Kia Soul new car review

Australians are spoilt for choice when it comes to small cars, being the largest segment of the new car market.

Not surprisingly, that also makes it the most popular as car buyers continue to search for more efficient ways to move around and car makers strive to improve construction methods to offer the space and features that was once the domain of much larger vehicles.

Standing out from the crowd among the conventional hatchbacks is not easy, but Kia’s original Soul certainly did by being an unconventional hatchback designed to appeal to youthful urbanites that wanted something different.

While it wasn’t all that popular in Australia and was criticised for being too pricey, underpowered and lacked the dynamic ability to match its appeal, it was a smash hit in the US and Kia has stuck with it introducing an all-new model that improves on all the original Soul’s shortcomings.

What do you get?

Kia has rationalised the Soul range with the second-generation, dropping the 1.6-litre and diesel-engine options and two different trim levels – base and Soul+ - from the previous model with just one single variant that starts at $23,990 plus on-road costs.

It follows the Si trim available on the Cerato hatch on which it is based with an reasonably extensive list of standard equipment that includes satellite navigation, air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, six-speaker audio with Bluetooth phone and music streaming and artificial leather dash and door trim highlights.

Safety wise, it comes with six airbags, a reverse camera and parking sensors and the usual array of electronic safety aids such as stability and traction control. It has yet to be officially rated by ANCAP for a crash test score but considering both the Cerato and Koup which share the same basic structure and features has scored a five-star result, we’d expect nothing less from the Soul.

The only options available for the new model are a six-speed automatic transmission that costs $200 and premium paint that adds another $520 for five of the six colours available.

What’s Inside?

One of the bigger criticisms of the original Soul was that its drab cockpit didn’t live up to the funky design of its exterior. That can’t be said about the new one, as it features a fresh take on Kia’s ever-improving style and with higher levels of build quality.

The chunky fake leather steering wheel not only feels great but looks the part too as it has buttons for the audio and cruise control functions inspired by video game consoles with more conventional ones for the phone and trip computer underneath the protruding centre boss. Behind it is a clear instrument pod shrouded in a leather-topped binnacle with contrasting stitching that, along with similar panels in the door, brings a subtle air of quality and sportiness to the cabin.

The small touch screen audio and nav system in the centre console is easy to use and the audio system is more than adequate despite only have six speakers, including a pair of bold tweeters that protrude from either end of the dashboard. To keep the connected generation fully charged up, the Soul has two 12V power outlets as well as USB and AUX connections in the lower section of the centre console.

The front seats are also comfortable and the high driving position and large expanse of glass provides excellent all-round vision. There’s also plenty of cubby holes to keep small items secure and large door bins big enough for one-litre water bottles

The back seats are a bit flat and the Soul’s small-car dimensions makes it a bit of a squeeze for three across, but the tall body creates plenty of headroom and there’s also a generous amount of legroom too. On face value, the boot doesn’t look all that big but there’s a handy storage area under the floor that keeps items out of view and/or suitable for dirty sporting gear.

Under the bonnet

As mentioned previously, there’s now only one engine choice for the second-generation Soul; a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four cylinder that produces 113kW of power and 191Nm of torque.

It’s a decent engine that feels spritely on take-off that makes it easy to tootle around town, but it is a bit noisy at higher engine speeds and with its maximum pulling power coming in at 4700rpm it can be busy hunting through the six-speed automatic for the right gear climbing hills and at highway speeds.

That said, the gearbox is relatively smooth with unobstrusive shifts and, even though it has a manual mode option but no paddle shifters, is best left to its own devices.

The powertrain combination isn’t the most high-tech, though, and lacks the latest fuel-saving technologies such as direct-injection cylinder heads and automatic stop-start, which means its claimed average fuel consumption of 8.4L/100km is below average in the small car segment. With a mix of city and freeway driving, we saw closer to double digits.

On the road

Kia said it focused heavily on improving the driving experience of the second-generation Soul, which is noticeable.

The body is 29 percent stiffer than it predecessor and there’s more noise insulation, both of which, despite its large frontal area and vast windscreen, combine to make the car surprisingly quiet at cruising speeds.

The extra rigidity is also said to improve its handling and steering response, but, in reality, the Soul’s high centre of gravity from its tall body and the low-grip Nexen tyres doesn’t make it very agile through the corners.

Kia Australia has, on other hand, re-tuned the suspension to make it more comfortable, and has done an admirable job. It still feels a little jiggly over constant irregularities and sharp bumps will jar through the chassis, but for the most part it is well balanced.

The three-stage Flex Steer steering is best in the default Normal setting where it feels more natural than the over-assisted Comfort and oddly-weighted Sport modes.

Verdict

If you’re looking for something a little different, and don’t want to compromise on space for the sake of fashion, there’s a lot to like about the latest Soul – that is, if you think it looks okay. It won’t be for everyone, but the improvements in quality, features and comfort make it a good value small car alternative.

Kia Soul pricing and specifications

How much? From $25,990 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.0-litre four cylinder. 113kW/ 191Nm

Fuel use: 8.4L/100km

CO2 emissions: 195g CO2/km

What's it got? Six airbags; Stability control; Reverse parking sensors; Reversing camera; Cruise control; Air conditioning; CD/MP3 stereo; Bluetooth; 17-inch alloys

Related Car Specs

7/10

Kia Soul

See full specs