2012 Kia Soul Facelift arrives in the UK

Tue, 04 Oct 2011

Earlier this year, at the New York Motor Show, we reported on what we called the 2011 Facelift for the Kia Soul. But as it’s now October, and the titivated Soul is only just arriving in the UK, we really ought to rename the latest Kia Soul the 2012 Facelift.

But whatever year we append to the facelifted Soul, it’s still good to see Kia’s funky little Marmite car get some decent tweaks to move it forward.

Prices kick off at a very reasonable £12,495 for the entry-level Soul 1.6 GDi 1, rising to £17,795 for the Soul 1.6 CRDi Quantum auto, one of the ‘Soul Originals’ on offer at launch (the other being the ‘Hunter’).

But although there are a few cosmetic tweaks to be had – bumpers, grills, lights and alloys get a tweak – the main updates for the 2012 Soul are going on under the skin.

The 1.6 litre diesel engine gets a tweak, and the 1.6 litre is a new lump, and both are more powerful and more economical than the old model. Both engines get a new six-speed manual ‘box, which replaces the old five-speed, and you can now opt for a six-speed auto on the diesel Soul instead of the old four-speed.

The 1.6 litre petrol gets direct injection and delivers 138bhp – up 14bhp on the old 1.6 – manages to get to 62mph in 10 seconds, does 44.1mpg and emits 149g/km. All improvements on the old engine.

The diesel is the existing lump but with a tweaking and fettling, helped by the new six-speed manual. Economy improves to 57.6mpg (with a slightly woeful drop to 47.9mpg if you have the auto), emissions are down to 129g/km and it can get to 60mph in 10.3 seconds (or 11.3 seconds if you opt for the auto ‘box).

Good equipment levels – particularly on the Soul Originals – individual looks and decent prices should see the 2012 Soul sell well.

(7 photos – click any thumbnail for full size)

By Cars UK