Always a pleasure, the Kia Soul is a favorite. We have three in the family, one 2020 just purchased. This car just keeps getting better and better. The extended wheelbase adds to a smoother, more even ride. The Soul is quieter, more than accommodating and a pleasure to motor around. In a very crowded field, the Soul easily stands out and has since its inception. The competition includes the likes of the Fiat 500x, Ford EcoSport, Nissan Kicks, Toyota C-HR, Hyundai Kona and Jeep Renegade. We can’t imagine the Soul’s styling ever getting old.

More defined for 2020, the Soul is a tad edgier with sharper light fixtures, a grille that stands out and bigger and brighter “boomerang” taillights. Our test Soul was the x-line model, making it seems a bit more ‘rugged.’ Added are plastic fenders, additional cladding up front, silver accents and trim-exclusive 18-inch wheels. Feeling a little off-road, the 2020 Soul x-line adds new trim, rather than anything functional. Although there has been talk of adding all-wheel-drive to the Soul’s lineup, it hasn’t happened yet.

Matching the Soul’s exterior changes are some inside the car, including a silver trim panel on the front door. Triangular air vents are up-to-date, and the cloth seats are attractive, sturdy and two-tone black and grey texture.

The standard engine produces 147 horsepower which seems adequate for a car of this size. One can opt for the turbocharged engine of the GT-Line. Horsepower is increased to 201 hp. And torque at 195 lb.ft. The 2020 Soul LX trim level offers optional 6-speed manual, the EX trim gives you 17-inch wheels and the GT-Line, and GT-Line Turbo have the 18-inch wheels.

The standard engine in the 2020 Kia Soul provides 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, while the available turbocharged engine of the GT-Line adds some desired omph. Turbo trim increases horsepower to 201 and torque to 195 lb-ft.  The 2020 Soul LX trim has the option of a 6-Speed manual transmission or an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) while all the other trim levels equipped with the standard 2.0L Inline 4-Cylinder engine work solely with the IVT.  The turbocharged engine option pairs with a 7-Speed Dual Clutch transmission for optimal fuel economy specs.

All trim levels of the 2020 Kia Soul have auto on/ off headlights and the top trim level gets loaded with LED headlights, LED taillights, LED positioning lights, and the EX and GT-Line Turbo trims have heated outside mirrors as well.  The LX and S trim levels have 16” wheels while the EX trim level has 17” wheels and the GT-Line, X-Line, and GT-Line Turbo have trim specific 18” wheels.

The interior has been somewhat updated and provides a 7-inch color touchscreen display (10.25 inch in top two trim levels). All offer Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth connectivity; the GT-Line Turbo trim adds Harman Kardon audio with subwoofer.  Wireless charging capability is offered on the GT-Line Turbo and EX trim, as well as automatic climate control, smart key with pushbutton start/stop and dual level cargo board for added cargo space.

As expected in today’s automobiles, safety equipment abounds, including dual front advanced airbags and seat-mounted side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, ABS with Brake Assist, Traction Control, Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, hill-start assist and tire-pressure monitoring. Auto on/of headlights are always helpful, a roof rack is standard for tose needing extra cargo carrying options. Power windows, A/C, AM/FM/MP3 , remote keyless entry, cruise, tilt/telescopic steering column and center console all standard.

Our test Kia came equipped with the X-Line package which includes Blind Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Warning, Lane Change Assist, X-Line Exterior Body Cladding, Front Fog Lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, Roof Trim and leather wrapped steering wheel/shift knob, at no charge.

One can’t miss with this little gem of a Kia product. From it’s distinctive styling, to pricing, to clever and comical advertising since 2010, the Soul is our favorite pick of all the available hatch’s on the market today.

SPECS

MSRP: $21,490; total vehicle price $22,615 X-line features included

Engine: 4-cylinder, 16-valve, 2.0-liter, multi-point fuel injection, 118 lb. ft. torque, 130 hp

Transmission: 6-speed automatic,CVT, FWD

Wheelbase: 101.2 in.

Height: 63.5 in.

Width: 70.9 in.

Length: 163 in.

Tires: 235.45/r18

Wheels: 16-inch Steel wheels (standard)

Weight: 2,942 lbs.

Tank Capacity: 14.2 gal.

Warranty: 5 yr/60,000-mile limited basic warranty; 5 yr/60,000-mile Roadside Assistance, 10 yr/100,000-miles limited powertrain

Trim levels: 1.6-L, 6 M/T ($16,490); 1.6L, 6 A/T (18,190); 2.0L+6 A/T ($20,490); 1.6T! 7 DCT ($22.990); EV ($33,950); EV+ ($35,950);

There seem to be plenty of hatchbacks on the road these days; always a handy combination of pizzazz, spunk and space.

Included are the likes of Chevy Sonic, Chevy Cruze Hatch, Ford Focus, VW Golf GTI (a favorite), Hyundai Veloster, Kia Forte5, Buick Regal Sportback, Audi A3 Sportback 3-tron, Honda Fit, and BMW3, to name a few. Pricing varies as does the image one wants to portray. Our hatchback from the fleet was the 2019 Mazda3, with the Premium Package in the Polymetal Gray Mica with red interior. A different kind of gray, the Polymetal stands out, making its own statement rather than blending in with today’s popular gray and silver paints.

For the most part, we enjoyed driving the Mazda3 hatchback, except when first attempting to go somewhere. We found it necessary to pull out the manual to figure out how to undo the automatic parking brake: Start car…buckle seatbelt…put car in gear and tap accelerator. Doesn’t seem that hard, but it was frustrating. Not all vehicles today automatically throw on the parking brake. The need for it, we’re not just sure, unless you’re parking on a hill.

The other irritating feature was the sound system, operated from the center console (Multi-functional Commander Control), much like Lexus’ system. There were two preset stations (one religious, the other Far Right talk radio: neither one to our liking) we couldn’t get beyond. Never did I figure out how to find other available stations, how to set them or even find something else to listen to. I’m sure it’s much simpler than assumed, but I lost the patience needed, apparently, to get it right.

Somewhat modest, yet comfortable, the Mazda3 interior is small, but accommodating for 4-5. Not much legroom between the rear seats and the front seats for long-legged passengers. The remaining cargo space, with rear seats up, is limited. Nothing about the dash or interior of the Mazda3 stands out. Simple and functional, but nothing worth noting. Standard equipment is as usual including A/C, alloy wheels, AM/FM/Radio Bose (12 speakers), automatic headlights, cargo area light, cruise, daytime running lights, driver/front passenger climate controls, electric steering, interval wipers (we liked this), leather steering wheels, power adjustable exterior mirror, power door locks, power windows, rear window defogger, rear wiper, remote lock, speed sensing locks, steering mounted controls, telescoping steering tilt steering and tire inflation/pressure monitor. Front seats were heated, and sound system includes the Bose 12-speaker and 8.8 inch color display screen.

Options on our test Mazda3 hatchback included cargo mat ($90), floor mats, all-weather ($125), illuminated door sill trim plates ($425), frameless auto-dim mirror ($275), navigation so card ($450), and the Premium Package, including Active Driving Display (windshield), Adaptive front Lighting System, leather seats, black finish alloy wheels, front LED signature illumination, Rear LED Signature Illumination, Power sliding glass moonroof, and paddle shifters. Safety features include anti-theft engine immobilizer, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, rearview backup mirror, advanced smart city brake support. Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control, Driver Attention Alert, ABS w/brake assist, front-side impact airbags, Advanced Dual front airbags, side impact and front/rear airbags, along with Lane Departure Warning System and Lane Keep Assist. We had to get used to the Smart Brake Support which let us know with a chime that both brake pedal and accelerator pedal were being applied simultaneously.

Mazda suffered an unexpected fall in sales of its core Mazda3 compact sedans and hatchback. Due to a remodel of their cars and revamped engines aiming to compete with premium European brands like BMW. However, the price increases that accompanied the changes backfired as U.S. drivers continue to prefer SUV’s and larger vehicles.

The Mazda3 is a fun car to drive and agile around turns. Rated by Popular Mechanics to be one of the best Hatch’s on the road, the Mazda hatch’s 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with 186 horse is spunky and enough for the size and weight of the hatchback. Don’t expect to be overpowered. It’s peppy and might be able to compete with the VW GTI. What you will get though, is the Mazda promise of traditional “fun,” even if the price tag is a tad higher than choices like Kia Soul, Chevy Sonic, etc.

SPECS

MSRP: $28,900; total vehicle price $31,460, delivery $920, total $31,460, 5 seats

Engine: 2.5-liter, DOHC 4-cylinder, 186 hp, 186 lb. ft. torque.

Transmission: 6-speed automatic, FWD

Tires: 215/45/R18

Wheels: 18-inch alloy

EPA Fuel Economy: 24/32 mpg., up to 26/35

EPA fuel tank capacity: 13.2 gal.

Wheelbase:107.3 in.

Height: 56.70 in.

Width: 70.70 in.

Length: 175.60 in.

Weight: 3,082 lbs.

Cargo volume: 20, 1 cu.ft.

Trimlevels: AT4-door, SKYACTIV ($21,000), Select AT4-dr. SKYACTIV ($22,600), Select AT 4-Door SKYACTIV AWD ($24,000), Preferred AT 4-Door, SKYACTIV ($24,200),2.5 AT 5-Door SKYACTIV AWD ($25,000), Preferred 2.5 AT 5-Door SKYACTIV ($25,200), Preferred AT 4-Door SKYACTIVE AWD ($25,600), Premium AT 4-Door SKYACTIV ($26,500), Preferred 2.5 AT 5-Door SKYACTIV AWD ($26,600), Premium AT 5-Door, SKYACTIV ($27,500), Premium MT 5-Door SKYACTIV ($27,500), Premium AT 4-Door SKYACTIV AWD ($27,900), Premium 2.5 AT 5-Door SKYACTIV AWD ($28,900).

Warranty: 60 mth/60,000-mile powertrain, 36 mth/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper, 24-hour roadside assisstance

The Driving Range….Dani Ben-Ari

Bradley Cooper’s ex, Russian supermodel Irina Shayk certainly got motors racing  when she showed up for the ABB FIA Formula E season finale at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in Red Hook Sunday July 14^th. In fact, drivers and fans alike found her electrifying as she posed along side several drivers, as well as Formula E Founder and Chief Executive Officer Alejandro Agag after the pair took a spin together in a BMW i8 safety car.

“Driving the car with Alejandro was so exciting. It’s amazing to see how far Formula E has come in the 4 years since I was at the race in Los Angeles. The positive message Formula E brings regarding sustainability and renewable energy is commendable and I’m honored to be here for the final race of the season,” commented Irina .

While Shayk cheered on Nissan e-dams’ driver Sebatien Buemi, who won the first half of the double-header event on Saturday, and Robin Frijins of Envision Virgin Racing who captured the checkered flag on Sunday, neither driver was able to prevent last year’s Formula E champion Jean-Eric Vergne of the TECHEETAH team from taking his the championship title in the ABBA Formula Series for the second consecutive year. Vergne won the series thanks to the sport’s complicated points system.

Keeping Score

In addition to using the standard FIA 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1, three points are awarded to the driver who captures the pole position. Meanwhile the driver who sets the fastest lap (provided they finish in the top ten) receives another point. A driver’s end of season total comprised his best results.

Meanwhile, each of the 11 competing teams’ total is calculated by combining the scores for their two drivers throughout the season. As the this year’s finale, five teams still had a shot at winning the season’s two-day finale set on a temporary track along Brooklyn’s waterfront Races are run on temporary tracks from 1.2-2.1 miles long set up in cities around the world beginning the season at the Ad Diriyah Grand E-Prix in Saudi Arabia and continuing on in Santiago, Chile; Mexico City; Hong Kong; Rome; Seoul, Paris, Berlin, London; Los Angeles; and New York. An additional site is set to be announced for China for the 2019-2020 calendar year.

Each event commences with two practice sessions in the morning, an opening 45-minute session followed by a further 30-minute session. Qualifying sessions (lasting a total of one hour) are held later in the day. During that time, the racers are split into four groups of five or six, with each group having six minutes to set their best lap. Full power of 250 kW is available throughout. Since the second season, the six fastest drivers then go out again, one-by-one, in the Super Pole shoot-out to determine the top six grid positions.

Note: Founded in 2011, Formula E, is the first major battery-electric motor sports series. Formula E is similar to Formula 1. However, while E–race cars may appear to look like their Formula 1 counterparts they do not have their speed or endurance. Each team designs and builds its own drivetrain all Formula E cars which are now powered by an 800 lb electric battery capable of going from 0-60 in 2.6 seconds, but only have a top speed of 175 mph. Races, themselves, last only 45 minutes plus one lap.

Dani Ben-Ari

Twenty-two year-old Sprint Car racer McKenna Haase recently switched lanes competing on America Ninja Warrior during city tryouts in Tacoma, Washington in May (seen on TV June 24). Although she had been training as a Ninja for more than two years, the rookie was only able to make it to the third obstacle before crashing into the water.

“All of a sudden, I was trying to hit the mat and I just had a bad dismount. It was really, really upsetting because it’s something if I had just taken my time, I could have easily done it,” Haase said during an after event interview.

In fact, Mckenna’s family nickname is “Monkey” due to her incessant love for climbing on rocks, jungle gyms and other daredevil stunts, according to relatives.

While making it through the course and hitting the buzzer would have been a dream come true, Haase stated that one of the main reasons she decided to become a Ninja Warrior was to improve her driving skills on the track, by helping her develop full body strength. In turn, she feels that her training as a driver also helped prepare her for the physical and mental rigors of the games. Not only does driving race cars at top speeds require a lot of upper body, as well as core and neck strength to steer the cars, it also involves a great deal of cardio exercise to keep them under control.

Keeping things under control on the trace track is something McKenna Hasse has been learning to do well, ever since a chance encounter with Kasey Kahne at a shopping mall inspired her to begin racing on the dirt and then Go-Karting st the age of 13. Today the Des Moines, Iowa native is now a 360 division racer, who also operates her own team, Team Haase Racing (THR) LLC , as well as runs Compass Racing Development LLC mentoring kids on how to become race car drivers, managing safety gear, and how to obtain sponsors.

Her own sponsors presently encompass a wide variety of businesses including: MidAmerican Energy, Wyckoff Heating & Cooling, Wreckamended Collision Center, Iowa Select Farms, Casey’s General Stores, Hooker Harness, Larry Huff, Klug Insurance Services, Eagle Motorsports Inc, Pro-Line Building Co., Bell Helmets, Nice Curbs & Concrete, Lamo Footwear, My Race Pass, Champion Signs, Trixies Salon, Drain Tech Plumbing, Des Moines Industrial Products, Tom and Terry Wilson, MPI Steering, Essentia Water, Bubbl’r Water, Auto-Jet Muffler Corporation, Vinyl Cup Records, Shade Tree Auto, Gabus Automotive Group, Delta Dental of Iowa, K&C Drywall, and Lutheran Church of Hope.

While becoming the first and only female feature winner at Knoxville Raceway in over 100 years (2 times) is currently the highlight of McKenna’s racing career to date, other 360 Sprint achievements over the past seversal years include: 2 Sprint Invaders trophy dash wins; Breaking the Knoxville 18-lap track record ; Becoming Knoxville Nationals B-Main Qualifier, and being named Junior Fan Club Driver of the Year. Before that she won 3 heat wins as a 2017 Rookie; 1 quick time w/ASCS National Tour Knoxville Nationals B-Main Qualifier; Junior Fan Club Driver of the Year (3 years in a row) in 2017-2018. In 2016 McKenna earned 1 quick time; as well as 6 podiums; 10 top fives; 13 top tens and 4 heat wins in 305 Sprints at Knoxville Raceway.

Note: While McKenna is the first female race car driver to compete on America Ninja Warrior, she is not the first to NASCAR driver to try and race for the buzzer. Previous contestants during past seasons have included Ryan Blaney, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Ben Kennedy, while Indy drivers have included Helio Castroneves, Scott Dixon, Tony Kanaan, Conor Daly and Josef Newgarden. Meanwhile, it should be mentioned that American Ninja Warrior co- hosts Matt Iseman and Akbar Gbajabiamila acted as joint-grand marshals of this year’s 103^rd  Indianapolis 500.

JR Motorsports has announced the passing of Earnhardt family matriarch Brenda Jackson at the age of 65, on April 22, 2019, following a hard fought battle with cancer.

Brenda was literally born into racing as the daughter of legendary NASCAR fabricator Robert Gee, who constructed winning cars for many celebrated drivers, including Dale Earnhardt, who she married in 1972. The pair had two children, Dale Jr., and Kelley, before splitting up over the pressure of his trying to establish his professional career.

After a house fire destroyed their home, Brenda took the kids back to her home state of Virginia to live with her father and begin a new life. She eventually married Norfolk firefighter Willie Jackson, in 1985. The family then moved back to North Carolina when Willie retired in 2004, and Brenda soon began working with Kelley and Dale Jr. at JR Motorsports as an accounting specialist,  for the next 15 years.

According to a company spokesman, “Jackson became an ‘instant favorite to her friends and colleagues at JR Motorsports, and her sarcastic musings and straightforward approach injected a brand of humor at became part of its fabric as it grew into a full-time NASCAR racing operation in 2006 and a championship-winning team in 2014.”

“I am a very, very lucky woman, as I get to interact with my kids almost every day,” she commented in 2018. “I’ve got two bright, beautiful kids that I am very proud of. Kelley’s standards are very high. She conducts herself that way and she expects that of everyone else. Dale Jr. just gets bigger and bigger. I am very proud of his accomplishments, but as a mother I am proudest of the way he handles himself with honesty and the way he cares about his family and his friends.”

She was also a staunch supporter of her son’s decision to retire from full-time racing due to his own health struggles caused by multiple concussions, and devoted much of her energy working with The Dale Jr. Foundation and other charitable efforts.

In addition to her children Dale Earnhardt Jr. (wife Amy), Kelley Earnhardt Miller (husband L.W.), Brenda Jackson is survived by her husband of 33 years, William M. Jackson Jr., step-daughter Meredith Davis (husband Jonathan); her grandchildren Karsyn Elledge (18), Kennedy Elledge (13), Wyatt Miller (7), Callahan Davis (16), Claudia Davis (13), and Isla Rose Earnhardt (11 months); her brothers Robert Gee (wife Beverly) and Jimmy Gee; as well as her much loved Pekingese dog, Scully.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Piedmont Animal Rescue or Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell.