New Kia Soul on sale from £12,600 08 | 04 | 2014
KIA DEALERS IN SCOTLAND have begun sales of the new second generation Soul. Sharing its underpinnings with the Cee'd hatchback, the new compact crossover starts at £12,600.
Boasting styling cues which are heavily drawn from the Track'ster concept car, the new Soul is longer, lower and wider than the old model. The result — according to Kia — is improved practicality. That's noticeable in the storage department: the Soul swallows 354 litres of luggage in the boot space, and can be increased to 1367 litres by folding the rear seats down.
Two powerplants are available in the new Soul. There's a choice of a 130bhp 1.6-litre direct-injection petrol, which delivers 41.5mpg at the pumps and emits 158g/km of CO2; or the 126bhp 1.6 turbodiesel, which starts at £14,800 and is good for 56.5mpg and 132g/km CO2.
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Both are pretty even in repletion to performance. While the petrol covers the 0-62mph sprint in 10.6secs and has manages a top speed of 115mph, the diesel is capable of 10.8s and 112mph respectively. The pace drops slightly further with the optional 6spd auto gearbox in the diesel: 11.8secs and 110mph.
Buyers can choose from five trim levels: Start, Connect, Connect Plus, Mixx and Maxx. Even the entry-level model is well-specced, with keyless entry, variable power steering, painted bumpers, air conditioning, USB, DAB radio, and auxiliary audio connections all standard.
Step up to the Connect, and you get 17in alloys, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, an armrest, a reversing camera and part-leather trim. The Connect Plus adds integrated satnav and an improved sound system.
And while the Mixx benefits from a new exterior trim, heated front seats, LED lighting and 18in alloys, the range-topping Maxx — which starts at £21,550 — adds a panoramic sunroof front and rear parking sensors and leather trim.
Kia will also add a fully-electric Soul EV version to the range before the end of this year.
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Jim McGill