KIA is adding some jazzed up new models to the Soul and Picanto ranges that should appeal to company car drivers who want to stand out from the crowd.
And apart from the looks….
Business drivers will like the Soul Shaker’s iPod and Bluetooth connections, aircon, cruise control, and of course 57.6mpg.
A new version of the Soul, the Shaker, joins the Soul Originals range. Soul Originals are a permanent collection of limited edition models with fancy colour schemes and long equipment lists that are rotated at regular intervals. The Shaker gets Vanilla Shake or Quartz Black metallic paintwork, eighteen-inch alloys and LED daytime running lights.
Two 1.6-litre engines are available, a diesel and a petrol. Company car drivers are likely to be drawn to the diesel, which delivers a combines 57.6 mpg and 129g/km.
Inside, there’s a new “houndstooth” cloth pattern for the seats as well as iPod and Bluetooth connections, air conditioning, steering wheel mounted radio controls and a leather trimmed steering wheel and gear knob. Diesels get cruise control and all Shakers get an electric sunroof and a reversing camera.
Kia Soul Shaker prices start at £15,295 for the 1.6 petrol. The diesel is available as a manual for £16,690 or as an automatic for £17,795.
Meanwhile, the Picanto is getting the option of a vivid new pink colour scheme – or Fuchsia Blush as the official Kia paint chart has it. The new colour is a £445 option on five-door Picantos in 2 and 3 trim.
There’s a new top-spec three-door Picanto as well, the “White” edition. The White gets fifteen-inch alloys, Bluetooth, automatic air conditioning and reversing sensors.
Inside, there’s a leather steering wheel as well as steering wheel mounted controls and ambient LED lighting. The White’s black grille is picked out with a bright red surround. Kia Picanto White prices start at £11,745 for a 1.25-litre petrol car.
All Soul and Picanto models benefit from Kia’s transferable seven-year warranty, which is usually considered to be one of the best in the business as a business car comparison will show.