The Kia Soul Plus provides a combination of safety, resale value and a low price that makes it an attractive choice for parents looking to give a new teen driver the right vehicle, according to personal finance website Kiplinger.
Kiplinger associate editor Jessica Anderson says the Soul Plus has a number of features that make it stand out from the crowd. A small sedan offers the right combination of handling, small passenger capacity, and a lack of the ability to “go zero to 60 in five seconds,” she writes.
Price point and ownership costs are also strong upsides to the Soul Plus, according to Anderson. With a sticker price of less than $16,000 and an average yearly car insurance cost well below $1,000, it’s significantly easier on the wallet than 
many other choices for a new driver, she says.
The Soul Plus is also a cheap car to repair, according to Anderson, particularly because of Kia’s standard warranty. The policy covers maintenance costs for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.
High performance is not a desirable quality in a teenager’s first car, but a certain level of horsepower is needed for responsive performance. Anderson characterizes the Soul Plus’ 142 hp as “adequate – but not excessive.”
Beyond simply choosing the right car, moms and dads have a responsibility to ensure their sons and daughters are adequately prepared for driving. In addition to the time-honored tradition of parental instruction, many driving schools offer effective courses which can help make teenagers into attentive and responsible motorist, and even – in some cases – provide the opportunity for discounts on car insurance.