Kia Gives Its Compact Crossover More Soul

KOREAN car maker Kia has released an updated version of its Soul. With attention focused on improving the driving experience and boosting cabin space, it’s hoped the improvements can reboot the compact people mover’s appeal.

The new model arrives to take advantage of the boom in the compact crossover market. Annual sales in Western Europe are forecast to rise from around 380,000 in 2013 to more than 600,000 by 2015. Just over a quarter of buyers are British.

All versions of the Soul are front-wheel-drive five-door variants. Kia’s research has found that while buyers desire the appearance, elevated driving position and perceived safety advantages of a 4x4, they do not want the higher fuel consumption and taxation that four-wheel drive entails.

As with the previous model, the new Soul offers buyers a choice of 1.6-litre direct-injection petrol and turbodiesel engines. The diesel Soul returns a fuel economy high of 56.5mpg, while towards the end of 2014 there will be a electric version of the car.

Kia is offering five trim options, all featuring significant upgrades in equipment and technology compared with the previous model.

Basic standard features run to DAB radio, variable rate power steering and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), air conditioning, electric windows and mirrors, steering wheel-mounted controls, USB and AUX ports and six airbags.

Prices start at £12,600 for the base 1.6 petrol variant and rise to £21,550 for the flagship diesel model.

By Press Association reporters