Soul rate?

At present my wife and I are sharing a 53 Honda Stream 2.0 auto (super gearbox) and a 04 FIAT panda Dualogic. We wish to reduce to one vehicle and are considering the new KIA Soul. The auto is a 4 speed diesel and I would appreciate your comments, especially does this car have a dual mass flywheel with the problems highlighted in this column. Any advantages with 18-inch rims? Is it a chain cam?

Asked on 16 May 2009 by

Answered by Honest John

Yes, chain cam. Video test of the Soul at: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road_tests/index.htm?id=373 . But, though I mention the automatic, I did not get to drive it. No problem with DMFs on this type of because torque is absorbed by the torque converter. The 18" wheels with low profile tyres do not totally ruin the ride, but obviously the ride is better with smaller wheels and more rubber between rims and road. Another contender is a Nissan Note 1.6 auto, tested at (though, again, I did not drive the automatic): www.honestjohn.co.uk/road_tests/index.htm?id=379 And, of course, the new Honda Jazz I-SHIFT, tested at: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road_tests/index.htm?id=347

Tags: belts and chains buying small family cars cam belts dual mass flywheel new cars

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