Driving Review: Kia Soul 2,0 AT Smart
WHAT IS IT?
Kia’s second-gen Soul, a compact crossover that manages to bridge the gap between mainstream family hatchbacks like the VW Golf and Ford Focus, and weekend-warrior SUVs in the vein of the Toyota RAV4 and Kia’s own, hugely popular Sportage. This model is the top-of-the-range petrol version, the 2,0 AT Smart, and costs R325 995.
HOW DOES IT LOOK?
Less offensive than the first model, that’s for sure. Thanks to the meticulous eye of design god Peter Schreyer, aka Kia and Hyundai’s chief design officer, the new Soul is a cohesive crossover. It looks thoroughly modern from all angles, yet utterly distinctive. The Smart model boasts daylight-bright LED running lamps, imbuing the front with a purposeful air, while large alloy wheels fill the wheel arches to the brim.
Inside, quality has spiked, there’s more space all-round – the boot’s seems like it’s doubled in size – and refinement in town and on the highway is excellent. The speaker surrounds that light up and pulse in tune with the music being piped from the USB and Bluetooth-equipped sound system are gimmicky in the extreme, but this function can be switched off.
WHAT DOES IT OFFER?
Everything you could possibly wish for. The Soul, and especially this Smart model, follows the Kia mantra of offering serious value for money. There are no German-like expensive optional extras here; items such as xenon headlamps, keyless unlock and drive, a reverse-view camera and electric adjustment of the driver’s chair are all standard. In fact, the only option is a panoramic sunroof. Nice.
HOW DOES IT DRIVE?
Slightly less well than it looks… There’s very little wrong with the way the Soul rides and handles. The previous one crashed and clonked across road scars; the new one goes down the road like a far more sophisticated product. What’s more, the steering is light and direct, making parking a doddle.
However, this model starts to stumble when you ask for more performance from the 2,0-litre engine. Lacking a boosty turbocharger, it lacks sufficient punch in lower revs. Stomp on the accelerator and the six-speed gearbox hooks a lower gear, surging the engine into its noisy red line. It’s not unbearable, but if you live in Gauteng where the air is thinner and a car without a turbo loses between 15 and 20% of power, you might want to consider the turbodiesel.
IN CONCLUSION
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.
WORDS: TERENCE STEENKAMP @Terence_Stp