I've noticed that while less powerful vehicles have the potential to deliver better fuel economy, many drivers, including myself, don't realize those gains. Reason is, we tend to drive at a reasonable pace. While a 3.0L V6, for example, takes no effort to go from a stop to 45 mph at a decent acceleration, a little four-banger like in the Soul really struggles. Hence, less efficiency.

I personally don't see any benefit in owning a low-powered four-cylinder, at least with my driving habits.

My niece has had one of these for six months and quite likes it. Has the 2 litre and automatic.

However, she is only getting about 23 mpg around town, which is the same as my Subaru Legacy GT. Her old Toyota Echo got 50 % better mileage (600 klicks for 40 litres, versus 400).

So, after having read a few complaints about the Soul’s mileage on other forums, it does seem true — this thing is a gas hog for the performance it doesn’t deliver!