You Say Goodbye, I Say Hello...

This week marked the passing of an icon in the Zahniser universe, namely Jim's 1998 Ford Escort. We were hoping it could hang on until spring, but it stopped going in reverse yesterday. Not a good sign.... needs a new transmission. It is currently awaiting a tow truck from the Purple Heart Car Donation charity.

Goodbye...

Because we had forseen the Escort's impending demise, we had been on the search for it's successor for a while now. Recall the Auto Show post, earlier this year? After test driving this vehicle a few weeks ago, we knew we were ready to make the decision when the time came. And the winner is..... the 2010 Kia Soul. We purchased the Soul Plus model in Alien Green with the audio upgrade package and remote start.

Hello...This gives you a better feel for the metalic paint color...

Exterior views...

Interior shots (the interior is black but the flash is making it look grey)...

Cargo area with rear seats folded...

Storage under cargo area floor...

For you car enthusiasts out there, here are the specs:
• 1,975 cc 2.0 liters in-line 4 front engine with 82.0 mm bore, 93.5 mm stroke, 10.1 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder Beta II
• Multi-point injection fuel system
• Power: 106 kW , 142 HP SAE @ 6,000 rpm; 137 ft lb , 186 Nm @ 4,600 rpm
• ABS
• Brake assist system
• Four disc brakes including two ventilated discs
• Electronic brake distribution
• Electronic traction control via ABS & engine management
• Spacesaver steel rim spare wheel
• Stability control
• Strut front suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs, torsion beam rear suspension rigid with coil springs
• External dimensions: overall length (inches): 161.6, overall width (inches): 70.3, overall height (inches): 63.4, wheelbase (inches): 100.4, front track (inches): 61.8, rear track (inches): 62.0 and curb to curb turning circle (feet): 34.4
• Complex surface lens halogen bulb headlights
• Metallic paint
• Weights: curb weight (lbs) 2,820
• 12v power outlet: front
• Audio system with satellite and CD player CD player reads MP3
• Cargo capacity: rear seat down (cu ft): 53.4 and all seats in place (cu ft): 19.3
• Delayed/fade courtesy lights
• Cruise control
• External temperature
• Driver front airbag with multi-stage deployment, passenger front airbag with occupant sensors and multi-stage deployment
• Bucket driver seat with height adjustment manual, bucket passenger seat
• Two height adjustable active head restraints on front seats, three height adjustable head restraints on rear seats
• Internal dimensions: front headroom (inches): 40.2, rear headroom (inches): 39.6, front hip room (inches): 53.3, rear hip room (inches): 52.7, front leg room (inches): 42.1, rear leg room (inches): 39.0, front shoulder room (inches): 55.2, rear shoulder room (inches): 55.1 and interior volume (cu ft): 83.0
• Low tire pressure indicator
• Remote power locks includes trunk/hatch
• Front power windows with one one-touch, rear power windows
• Front reading lights
• Three asymmetrical bench front facing rear seats
• Steering wheel mounted remote audio controls
• Front and rear side curtain airbag
• Seating: five seats
• Front side airbag
• Six speaker(s)
• Tachometer
• Driver and passenger vanity mirror
• Voice activating system includes phone
• Compact Disc MP3 Capable
• Satellite Radio
• Compact Disc Player
• Blue Tooth Compatible
• Power Locks
• Cruise Control
• Power Outlet(s)
• Power Windows
• Keyless Entry

• Remote Start

• Privacy Glass
• Folding Rear Seat
• Driver Air Bag
• Rear Window Defroster
• Side Air Bag(s)
• Passenger Air Bag