The facelifted Kia Soul, which costs from £12,495 and is on sale from today, includes two new trim levels in its range.
Six-speed transmissions come as standard across the Kia Soul range which is now offered in 1 and 2 specifications, plus limited-edition Hunter and Quantum versions.
See pictures of the facelifted Kia Soul
One 1.6 diesel and one 1.6 petrol engine is available for the urban crossover. The new direct-injection petrol GDi develops 138bhp, which is an increase of 14bhp on the previous 1.6-litre. The modified turbodiesel CRDi has 126bhp and is available with an optional six-speed automatic.
The diesel manual gets from 0-60mph in 10.3sec, which is 0.6sec faster than its predecessor. The 57.6mpg economy is more than 3mpg more efficient. CO2 emissions fall by 8g/km to 129g/km, which means owners are exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) in the car’s first year.
The petrol version covers 0-62mph in ten seconds and returns combined economy of 44.1mpg, according to Kia’s figures. With CO2 emissions of 149g/km, it sits in band F for VED, which saves owners £35 a year compared with the previous model.
At 4120mm long, all new versions of the Soul are 15mm longer than before to accommodate the new powertrains under the bonnet.
External differences to the previous iteration of the five-door, five-seat hatchback include tweaks to the styling of the grilles, lights, front bodywork and wheels. A new bumper with a wider, lower air intake gives the Soul a wider stance.
The vertical rear light clusters have been revised and incorporate brake lights that wrap around the side of the car. Daytime running lights are now a feature – the Soul 1 and 2 has bulb-type lights, while the new special editions get LED versions.
Soul 1 now has body-coloured door handles and mirrors and a top-tinted windscreen, while Soul 2 gains surrounds around its front foglights, 16-inch alloy wheels and folding electric door mirrors containing indicator repeaters. The interior boasts a redesigned and more upmarket centre fascia, centre console and gearshifter.
In addition to the standard electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, the 2012 versions get vehicle stability management and hill-start assist control.
Soul 1 gains Bluetooth with voice control, and sun visors with illuminated mirrors in addition to remote audio controls, electric mirrors, body-coloured door handles and a top-tinted windscreen. Soul 2 has new 16-inch alloys, unique upholstery and folding mirrors.
The Hunter and Quantum special editions build upon the Soul 2 specification by adding metallic paint, LED daytime running lights, an uprated stereo system, heated door mirrors and privacy glass to the rear windows and tailgate. Cruise control is standard on automatic versions and will feature on manual versions from the end of the year.
Add your comment