Kia Soul (2008 – 2014) Review
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Kia Soul (2008 – 2014) At A Glance
Quirky design inside and out. Good rear passenger space.
Boot space limited. Feeble petrol engine.
The Kia Soul first appeared in the UK early in 2009. Targeting buyers who wanted something cheap but a little different to the run-of-the-mill small hatchback, it remains almost as impossible to pigeonhole now as it did then, as this Kia Soul review will explain.
Kia called it an urban crossover at launch, others lobbed it into the small hatchback category, and you could even describe it as a diminutive SUV.
Indeed, despite being front-wheel drive, you can certainly tick off enough off-road styling cues – chunky bumpers, flared wheelarches, a hint of plastic nappy, even the Land Rover-style vent behind the front wheel – to award the Kia Soul ‘baby 4x4’ status.
To that end, a list of rivals for the five-door Kia Soul would comprise the ever popular Fiat 500 and another perennial favourite, the MINI as well as the occasional oddity, such as the Skoda Roomster and hard-to-find Daihatsu Materia.
There was also the blink-and-you’ve missed-it Toyota Urban Cruiser, as well as more conventional efforts like the Ford Fusion, the mini-MPV Vauxhall Meriva, sensible Honda Jazz and even the Citroen C3 Picasso.
Whichever way you cut it, the Kia Soul is a respectably rugged, entirely practical small family car. The interior is well screwed together, the seats are perfectly comfortable, and that boxy shape means there’s plenty of rear passenger space.
The boot space isn’t great, but then when was it ever in something of the small hatchback class?
Under the bonnet, there’s a straightforward choice between 1.6-litre petrol and 1.6-litre diesel units. The former’s lack of torque means the latter is a far better proposition for overtaking.
Fuel economy of 54.3mpg in the 1.6-litre diesel model is not going to send shivers down your wallet’s spine, but nor is it on a par with the best in the sector.
Lotus was called on to help make the Kia Soul drive as appealingly as possible on UK roads, and it shows – something that’s actually fun to drive in a part of the market not renowned for entertaining drivers.
And it tackles motorways with respectable aplomb. However, the 18-inch wheels of top-spec models can make for a lumpy ride on our bombed-out boulevards, so best to stick to smaller 16-inch wheels with their deeper tyre walls for better comfort.
The Kia Soul launched in two versions, handily dubbed 1 and 2, with three different limited editions: Samba, Shaker and Burner – reflecting its youthful image.
The Burner is hilariously decked out with red details, and lipstick, on black bodywork and silver dragons stickered to the car sides. Kia appears to have livened up the interior by the simple expedient of lobbing in a red paint grenade and retiring to a safe distance. Even the front door loudspeakers throb red to the music on demand.
When it first appeared, you could buy a Kia Soul for as little as £10,495. In January 2010, the standard warranty on new models was upped from three years to seven years, making it even better value.
If you’re looking for a new version, check out our review of the latest Kia Soul here.
Reviews for Kia Soul (2008 – 2014)'s top 3 rivals
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Kia Soul (2008 – 2014) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.6 CRDi to 1.6 GDi
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 30–58 mpg
Kia Soul (2008 – 2014): Handling and ride quality
The combination of MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension – gently breathed on by Lotus – gives a firm yet informative ride with fine body control.
The electrically assisted steering is nicely meaty with plenty of feel, and the gearshift easy and pleasingly accurate.
Lest we forget, the Kia Soul is also something of a joy to drive. Dynamically, it remains the most engaging of anything in this class we’ve sampled, and has proved relentlessly stable and sure footed no matter how soggy the conditions.
There’s no point in pushing the diesel engine too hard, since maximum torque peaks at only 2750rpm, but it all somehow contrives to provide more fun that it has a right to, whilst still settling into a comfortable, surprisingly quiet, motorway cruise.
Kia Soul (2008 – 2014): Engines
The 1.6-litre turbodiesel boasts only 2PS more than the 1.6-litre 126PS petrol unit, but torque takes a substantial hike from 212 to 354Nm.
Bizarrely, Kia’s own figures suggest that the petrol engine still outperforms its diesel sibling in the sprint, the latter loitering to 62mph in a quoted 11.3 seconds; 0.3 of a second slower than the former.
But the reality is that, via its five-speed manual transmission, the diesel unit feels considerably more energetic through the gears when it comes to overtaking.
The diesel unit may clatter at idle like a tugboat plying its way upstream, but it settles down on the move. On the other hand, when you’ve got enough of a run up to bully the petrol unit into an overtake, it becomes noisy and quite wearing.
So, the little 1.6-litre turbodiesel knocks spots of the gently wheezing petrol alternative, and the only positive to choosing the latter option is that it takes less time to warm up when you have a screen to de-ice and a cabin to warm on a winter morning.
Kia Soul (2008 – 2014): Safety
When the Kia Soul was tested in 2009, Euro NCAP’s safety criteria had just become considerably more stringent. Nonetheless the Kia Soul scored the maximum five stars, and was particularly impressive in terms of child safety.
All cars come with six airbags as standard, as well as ABS and an electronic stability programme. All three rear seating positions have three-point seatbelts, and the outer rear seats have Isofix child seat fixing points.
Kia Soul (2008 – 2014): Towing
The Kia Soul has an unbraked towing weight of 450kg or 1300kg braked.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 | 44 mpg | 11.0 s | 153 g/km |
| 1.6 Automatic | 39 mpg | 11.9 s | 167 g/km |
| 1.6 CRDi | 54–58 mpg | 11.3 s | 129–137 g/km |
| 1.6 CRDi Automatic | 48 mpg | 11.9 s | 155 g/km |
| 1.6 GDi | 44 mpg | - | 149 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Kia Soul (2008 – 2014)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
85%
Real MPG
30–58 mpg
MPGs submitted
148
Kia Soul (2008 – 2014) interior
- Boot space is 340–818 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of five stars
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4105–4120 mm |
| Width | 1785 mm |
| Height | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2550 mm |
Kia Soul (2008 – 2014): Practicality
Despite being just a whisker over four metres long, the Kia Soul still manages to conjure a wheelbase of 2550mm, which means rear seat passengers have a surprising amount of room.
Two fully grown adults can sit happily in the back of the latter without rubbing their hair off on the roof lining. The downside of this is a relatively diminutive loadspace, but extra compartments under the floor are a bonus.
Seating flexibility may be somewhat primitive in this increasingly origami-obsessed area of the market but, truth is, how often do you wish that the 60:40 split rear seats actually did anything more than merely flop happily to and fro?
Although the steering only has reach adjustment, the driving position is absolutely fine, if a tad upright. The driver has particularly good visibility ahead, although chunky rear pillars aren’t helpful to the view behind.
Happily, the Kia Soul’s boxy rump makes reversing easy anyway. Significantly, small children love being in the back because they can actually see out of the side windows.
Kia Soul (2008 – 2014): Quality and finish
The Kia Soul was the first car in which the interior marked the shaking off of the company’s traditional budget shackles. There are some hard plastic finishes in evidence, but they are nicely textured, which sheds the cheap look.
The dashboard has a neat and clear design with a centre cluster of controls that are easy and pleasingly tactile to use – the ventilation controls in particular are a reminder of how much, in this touchscreen age, we miss the use of a well-engineered knob.
The three limited edition models introduced a riot of colour into the interior, giving the cabin environment a welcome lift.
But what impresses most is how well screwed together everything is – toddler proof and rattle free.
Kia Soul (2008 – 2014): Infotainment
The only downside to the clean efficiency of the Kia Soul’s instrumentation is the absence, even on the options list, of satellite navigation.
iPod connectivity was also an issue on early cars. There’s a dedicated USB port, but it didn’t work. Apparently, Apple autocratically changed a raft of software at around the time the first cars were built. We understand, however, that the issue was rapidly corrected.
Infortainment and connectivity may be somewhat primitive by today’s standards, but we really must mention the Burner limited edition model’s front door loudspeakers, which throb red to the music on demand.
The only snag being that the lights seem to be tuned to respond to mid-range sound frequencies rather than bass, reducing the effect somewhat.
Kia Soul (2008 – 2014) value for money
Kia Soul (2008 – 2014): Prices
If you don’t mind living with dubiously high mileage, you can find a 2009 Kia Soul for under £2000.
But there are plenty of newer, lower mileage versions out there that won’t break the bank. We found a 2010 specimen with 48,000 miles on the clock for £2495, and a 2011 car with 63,000 logged for £4395.
Kia Soul (2008 – 2014): Running Costs
Fuel consumption for both petrol and diesel versions of the Kia Soul are pretty average, with over 40mpg typical for the manual petrol and close to 55mpg for the manual diesel.
The diesel automatic tops the emissions honours board with 155g/km of CO2. Both manual transmission versions of petrol and diesel engines fare better, the former 149g/km and the petrol an admirable 129g/km.
Annual road tax is as low as £150 for base level models, climbing to £240 for special edition variants with automatic transmissions. From the servicing perspective, parts prices are affordable and availability not an issue, and the brunt of the cost will be down to labour rates.
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Between 2009 and 2013, the Kia Soul remained available only in five-door guise, with a choice of 1.6-litre petrol or diesel engines mated to six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.
The simple grade structure – Kia Soul 1 or Kia Soul 2 – was bolstered over the years by a range of special and limited-edition variants, such as Tempest, Burner, Samba, Shaker, Echo and Searcher.
But throughout the model range, the standard equipment specification was, for its time, notably high. It included air-conditioning, electric front and rear windows, a CD player, power-assisted steering, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, remote locking, ABS and traction control.
The special edition models all bought extrovert colour schemes to the range, and Kia also offered a selection of body work graphics including the Union Jack roof, interior styling features including those disco light door speakers, and even ‘eyelashes’ that could be stuck on the headlamps to add personality.
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4105–4120 mm |
| Width | 1785 mm |
| Height | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2550 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1329–1460 kg |
| Boot Space | 340–818 L |
| Warranty | 5 years / Unlimited miles |
| Servicing | 10000–20000 miles |
| Spare Wheel | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | Space-saving spare wheel | ||
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £12,495–£18,695 |
| Insurance Groups | 14–19 |
| Road Tax Bands | D–H |
| Official MPG | 39.2–57.6 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | 5 |
On sale until July 2014
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1 1.6 GDi 5dr | £12,800 | 44.1 mpg | - |
| 2 1.6 CRDi 5dr | £14,995 | 54.3 mpg | - |
| 2 1.6 CRDi Auto 5dr | £16,105 | 47.9 mpg | - |
| 2 1.6 GDi 5dr | £13,605 | 44.1 mpg | - |
| Inferno 1.6 CRDi 5dr | £18,695 | 57.6 mpg | - |
| Quantum 1.6 CRDi 5dr | £16,995 | 57.6 mpg | - |
| Quantum 1.6 CRDi Auto 5dr | £18,105 | 47.9 mpg | - |
| Quantum 1.6 GDi 5dr | £15,605 | 44.1 mpg | - |
| Shaker 1.6 CRDi 5dr | £16,690 | 57.6 mpg | - |
| Shaker 1.6 CRDi Auto 5dr | £17,800 | 47.9 mpg | - |
| Shaker 1.6 GDi 5dr | £15,300 | 44.1 mpg | - |
On sale until September 2012
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Hunter 1.6 CRDi 5dr | £16,495 | 57.6 mpg | - |
| Hunter 1.6 CRDi Auto 5dr | £17,600 | 47.9 mpg | - |
| Hunter 1.6 GDi 5dr | £15,100 | 44.1 mpg | - |
On sale until October 2011
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1 1.6 5dr | £12,495 | 43.5 mpg | 11.0 s |
| 1 1.6 Auto 5dr | £13,195 | 39.2 mpg | 11.9 s |
| 2 1.6 5dr | £13,595 | 43.5 mpg | 11.0 s |
| Burner 1.6 CRDi 5dr | £16,970 | 54.3 mpg | 11.3 s |
| Echo 1.6 5dr | £14,930 | 43.5 mpg | 11.0 s |
| Echo 1.6 CRDi 5dr | £16,000 | 54.3 mpg | 11.3 s |
| Searcher 1.6 CRDi 5dr | £16,970 | 54.3 mpg | 11.3 s |
| Searcher 1.6 CRDi Auto 5dr | £18,035 | 47.9 mpg | 11.9 s |
| Shaker 1.6 5dr | £14,320 | 43.5 mpg | 11.0 s |
| Shaker 1.6 CRDi 5dr | £15,385 | 54.3 mpg | 11.3 s |
| Tempest 1.6 5dr | £14,320 | 43.5 mpg | 11.0 s |
| Tempest 1.6 CRDi 5dr | £15,385 | 54.3 mpg | 11.3 s |
| Tempest 1.6 CRDi Auto 5dr | £16,455 | 47.9 mpg | 11.9 s |
On sale until May 2009
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Samba 1.6 5dr | £12,495 | 43.5 mpg | 11.0 s |
| Samba 1.6 CRDi 5dr | £13,495 | 54.3 mpg | 11.3 s |
Model History
- May 2008
- July 2008
- November 2009: Launch of Soul 'Tempest' Original
- January 2010
- August 2010
- December 2010: Soul Searcher introduced
- October 2011: Kia Soul facelifted
- April 2012: Kia Soul Inferno launched
- January 2013: Soul Shaker returned to the Soul Originals line up
May 2008
Kia confirmed Soul would retain the name and spirit of the concept from which it evolved. Body colours: White, Bright Silver, Titanium Silver, Blue Stone, Vanilla Shake, Green Tea Latte, Cocktail Orange, Tomato Red, Java Brown, Moonlight Blue, Black Soul. 15" steel wheels with 195/65 R15 tyres, 16" alloys with 205/55 R16 tyres or 18" alloys with 225/45 R18 tyres.
Production of Soul will began in Korea in September 2008 with UK cars appearing in early 2009. Kia believes Soul will provide a creative platform for buyers to individualise and match their car to their own personality. High tech standard audio with Aux and iPod sockets and Bluetooth. Optional reversing camera screen is in rear view mirror.
Choice of 1.6 DOHC chain cam diesel with manual or torque converter auto, or 1.6 chain cam DOHC petrol, manual only. Right-hand drive production is due to start in March 2009.
The diesel engine generates 126 ps at 4,000 rpm and maximum torque of 255 Nm at 2,000 rpm. The all-aluminium petrol engine also produces 126 ps at 6,300 rpm and 156 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm.
Overall height is 1,610 mm but the base of the windscreen is 135 mm higher than a typical compact car, the hip-points are 120 mm higher and the ground clearance is raised by 45 mm. Access to the new Kia Soul's spacious interior is remarkably easy and the cabin will deliver head, leg and shoulder room that matches or beats many larger vehicles.
Generous headroom (1020/1005 mm front/rear), legroom (1070/990 mm front/rear) and shoulder room (1403/1400 mm front/rear) will ensure Soul can easily adapt to the changing demands of its owner when pressed into giving friends or family a lift.
- Soul 1 1.6 petrol £10,495
- Soul 2 1.6 petrol £11,495
- Soul 2 1.6 diesel £12,495
- Soul 2 1.6 diesel automatic £13,495
- Soul Samba 1.6 petrol £12,495
- Soul Samba 1.6 diesel £13,495
- Soul Shaker 1.6 petrol £12,495
- Soul Shaker 1.6 diesel £13,495
- Soul Burner 1.6 diesel £14,995.
July 2008
Kia Soul Concepts shown at Geneva March 2008 and again at London Motor Show in July 2008. Five-door boxy hatchback with front-wheel drive, 4,105mm long x 1,785 mm wide, excluding door mirrors x 1,610 mm tall. Wheelbase 2,550 mm.
November 2009
Launch of Soul 'Tempest' Original
Replaces the 'Samba' model. Tempest features standard metallic paintwork in Titanium Silver with black high-gloss bumper inserts and door mirrors, and is fitted with unique black 18-inch alloy wheels. Completing the look inside is the modern 'Soul-Shine' black seat trim with metallic centre fascia and chrome accents on the dashboard and instrument clusters. Other key features include Kia's Advanced Reversing Camera system with Electrochromic Rearview Mirror, as available on its sister model Shaker, and an upgraded audio system which features a dash-top centre speaker, rear sub-woofer and external amplifier.
The Soul Tempest is available in 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines with a four-speed automatic transmission available with the diesel. Tempest prices start from just £12,845.
Other 2010 model year changes to the rest of the Soul range introduced as running changes. The entry grade '1' trim gained driver's seat height adjust as standard. Metallic centre fascia highlights and chrome accents have been improved and made brighter and are now offered as standard on the Soul 2 grade as well as all Originals. Also, the lidded storage tray in the upper dash has been redesigned for improved functionality and usage.
Colour availability has been revised on the Soul '2' mid-grade. With the deletion of Samba from the line-up, the vivid Tornado Red paintwork is now made available on all '2' models, while the vibrant metallic Cocktail Orange is no longer offered. This quickly changing line-up ensures that all Soul customers feel special knowing theirs is one of a limited number. From October 2009, prices rose slightly now starting from £10,775 OTR
January 2010
New 7-Year Kia Warranty. No mileage limit to the warranty for the first three years, except for vehicles used as a Taxi, when coverage is limited to 100,000 miles. Over the full period of the warranty, the overall mileage limit is 100,000 miles. Qualifications to the new warranty include: paintwork is covered for
5 years (depending on model), audio for 3 years and 60,000 miles and service parts, accessories and batteries for 2 years. Normal 'wear & tear' on items such as tyres, brake pads and clutch linings, are excluded from cover.
August 2010
Kia New Vehicle Warranty Terms & Exclusions:
- There is no mileage limit during the first 3 years, except for vehicles used as taxis where a limit of 100,000 miles applies.
- There is a 100,000 mile limit between years 4 and 7.
- Paintwork is covered for 5 years / 100,000 miles.
- Audio is covered for 3 years / 60,000 miles.
- Batteries are covered for 2 years.
- Normal 'wear and tear' on items such as brake linings and clutch linings, etc. are excluded from cover.
- The warranty is transferable, at no cost, to subsequent owners and is valid across Europe.
December 2010
Soul Searcher introduced
The Searcher is available in stunning light green metallic paintwork, with a high quality cream and brown full leather interior, chrome front grille, chrome door handles, roof rails, black bezel headlights, front and rear mud flaps as well as 18-inch silver alloy wheels. Equipment includes reversing sensors, front fog lights, electric folding door mirrors, privacy glass and a cream and black dashboard.
Also dual auto air conditioning, heated front seats, upgraded 8 speaker sound system (with subwoofer and external amplifier), Bluetooth and iPod connectivity. For the driver a tilt and telescopic steering wheel with cruise control and steering wheel mounted audio controls means that everything is available at close hand.
The Soul Searcher is powered by the 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engine and is available in either 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. Its occupants are protected by a host of safety features including six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control (TC) and a five-star Euro NCAP rating. The Soul Searcher is available from theJanuary 2011 from just £16,965 OTR for the manual and £18,025 for the automatic.
October 2011
Kia Soul facelifted
Kia Soul has been refreshed from top to bottom for the 2012 model year. New or revised 1.6-litre engines and the introduction of a six-speed gearbox on all models improve performance while lowering fuel consumption, emissions and running costs. The exterior styling is now sharper while continuing to emphasise Kia quality. This is reflected in the cabin, where changes to the fascia, console and trim raise standards even higher. And all versions have more equipment.
The revised model is now on sale offering a choice of two regular trim grades, badged Soul 1 and Soul 2, and two ‘Soul Originals', the Hunter and Quantum. ‘Soul Originals' is a rolling programme of special versions with unique styling and trim, changed at regular intervals.
Soul is an urban crossover - small enough to be ideally suited to the world's urban jungles, but totally different to conventional, workday small cars. By combining the charm and desirability of the MINI and Fiat 500 with a hint of SUV ruggedness, Soul opened up an entirely new market sub-segment when it first appeared in 2008.
Like conventional superminis, Soul is a five-door, five-seat front-wheel-drive hatchback. But within those parameters, it defies convention thanks to its fun-to-drive character, expressive interior and a seating arrangement which offers the flexibility of a medium-sized MPV or SUV within the footprint of a supermini.
Soul's style is 'tough not rough'. It has a high bonnet with rounded forms, bulging wheel arches and a wide track. The wheel arches are joined by a body side crease, while the roofline appears to slope gently down to the tailgate. The beltline, which rises from the front wheel arch to create a gentle wedge shape, is continued under and around the third side window. There are decorative air vents in the front wings, these incorporate sleek side repeaters on the entry-level version.
For 2012, Soul's rugged charm has been given an even sportier twist with changes to the grilles, lights, front bodywork and wheels. A new bumper with a wider, lower air intake changes the proportions of the car and gives it a wider stance, and the grilles are now set off with cubic effect inserts which give it a more premium look. The new front grille is reflected at the rear, where a large tusk-shaped section in the bumper helps to visually stretch the width of the car.
The vertical rear light clusters have been revised and incorporate brake lights that wrap around the side of the car, while daytime running lights - bulb-type in Soul 1 and 2 and LED in the two ‘Soul Originals' - add a touch of style to the black bezel headlamp units and make the car easier to see. The rear light pattern on models with LED rear lamps is identical to that on the 2006 Detroit Show Soul concept to which the production model so faithfully adheres.
Soul 1 now has body-coloured door handles and mirrors and a top-tinted windscreen, while Soul 2 gains muscular surrounds around its front foglights, 16-inch alloy wheels and folding electric door mirrors containing stylish indicator repeaters. All versions are 15mm longer than before to accommodate the new powertrains under the bonnet, yet remain extremely compact at 4.12 metres long.
The practical and spacious interior features a totally redesigned centre fascia, centre console and gearshifter which improve both usability and the feeling of quality. The upholstery in Soul 1 continues to be stylish all-black cloth, while Soul 2 has a new design of luminous ‘Soul Shine' cloth. Soul Hunter is trimmed in either black or beige, depending on the exterior colour specified, with matching tartan colour trim that adds a charming and fun flavour to the interior. Soul Quantum is trimmed in luxurious black leather.
The new powertrains bring significant gains in performance, economy and running costs. The diesel manual is now 0.6 seconds quicker from rest to 60mph (10.3 seconds), while more than 3mpg more fuel-efficient (57.6mpg). This is sufficient to bring its CO 2 emissions down by 8g/km to 129g/km, which means owners are exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) in the car's first year.
The new petrol engine and six-speed gearbox combination, meanwhile, ensures the Soul delivers sparkling performance with impressively sparing use of fuel. It can accelerate from standstill to 62mph in 10 seconds, while its official combined-cycle economy is 44.1mpg.
In keeping with Soul's rebellious, individual and urban character, Kia has ensured that every model has a six-speaker audio system capable of being linked to digital music players or other portable music devices. From Soul 2 upwards, an iPod cable is standard, and all models now have steering wheel-mounted audio controls. Further up the range, the hi-fi grows to eight speakers, including a boot-mounted subwoofer and a dashboard centre speaker, and is powered by an external amplifier.
The standard specification is generous, with air conditioning, all-round electric windows, remote central locking and six airbags fitted to every model. The 2012 Soul 1 gains Bluetooth with voice control, and sun visors with illuminated mirrors in addition to remote audio controls, electric mirrors, body-coloured door handles and a top-tinted windscreen. Soul 2 has new 16-inch alloys, unique upholstery and folding mirrors. To top it off, all versions have Kia's pioneering seven-year, 100,000 miles warranty.
In the spirit of a fashion collection, the Originals are frequently updated with new colour schemes and specifications and have proved popular since the first trio appeared in 2009. Hunter and Quantum are the latest to arrive and each brings a unique style and high level of specification.
In addition to the well-specified ‘2' trim level, both of the new Originals gain metallic paint, distinctive LED daytime running lights, an uprated eight-speaker stereo system with external amplifier and boot-mounted subwoofer, heated door mirrors and privacy glass to the rear windows and tailgate. Cruise control is standard on automatic versions and will feature on manual versions from the end of the year.
The Hunter adds to this with 18" alloy wheels, an electrically operated sunroof and a colour reversing camera which conveniently displays inside the rear view mirror when reverse gear is engaged. Hunter is available in Olive Green metallic, with a beige and tartan interior, or Moonlight Blue metallic with black and black tartan upholstery.
The Quantum is only available in Titanium Silver metallic and comes with 18" black five-spoke alloy wheels, piano black bumper inserts and chrome exterior door handles. On the inside is a black leather upholstery, heated front seats, climate control and reverse parking sensors.
April 2012
Kia Soul Inferno launched
The latest characterful addition to the Soul ‘Originals' line-up offering a distinctly fiery personality and very high specification level. The Soul Inferno joins its ‘Originals' stable-mates - Hunter and Quantum - at the top of the recently-revised Soul range and is available to order now from Kia dealerships priced at £18,695 on-the-road.
Soul Inferno gets a striking exterior look from its Tornado Red paintwork, tattoo-style dark red dragon body graphics, rear spoiler, silver roof rails and unique 18-inch ‘Black Petal' alloy wheels. This is enhanced by privacy glass on rear windows along with black bezel projection headlights, LED daytime running lights, black high-gloss door mirrors and bumper inserts.
The red and black colour scheme continues on the inside where full black leather upholstery is contrasted with a red leather gearshift and mood lighting in the doors.
Soul Inferno's comprehensive specification includes automatic air-conditioning, cruise control, heated front seats, electric folding and heated mirrors and all-round electric windows. iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, a Radio/CD player with MP3 compatibility, and USB/AUX slots provide the inputs for the external amplifier to power the eight-speaker hi-i system that includes a boot-mounted subwoofer. A smart key with start/stop button and rear parking sensors provide additional driver convenience.
January 2013
Soul Shaker returned to the Soul Originals line up
Koining its Originals stable-mates - Soul ‘Quantum' and Soul ‘Inferno' - at the top of the recently revised Soul range, priced from £15,295 on-the road.
Soul ‘Shaker' sits in the Soul line-up above the ‘2' specification version and includes features such as iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control (diesel model only) and air conditioning, as well as LED daytime running lights, LED rear combination lamps and high mounted brake lights. Inside, there are steering wheel mounted controls and both the steering wheel and gearshift are leather-trimmed.
The ‘Shaker' is distinguished by its Vanilla Shake coloured bodywork or, for no extra cost, is available in Quartz Black metallic. Distinctive multi-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels.
Premium cloth upholstery in a new unique ‘Houndstooth' design, combined with beige interior surfaces. Other features include an electric tilt-and-slide sunroof, and an automatically-dimming rear view mirror with an integrated colour reversing camera.
The Soul Originals first appeared in 2009, conceived in the spirit of a fashion collection - being frequently updated with distinct styles and personalities.
Powered by a 1.6 CRDi 126bhp turbo-diesel engine, and mated to a six-speed manual transmission, Soul ‘Shaker' delivers 126bhp at 4,000rpm and 192lb/ft torque from 1,900rpm to 2,750rpm. Top speed is 112mph and the 0-60mph dash is dispatched in 10.3 seconds. C0₂ emissions are just 129g/km - putting the car in VED Band D. Fuel Economy is 57.6mpg on the official combined cycle.
The 1.6 GDi petrol engine delivers 138bhp at 6,300rpm and 122lb/ft torque at 4,850rpm. The top speed is 112mph and 60mph is reached in 10 seconds flat.
Soul ‘Shaker' receives the same comprehensive technical package and safety measures as the rest of the Soul range. Electronic stability control (ESC) and anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution (EBS), vehicle stability management (VSM) and hill-start assist control (HAC) provide a comprehensive level of active safety whist twin front, side and curtain airbags provide occupants with a reassuring level of passive safety.
The Soul ‘Shaker' is rated at insurance group 19 and has service intervals of 12 months or 10,000 miles on the GDi engine and 12,500 miles on the CRDi engine.
The Soul ‘Shaker' is priced from £15,295 for the 1.6 GDi version. The diesel is priced at £16,690 and is also available as an automatic for £17,795. As with all new Kias, the Soul ‘Shaker' comes with a fully-transferable seven year warranty.
What to watch out for
USA Bulletins ELE020 through ELE025 show that these models need both the positive and negative cable ends to their batteries replaced.
