The new Soul is a boxy, urban-hip, compact wagon that has a tall roofline that both maximizes cabin space and allows for a higher seating position. Back seat room is generous, and a rear seatback that folds flat creates a particularly large and square cargo area. The base model comes with a just-adequate 122-hp, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, but a livelier 142-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder powerplant is included elsewhere. A five-speed manual transmission comes standard, but it's a sloppy shifter; we prefer the available four-speed automatic. The Soul handles adequately through the curves and over uneven surfaces. A Sport model adds a tauter suspension and other upgrades, but it rides considerably rougher as a trade-off for the only nominally improved cornering. Although the Soul is aimed at youthful buyers, it ultimately should appeal to a wider range of owners who appreciate its winning combination of value (provided one goes easy on the optional accessories), practicality and pizzazz.