Kia shows its new Soul
The Soul, a car which in its original guise attracted a small but dedicated band of Irish fans, now boasts a new-look exterior which is inspired by the 2012 Kia Track’ster concept.
Two models are initially available in Ireland — the EX which will cost €24,495 and the Platinum which comes at €28,495. Both machines are powered both powered by a familiar 128bhp 1.6 diesel engine.
The EX is decently equipped and comes with features such as 17” alloy wheels, Bluetooth, cruise control (with speed limiter), climate control, automatic air con, digital radio and rear view camera.
The Platinum version includes all of the above and adds 18” alloys, sat nav, leather upholstery with heated front seats, electrically adjustable drivers’ seat, panoramic sunroof and an ‘Infinity’ sound system.
Kia says the Soul is “all-new” with none of the exterior body panels carried over, and the interior being a completely new design.
The quasi Skoda and Toyota Cruiser (remember that) look — upright stance, squared shoulders, glass everywhere keep the original character.
We are told that the biggest technical change for the new 2014 Soul is the adoption of an all-new platform, based on that of the latest Kia cee’d, and that’s probably not a bad thing.
Kia maintains that the stronger bodyshell, together with suspension upgrades, has created a car with improved driving dynamics and ride quality.
The 2014 incarnation of the Soul is bigger, wider and — oddly — lower than the last one.
Kia also promises that driver and passengers in the new Soul will enjoy a significantly quieter cabin, with higher quality materials throughout, and greater sound proofing compared to the outgoing car, which wasn’t that terribly bad anyway.
Confirming the funky exterior design, buyers can personalise the cars pretty much to any extravagant way they wish.
