8 February 2011
New car report: Euro / Korean combo
A word of caution about the all-new Kia Soul; enter the showroom with a mindset to be sold on the funky concept before you go making comparisons with the retail price.
Kia Motors is breaking new ground in releasing what design chief Peter Schreyer, formerly Audi/VW design head, describes as a "new kind of urban crossover" and a new direction for Korea's oldest auto company. The new shape and design is the first of a new generation of vehicles that will clearly identify the direction that Kia Motors will be taking in the future. That future direction will also contain the new corporate Tiger grille seen on the Soul and which will be visible on other Kia models going forward.
There is no denying the Soul is a huge step outside the square for the Korean manufacturer, it is a car with a character and personality all of its own, designed to charter new territory in the market place. It has a hint of SUV but lacks any four wheel-drive system, a touch of hatchback without a wide opening rear and a dash of wagon without a well designed folding rear seat arrangement which would vastly improve useable interior space. Sort of something for those who don't really do anything to extremes but like to be noticed in something more than a shopping basket.
The Soul is more a large leap rather than a small step in design change direction for the Kia brand.
The all-new platform the front-wheel drive car is built on, featuring a compact 4104mm overall length with an unusually long wheelbase of 2550mm, creates generous overall interior space. Add to that a high roofline which tapers back to the rear and wide opening front and rear doors means the Soul will comfortably absorb those who normally struggle to get comfortable in vehicles marketed in the compact segment of the market. It is a pity however, a bit more thought could not have gone into making better use of the interior space available.
There is only one body style, but the Soul is available in three different models; the entry-level Soul, the mid-range Soul Plus and the top of the range Soul Burner.
The entry-level model is the only variant fitted with a 1.6 litre petrol engine (91kW) and 5-speed manual transmission, the two other models feature a second-generation 1.6 litre CRDi diesel engine which is mated to a 4-stage automatic transmission. The 16-valve DOHC diesel engine produces an impressive 94kW of power and 260Nm of torque @ 1900rpm.
The entry level Soul is fitted with 15-inch steel wheels, the Plus 16-inch alloys while the Burner comes standard with 18-inch alloys. All three have a space saver spare wheel.
The automatic diesel has a claimed fuel consumption figure of 5.9L/100km while the manual petrol is 6.5L/100km. As with all diesels we encourage potential buyers to do the sums and add Road User Charges and the higher registration costs into the overall running costs equation.
Electronic stability programme (ESP) and a full complement of six airbags (including side curtain and front side airbags) are standard on every model. Kia claim the Soul is designed to meet the revised, tough 5-star Euro NCAP safety standard.
The Soul Burner features a rear-facing camera image displayed in the rear-view mirror when reverse is selected - other models have rear parking assist.
For those who like a bright interior the Soul Burner will not disappoint with its red themed 'burner' layout including the dash panel.
All Soul models come with a CD player/radio, with MP3 compatibility, plus USB, AUX and iPOD connections and a speed-rated volume control. The Soul Burner system has the up-rated 315W 8-speaker system incorporating a large diameter dash-top centre speaker, external amplifier and sub-woofer.
All models have manual audio controls integrated into the steering wheel.
Sound Sensitive Mood Lighting (SSML) is standard with the Soul Burner, with adjustable LED lighting rings around the speakers in the doors.
There are 14 individual storage zones around the cabin, including a hidden tray under the rear luggage floor in the Soul Plus and Soul Burner.
Lack of telescopic steering on all models means the seating position is compromised a little while it's difficult to understand why the base model does not have a drivers power operated switch to adjust the outside door mirrors. The use of hard plastics on some interior trim and the lack of a quality feel with some of the electrical switches is also a disappointment with the Soul.
So, should the new look Kia Soul command a premium price bearing in mind the Korean brand has long been seen as a good value for money proposition rather than a direct threat to its higher priced competitors?
We think not, but it's hard to gauge who its competitors really are.
The entry-level 1.6 litre petrol manual retails for $29,990, while the diesel Soul plus and Soul Burner models are priced at $33,990 and $39,990* respectively.
All models are sold with a 5-year or up to 100,000km (whichever comes first) warranty programme.