully resolved the road noise and harsh ride with its 2011 modifications. Kia answered those calls by offering no less than 13 more horses and as much as 34 highway mpg out of an additional gear and a few engine tweaks.

Instead of 122 horses and a 5-speed stick, the baseline 1.6-liter 4-cylinder now puts out 135 horses and uses a 6-speed in hopes of improving driver concerns over the Soul's get-up-and-go, while sweetening the deal with about 3 more miles out of every gallon. The optional 2-liter also gains 3 mpg over last year, thanks to a new 6-speed manual or automatic instead of last year's 5-speed options. The 2-liter, however, comes with a slightly larger power bump than the 1.6's, up to 160 hp over the 142 hp offered previously. Although torque increases are not published, current drivers are thrilled with the Soul's newfound pep.

The 2012 Soul was also smoothed over with revised hood and bumpers for a more streamlined look. New projector headlights and LED daytime running lights add a friendly character to the front fascia, and Kia's color stylings of Canyon and Moss complete the 2012 Soul's new outsider perspective.

Drivers looking for some factory-installed soul will finally find it inside the cabin of the more premium 2012 Soul trims. The new optional Infinity premium stereo at long last offers more swagger and, at best, 6 speakers with a CD/MP3 player and all the connectivity trimmings. Most of the trimmings are standard in the Base, which has 4 speakers instead, and that's a great deal for the asking price - but a strange hatchback wagon crossbreed named the Soul has got to have some, and no amount of money could get a good factory stereo before the 2012.

Kia has also promised to continue offering special-edition Souls for 2012. Thus far only the Base, + and ! trims have made it to dealer lots, so drivers hoping for the more composed Sport could be in luck with a bit of patience. The Sport really only adds a few cosmetic traits and the expected suspension tweaks over the ! in any case (and no, you never do get used to writing that).

Every 2012 Soul features the expected amenities, like a 60/40 split-folding rear seat and full power accessories, but the lack of a telescoping steering wheel could be a problem for taller drivers. Some have also noted that the Soul is not especially well-suited to the "big" crowd either, because of the way the seats are formed, so those over 5'11" with some sweet curves of their own should tentatively test the Soul for personal comfort before deciding.

Safety could be better, but 4-wheel antilock disc brakes with brake assist, active front head restraints, stability control, traction control, front side airbags and side curtain airbags are all standard - and with features like heated outside mirrors, alloy wheels and keyless entry standard on the upper tiers, the Soul is sure to go far with its super low sticker.