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 Soul European media launching event and test drives take place in Italy!

As far as family cars go, there are few that are quite as funky as the Kia Soul.

It is one of the most popular models in the small crossover segment, with its small SUV styling putting it in direct competition with the likes of the Renault Captur and Nissan Juke.

The second generation Soul takes some definite inspiration ffrom the Track’ster concept vehicle, while now riding on the Kia Cee’d platform. That said, it retains all the chunky charm of the original.

European drivers have the option of a 1.6L GDI gasoline or 1.6L CRDI diesel variant, with the latter obviously delivering potentially lower running costs.

The 2014 Soul is bigger and more spacious than before, whilst bearing a ton of design features that make it look a little more like an SUV. There is no denying that it is still very much a Soul, though.

2014 Soul UK-Specs, Trim Levels, Colors

You have the option of 5 different trims in the UK: Start, Connect, Connect Plus, Mixx and Maxx. The latter two come equipped with an Urban Styling Pack that delivers black trim to a number of different body elements.

The Mixx model has 4 different 2-tone color designs that include colored roofs, while the Maxx employs a glass panoramic roof up top.

There are 11 different Soul exterior colors to choose from and several cool alloy wheel designs.

The most noticeable of those wheel designs come on the Mixx and Maxx, which get 18-inch wheels compared to the 16 and 17-inch wheels on the others.

A thoroughly modern interior can be found inside the cabin, with the TFT dials on the dash particularly pleasing.

The layout has been really well done and the use of quality materials abounds. Higher end models get touchscreen navigation and a killer sound system, as well as incredibly stylish piano black inserts.

New Kia Soul Ride, Handling, Warranty

The ride is great, too, and can actually be adjusted to suit your tastes via the Flex Steer system that offers Comfort, Normal, and Sport settings.

There is a little bit of a weight increase that has an impact on the feel, but it does little to hamper the overall body control of the car.

Shifting action is smooth, too, thanks to a 6-speed manual gearbox. Higher models have the option of a 6-speed auto.

Reliability has been the name of the game for Kia recently, and that is backed by a magnificent 7-year/100,000 mile warranty. That type of warranty tells you the level of trust that the company has in the cars that they deliver.

As mentioned earlier, the 2014 Soul model now shares a platform with the Kia Cee’d, which is one that has already been well proven.

The new Soul had been available in the US and Canada for a few months now, which means any minor kinks have likely been ironed out.