Smoother, fresher, more refined…Kia’s cool-to-square Soul hatchback has arrived in second generation form looking all grown-up.
And, sitting on an all-new platform (based on the Cerato) with an improved suspension tune, the all-new Kia Soul promises be a smoother drive as well. As part of the improvements, Kia says the all-new Soul boasts torsional rigidity 29 per-cent higher than the previous model.
Kia Australia has adjusted the Soul model lineup – the newcomer arriving in one grade, powered by the 113kW/191Nm, 2.0-litre petrol engine, driving through either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.6l/100kms for the manual and 8.4l/100kms for the auto.
On the styling front, the all-new Kia Soul was created at Kia’s Californian studios and was influenced by the Track’ster concept car which came from the same pens. The upright stance, squared shoulders and high-mounted tail-lights remain, but the second-generation Kia Soul highlights a few curves and doesn’t so obviously target young hipsters.
Slightly longer and wider than its predecessor, this Soul is 41mm lower – and that is part of the story behind the slightly more mainstream overall appearance. Included in the extra dimensions are a 20mm longer wheelbase (more interior leg-room) and a wider tailgate opening for easier cargo access.
Cues from the Track’ster include the large trapezoidal lower air intake and the likewise low-mounted fog lights. And the Soul’s version of Kia’s ‘tiger-nose’ grille also resembles the Track’ster.
And the changes have been positive on the aero front with the all-new Kia Soul delivering a drag Cd of 0.34 (OK that’s down from 0.35 but it’s trending in the right direction).
Inside, the Kia design team focused on a more premium look/feel for the all-new Soul – better materials and soft-touch finishes. There’s also more space – head-room, shoulder room and rear-seat leg-room and the front seats are larger.
Again the Track’ster was an influence with lots of circles – not only for the gauges but also the trim highlights.
Car Showroom rates the Kia Soul as one of ‘Favourites’ – generation one successfully kicked into touch that standard design manual for hatchbacks and delivered a standout look and lots of practicality and the second generation model has improved the breed.
Prices are:
Kia Soul Manual $23,990
Kia Soul Automatic $25,990
