Kia’s SUV-cum-crossover-MPV , the Soul, has been treated to mid-life refresh – and it was unveiled in full at the 2016 Paris motor show.
On the outside the changes are nothing too radical – it’s still unmistakably a Soul. It’s under the bonnet where the most interesting revisions have been made, thanks to Kia fitting the turbocharged petrol engine – resulting in the most powerful production Soul to date.
A Kia Soul wouldn’t be the first car you’d think of to get the 150kW turbo treatment, but it’s happened, and we’re not complaining.
Kia Soul
It’s the same 1.6-litre T-GDI unit you’ll find in the Cerato Koup, and it aids the Soul in sprinting from 0-100kph sprint in 7.5sec. Its top speed is a little less impressive, at 195kph, but we it is shaped like a brick, what did you expect? CO2 emissions of 156g/km are also pretty high. Fuel economy, however, is yet to be confirmed.
Power is sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, while there’s a choice of Eco, Normal and Sport driving modes – which alter the steering assistance to suit the driver’s tastes.
It’s the usual facelift fare on the outside, with the new Soul featuring remodelled bumpers, lights and new alloy wheel designs, while the 1.6 T-GDI gets some suitably racy red trim details. There’s also gloss black exterior trim around the wheelarches, while a beefier body kit is available higher up the range.
Kia Soul
Inside, the fashionable gloss black theme continues with some new trim. Kia’s latest touchscreen infotainment system is present and correct, too, with various screen sizes available, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto both feature.
Kia’s boosted the Soul’s safety credentials as well, adding Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert appearing to the options list.
The car was revealed at the 2016 Paris motor show and we predict will be in SA showrooms next. More details to follow when we get them from KIA.