The biggest surprise I found in my Kia Soul is the next generation four wheel disk anti-lock brakes. I had to make an emergency stop as I was being cut off and the stopping power was incredible. An accident was prevented by this Kia Soul. Sure performance and handling are important but so is stopping.
The bluetooth is very nice with the controls at your fingertips.
The only negative I have found is being pushed around by the wind due to the vehicle being shaped like a box. But to have the excellent headroom and storage this is the way it has to be.