This is the new Kia Soul, and just like its predecessor it offers the same mish-mash appeal
of hatchback and SUV, ultimately earning it a crossover nametag and a place on the hit
list of rivals like the Nissan Juke.
So what’s changed, well, on the outside there have been a few design tweaks, like
this reworked front-end and it now sits lower than before, giving it a sportier appeal.
However, it is now longer and wider than before, making it more practical.
And I think that in this paintjob and with the floating roof effect, it actually looks
rather charming.
Anyway, let’s start by jumping in the back.
The best way to describe the space back here is that it’s like a mini bus.
I mean buckle up, and there is room to slouch, relax, and even put your feet under the seat
in front of you.
There is also plenty of space for a middle passenger.
Coming around to the boot, it’s not massive, but it has been improved over the last model,
as the opening is now 62mm wider and there has been a storage increase of four per cent,
bringing its total up to 354 litres, which just pips the Nissan Juke by four litres.
The seats also fold down to allow for up to 1,367 litres of storage space.
Now, on to the cabin…
It is clear that the new Soul has a more upmarket feel than the previous model, especially when
it comes to the materials used.
Even things like these quirky speakers just seem to give it more character.
Kit is also in abundance as every model comes with DAB digital radio, air-con and USB connectivity.
And when you start climbing up the trims you can make the Soul quite lavish.
I mean one of the top trims we have, Mixx, comes with sat-nav, Bluetooth and the cool
two-tone paint job.
Essential storage compartments are also on offer, with cup holders, decent sized door
bins, and convenient places for your spare change and house keys.
So far, so good.
Now let’s take it out on the road.
Like any other Kia, the Soul has an easy to drive feel about it thanks to its light controls,
including its gearbox.
Other reassuring and comfortable elements include great all-round visibility, which
is in part thanks to its huge wing mirrors, and a high SUV-like riding position.
There is also great insulation in the cabin from the outside world, and you can actually
use Bluetooth on the motorway without having to scream down the phone.
When it comes to drive quality it behaves itself in the corners and won’t do anything
unexpected, but you will find it hard to have any amount of fun.
Also, I recommend you stick to Normal mode when driving, as the weighting of the selectable
Comfort and Sport modes can feel a little artificial.
The suspension is also on the firm side, which although it has been improved over the last
model, it’s still not as comfortable as that of the Renault Captur or Peugeot 2008.
Engine wise, there are two conventional units to choose from, a 1.6-litre petrol and a 1.6-litre
diesel.
We are driving a 126bhp version of the diesel and it’s not too bad when it comes to cruising
along, but you will have to go above two and a half thousand revs to actually get some
decent pull from it.
And although the diesel trumps the petrol for efficiency, it’s hardly class leading,
returning an average of around 56mpg and this particular model emits 132g/km of CO2.
Something like the Nissan Juke 1.5-litre diesel is much more efficient.
But, if efficiency is your prerogative in the Soul, then fear not, as there is also
a full electric model on offer.
What the Kia Soul lacks in on-road finesse, it makes up for with its welcoming, comfortable
and practical interior.
Its price tag is also very appealing, as it starts from less than the Nissan Juke, and
Renault Captur, and Peugeot 2008, and Vauxhall Mokka.
And, of course, let’s not forget about Kia’s seven-year/100,000 mile warranty, which I’m
sure will give family car buyers great peace of mind.
So, has the Soul’s personality charmed you?
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