Car review: Kia Soul Diesel SMART
It’s no secret that I have been a fan of the Kia Soul for some time now. Many question me on it, but only people who have never experienced it. It may look a bit odd, but that is part of the appeal for me. If I am really honest, it took me a while to love the look, I started to warm to it at the last Soul launch I was on, but the more I experience it, the more it grows on me. One thing I have never wavered on is the interior. The Kia Soul is spacious, it’s a pleasure to drive and sometimes, well sometimes, you just want to stand out from the crowd.
I got to drive the new Kia Soul for a week a while back and so my love affair with this weird little compact SUV/crossover continues. And just last year the Soul was made available with the seven-speed dual clutch transmission.
KIA’s all-new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) made it’s global debut at the 85th Salon International de l’Automobile in Geneva in March this year. It is available in the range-topping Kia Soul 1.6 CRDi SMART. The new DCT is capable of handling larger torque outputs than Kia’s existing six-speed torque converter automatic transmission (up to 300 N.m), while the faster gear changes, lower emissions and higher fuel economy enhance the already dynamic persona of the Soul.
Developed in-house for greater fuel economy and acceleration
The new transmission is more fuel-efficient than Kia’s existing six-speed automatic transmission, the new DCT has been engineered with low fuel consumption and a sporty driving feel when in manual mode, and with comfort and smoothness when left in automatic mode.
Innovative hollow double-gear input shaft allows quick shifts
The DCT operates sequentially so the car anticipates the next gear that the driver is likely to need under acceleration or braking, or jumps immediately to any of its seven forward gears (and reverse). This is particularly useful under kickdown or heavy braking, allowing the driver to remain in control of the vehicle at all times.
The continuous power delivery of the DCT minimises the loss of torque and forward motion by the powertrain during gearshifts, resulting in more decisive acceleration and a smoother drive. Reduction of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) has also been a focus for the team behind the DCT’s development, with an external damper ensuring a higher level of refinement for the new transmission.
Uprated power and performance
After its launch in November 2014, KIA’s new Soul has proven itself as a fun, practical and entertainingly agile competitor to an increasing number of B-segment crossovers. Combining the compact dimensions of a crossover with the functionality and practicality of a multi-purpose vehicle, the Soul’s innovative packaging endows it with a unique and high quality, award-winning proposition for those with an active, urban lifestyle.
Maximum power increases from 94 kW to 100 kW at 4 000 r/min. In addition, maximum torque output also increases from 260 N.m to 300 N.m, still available between 1900 and 2750 r/min. There are also gains in acceleration and top speed, the former improving 12,2 seconds to 11,1 seconds, and the latter from 182 km/h to 188 km/h.
This all sounds like PR talk, well because it is, but it still rings true. It is unique and it is ever so practical. I will use my colleague’s conclusion from his review of the Kia Soul back in May last year. “Like all modern Kias, the Soul is a great product, full stop. It neatly bridges the gap between dull hatches and expensive SUVs, and should find favour with a number of adventure-inclined buyers looking for a spacious family vehicle that won’t bust the budget.”
As with all KIA models offered in South Africa, the new Kia Soul 1.6 CRDi SMART DCT comes standard with a 5-year / 150 000km warranty and three years unlimited roadside assistance. Also included as standard is a 4-year / 90 000km service plan.
PRICING OF THE KIA SOUL
It starts at R299 995 and the 1.6 CRDi SMART DCT retails for R418 995.