The hamsters will have a faster ride in 2017 as Kia drops a 1.6-liter turbo engine in the top trim Exclaim model.

2017 Kia Soul Exclaim turbo front 3/4 view

2017 Kia Soul Exclaim

Kia's "Hamstar" hamsters may have been the epitome of urban cool, but their hip ride, while sporty, wasn't all that fast. But all that will change when, starting with the 2017 model year, Kia drops a turbo in the Soul Exclaim model.

2017 Kia Soul Exclaim 1.6-liter GDI turbo

Shared with Hyundai's Veloster Turbo and Elantra Sport, it's a 1.6-liter direct injection turbo that generates 201 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and a maximum 195 lb.-ft. of torque between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm. In the Soul, the engine is mated to a 7-speed dual clutch manumatic transmission. Unlike the Veloster or the Elantra, however, it appears that no manual transmission will be offered.

2017 Kia Soul Exclaim turbo front seat detail

"We wanted to provide loyal Soul lovers and new buyers a sportier option," said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product planning KMA. "The 2017 Soul Exclaim with its turbocharged engine gives the car's fans another wonderful choice from an already wonderful line-up."

2017 Kia Soul Exclaim turbo interior shown with optional panoramic sunroof

For those with at least a passing interest in fuel economy, there's more good news: despite the additional 40 horsepower over last year's normally aspirated 2.0-liter four (maximum torque is down by 5 lb.-ft., although it happens between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm in the turbo versus peaking at 4,700 rpm with the 2.0-liter engine), the Soul turbo's fuel economy numbers sit at an EPA-estimated26/31/28 city/highway/combined mpg. That's actually an improvement over both the entry-level base model's 1.6-liter engine with an EPA-estimated 25/30/27 city/highway/combined mpg and the mid-level Plus model's 2.0-liter engine with the same EPA-estimated 25/30/27 city/highway/combined mpg.

2017 Kia Soul Exclaim turbo interior shown with optional 8-inch touchscreen and navigation

2017 Kia Soul Exclaim equipment

Outside, the 2017 Soul turbo differentiates itself from its normally aspirated brethren with model-specific 18-inch alloy wheels, a chrome grille surround, red accent trim, a unique tailgate badge and dual chrome exhaust tips.

2017 Kia Soul Exclaim turbo 18-inch alloy wheel detail

Inside, Kia Soul turbo buyers will find a D-shaped, leather-wrapped steering wheel, smart key with pushbutton start and Kia's UVO3 infotainment system with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability. Options on the 2017 Exclaim model include HID headlamps, LED positioning lights and taillights, panoramic sunroof, a Harman Kardon audio system with an 8-inch touchscreen and navigation, LED interior lighting and speaker lights as well as a number of safety features including rear cross traffic alert and blind spot detection.

2017 Kia Soul Exclaim turbo rear 3/4 view

2017 Kia Soul prices

2017 Kia Soul pricing is as follows:

Soul Base, 6-speed manual: $16,840
Soul Base, 6-speed automatic: $18,400
Convenience Package: $500 (automatic only)

Soul Plus, 6-speed automatic: $20,500
Audio Package: $2,000
Designer Package: $400
Primo Package: $4,000
UVO Package: $1,000

Soul Exclaim, 7-speed DCT automatic: $23,500
Panoramic Sunroof Package: $1,000
Technology Package: $3,000

Manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRPs) include an $850 destination charge

2017 Kia Soul Exclaim turbo hatch badge