The KIA Soul, so unique it doesn’t fit into a box!

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The first impression

I was invited to attend the launch of the second generation KIA Soul in mid-November last year. To be honest, I didn’t like the design of the original car. I felt it awkward and different just for the sake of it. I hadn’t driven it and was judging it as I’d judge a book’s cover. From what I understand via other motoring journalist fraternity members, it was a nice car to drive.

The second incarnation of the Soul, though similar to the first, is like a refreshing squirt of soothing eye drops to dry and tired eyes. Its boxy outline has been adapted - in a way that mixes the nuances of a futuristic electric car - like the BMW i3, with the floating roofline detail of a Range Rover Evoque. These details have been uniquely put together - giving the Soul a characterful look reminiscent in emotion similar to a MINI or Fiat 500, but in a practical design.

On the road

I like the name “Soul” - it invites visual imagery and thoughts of James Brown and a host of other liberated muses of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. They were cool. Their music came from the heart and pulsated though their bodies. I’m not sure if their excited movements came from their hips or feet first? Either way, it’s magic to watch.

Though the KIA Soul isn’t a pimp daddy or a modern day Huey Lewis, of the band, Huey Lewis and the News, it would still appear “Hip to be Square”.

The ride of the Soul is smooth, with firm undertones that endow the KIA with prodigious road handling characteristics. Being elevated and sitting at the same height as many crossover type vehicles, the Soul is well insulated from the sounds of the road. The particular model on test was a 1.6 diesel, badged a SMART, which is the top of the range Soul. This particular variant is mated to an effortless 6-speed automatic gearbox that makes light work of congested traffic situations.

Though on paper this derivative doesn’t sound particularly quick, with a 0-100km/h dash in just over 12 seconds. Being a diesel engine, it offers handfuls of torque. That’s another word for shove in your seat. So it may not sound quick but it certainly feels it.

Inside the cabin your derriere sits comfortably perched in the leather clad seats. The seating position being elevated gives one a bird’s eye view of the road and a greater sense of command over the road. Steering is electronically assisted with three modes: Sport, Normal or Comfort - allowing you to adjust the tension, a novel gimmick, but actual feedback is anesthetised in feeling.

As the top of the range Soul, the SMART comes loaded with features like keyless entry, park distance control, a reverse camera, touch screen infotainment system, leather seats and seat wheel and playful colour adjustable LED surround speakers, to list a few.

 

 

What I liked

  • Bold looks
  • Two-tone: red/white paint work.
  • High levels of standard equipment.
  • Good quality ride.
  • Good engine and well mated to the automatic gearbox.

 

What I’m not mad about

  • Perception as a niche vehicle.

 

The figures

 

 

The extra stuff

The KIA Soul comes standard with a 4yr/90 000km service plan and scored four stars in the EuroNCAP crash test.

The verdict

The KIA is the best car in and amongst the competitors listed above. It is the most refined and the nicest to drive. But, there is always a “but”, isn’t there? Look at the price of the SMART auto, it’s expensive by comparison. The manual Street version, which is more in line with the competitors by direct comparison is R309 995. It would be my choice, though the Nissan is the best seller in this group.

Get a Soul, it’ll leave you your hips and feet moving with happiness - it’s hip to be square!

www.kia.co.za

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