Strange thing, the Kia Soul.
In the US it's consistently sold over 100,000 units every year, mainly to college students,
but here in the UK its boxy proportions have meant it previously found favour with buyers
of, shall we say, an older generation.
For the new model, Kia have reworked the Soul from the ground up, and it now uses the platform
from the excellent Kia Cee'd.
Although Kia's designers have given it a few more SUV styling overtones, buyers have told
Kia that they appreciate the high-up driving position and the sense of safety, but don't
want the poor fuel economy and high tax bills that normally come with it.
As a result, all Soul models are two-wheel-drive only, and you might be relieved to hear that
the Acid Green paintwork of our test car is entirely optional.
Inside, there's a truly colossal amount of space and a vast range of adjustment for both
the seats and steering wheel, so drivers of pretty much every shape should be able to
get comfortable.
The material quality has been increased over the old model, the controls all have a quality
feel, and all but the base model get a chunky leather steering wheel that feels great in
the hands.
The dials are beautifully clear and easy to read, although the red display of the central
trip computer can be a little hard to see when wearing sunglasses.
All models are equipped with air conditioning, while Connect Plus models get full climate
control and an eight-speaker Infinity audio system complete with a sub mounted in the
boot, a pair of speakers either side of the dash, another on the top, and what Kia calls
Mood Lights on the front door speakers that either change colour with the music or pulse
gently to themselves like a pair of psychedelic Mysterons.
All but the base model get a reversing camera, while Connect Plus models also get a pretty
decent navigation system.
It has full UK post code functionality and it's pretty responsive through the various
screens, although I will say the screen is very bright even in night mode and I found
myself turning it off to avoid glare.
Rear seat passengers have got it made - the wide-opening doors make getting in easy, there's
tons of head- and legroom even for those over 6ft, and the floor is almost completely flat
meaning no-one should need to squabble over foot-space.
Boot space has increased over the old model - there's now 354 litres with the seats in
place, and this rises to 1,367 litres with the seats folded.
Although the seats don't fold flat, it still leaves you with an unusually tall load space
so suitcases can fit upright allowing you to get more in, although we should mention
there is a bit of a load-lip to lug them over.
Top-spec models get a dual-level boot floor, while underneath that is room for a space-saver
spare wheel.
Two 1.6-litre engines are available, one petrol with 130hp and the other diesel with 126hp.
The diesel's the better bet, as its performance is about the same as the petrol, yet is cheaper
to tax and uses less fuel, recording 56.5mpg on the government tests and around 48mpg during
our time with it.
On the move, while there is some diesel clatter when it's cold, once it's warmed up it settles
down well.
The six-speed manual gearbox has a very slick action to it, and together with the nicely
balanced clutch it feels incredibly easy to drive.
It rides well, too.
The Soul's chassis has been retuned for Europe and they've given it a slightly sportier edge,
although this hasn't been at the expensive of ride comfort, thankfully.
Around town it smoothes away the bumps quietly and efficiently, the only area we noticed
that could use improvement was dealing with sharp ridges at speed.
For a tall car it controls its body movements well, with both pitch and roll kept well in
check, although pile into a roundabout at speed and you'll be served a large helping
of understeer as you might expect.
And while it responds keenly to commands through the steering wheel, there's not a great deal
of feedback on offer, and despite three separate settings, each is a little over-generous with
the power assistance.
Still, that makes it great for parking.
This easy-going nature is part of the Soul's charm.
It'll cheerfully do most things you could ask of it, and do them well.
While personally the Soul's styling isn't for me, it does have a characterful edge that
appeals to many, and I have to say the way it drives makes it incredibly easy to live
with.