Kia announced the MSRP for 2012 ModelYear Soul, and it starts at just $13,900. That makes it one of the most affordable new cars in the U.S. market.

The is the price for the base Soul. Same car with an automatic ‘box starts at $15,700. If you want the fully loaded Soul!, that will be $20,000. But then it comes with pretty much everything, including exclusive projector headlamps with front LED accents and LED taillights complemented by stunning new 18-inch alloy wheels, Kia’s UVO powered by Microsoft voice-activated infotainment system with a 4.3-inch color touch screen and rear camera display and an all-new 350-watt seven-speaker Infinity audio system.

Engine-wise, the funky Soul gets the new 2.0-liter engine with 164 horsepower, and the new 1.6-liter engine with 138 horsepower. Both these units are about 20 percent more powerful than before.

Options and equipments:

Available in three trims – Soul, Soul+ (plus) and Soul! – the 2012 Soul’s exterior design has been updated with subtle changes to the front and rear fascias to project a wider stance, while new headlamps, taillights, side mirrors and wheels project a more modern look.  All Soul models also are improved with redesigned and upgraded interiors, significantly better noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) reduction qualities, a more refined ride and many new standard features, including a tilt and telescoping steering column, Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC).