South African Car News: Updated Kia Soul
In September 2016 we saw the unveiling of the updated Kia Soul, a unique looking vehicle in the crossover segment. The updated Soul receives some minor updates which include a re-styling of the front and rear bumpers. There are also changes to the front headlights and rear fog lights. The updates to the interior the Soul are also minimal with a few different trim options and designs
The bigger news is that there is a new entry-level variant in the Kia Soul range – the Soul 1.6 CRDi START which features a turbodiesel engine producing 94 kW and 260 N.m of torque. Deputy Managing Director Gary Scott claims that the new turbodiesel Soul 1.6 START is “probably the best-built, most spacious and well-specced diesel crossover below R400,000”
This a bold statement, but the Kia Soul START does feature a good host of options as standard, such as Bluetooth connectivity, six speakers, central locking, a rear-view camera and electric windows front and rear just to name a few – not bad for R329 000.
Full Kia Soul Range
There are six variants in the KIA Soul range with three petrol and three diesel models on offer. At entry level and accompanying the START diesel is a petrol version, also featuring a 1 600cc motor producing 91 kW and a mere 151 N.m of torque – this model does however come with the option of an automatic gearbox for R13 000.
If you fancy a little more spec for your Soul, then the STREET option could be something to look at. It features such things as glovebox cooling, a Smart Key with push button start, leather upholstery, Electronic Stability Control, Brake Assist, Hill-start Assist Control and Vehicle Stability Management. Further to this, the STREET models are also available with a 2.0-litre petrol engine providing a decent 116 kW and 192 N.m.
If you really want to push the boat out, KIA have the top of the range SMART models on offer. Park Distance Control, HID Headlamps and LED daytime running lights, Cruise Control and electric seats are some of the fancy extras one can have.
An automatic gearbox is also as standard on both the 2.0-litre petrol and 1.6-litre diesel engines in the SMART range. The diesel engine also has an increased power output of 100 kW and 300 N.m thanks to a more capable 7-Speed dual clutch gearbox.
With the top of the range petrol Soul SMART coming in at R391 000, it really is good value for money. We feel that the SMART diesel variant is a little too much, though, at R431 995.
Full pricing is as follows:
Soul 1.6 START Manual R 309,995
Soul 1.6 CRDI START Manual R 329,995
Soul 2.0 STREET Manual R 347,995
Soul 1.6 CRDI STREET Manual R 376,995
Soul 2.0 SMART Auto R 391,995
Soul 1.6 CRDI SMART DCT R 431,995