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New Kia Soul Goes On Sale In UK, Pricing Starts At £12,600
The second-generation Kia Soul has finally landed in the UK, where consumers can now get to see its new look, which includes more cabin space and a more refined driving experience.
There are 5 trim levels to choose from, a pair of 1.6-liter engines, and starting prices that go from £12,600 to £21,550.
While the new Soul keeps the boxy look of the original model, the fully redesigned vehicle rides on a longer wheelbase (2,570mm), taking the overall length of the vehicle to 4,140mm.
Kia’s new Soul is also now 15mm wider, but the height has been reduced by a few mm to take it to 1,600mm.
The capacity in the boot has been increased to 354 liters with the seats in place. That rises to 994 liters when the rear seats are folded down, and all the way up to 1,367 liters at the roof level.
A Pair Of Fuel-Efficient 4-Cylinder Engines
UK customers have a pair of engines to choose from: a 1.6-liter turbo diesel (CRDI) that delivers 126 bhp and 192 lb.-ft. of torque, and a 1.6-liter petrol variant that puts out 130bhp and 119 lb.-ft. of torque.
1,6L CRDI Diesel Engine Specs
The diesel engine, when mated to a 6-speed manual, takes the Soul from 0-60mph in 10.8 seconds, with the top speed coming in at 112mph.
That combination gives off a combined fuel economy of 56.5mpg and CO2 emissions of 132g/km.
The automatic transmission numbers are 11.8 seconds, 110mph, 47.1 mpg (UK) and 158g/km, respectively.
1,6L GDI Petrol Engine Specifications
The petrol unit mated to a 6-speed manual hits the 60mph mark in 10.6 seconds, with a top speed of 115mph.
At its best, you’ll get 41.5mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 158g/km.
When 18-inch alloys are added into the mix, the numbers go to 38.7 mpg and 170g/km.
5 Trim Levels, Including Start, Connect, Connect Plus, Mixx, Maxx
There are 5 trim levels available for the second-generation Soul: Start, Connect, Connect Plus, Mixx, and Maxx.
Each of the models comes standard with DAB radio, Flex Steer variable power-assisted steering, tire pressure monitor, AC, electric windows, electric adjustable mirrors, USB and AUX ports, six airbags, and steering-wheel mounted controls.
Moving up to the Connect means you get artificial leather cluster housings, door center-trim and armrests, 17-inch alloys, a rear seat pocket, Bluetooth, door mirror heaters, a parking camera, a storage box up front, cruise control, and leather trim on the steering wheel and gearshift knob.
The Connect Plus also has satellite navigation, mood lights on the front speakers, and an Infinity sound system.
Standard features found on the Mixx include contrasting color roof, door mirror casings, 18-inch wheels, chrome exterior door handles, heated front seats, a luggage floor undertray, and LED rear lights.
The UK’s top of the range Maxx trim level adds leather upholstery, alternative 18-inch wheels. A TFT supervision cluster, front and rear parking sensors, a panoramic sunroof, smart-entry key, and an engine start/stop button.
KIA should consider offering a legitimate OFF-ROAD capable 4X4 or AWD version of the Soul, as an alternate option to the upcoming Jeep Renegade. It seems as though “small” off road vehicles may be garnering a revived interest. There are places those small vehicles will go, that the larger ones simply cannot. I still see more than a handful of the 90’s era Sportage units driving around, and they still look like the perfect size for occasional off pavement “fun”.
A 4X4 or AWD, OFF-ROAD pack version of the Soul might be a nice addition by KIA. Just a random thought . . .