Kia Soul EV review: electric goes funky
What is it?
BASICALLY an all-electric second-generation version of Kia’s funky crossover, aimed at rivals such as the BMW i3 and Nissan Leaf.
Kia’s first all-electric production model, the Soul EV, is powered by a 109bhp electric motor and boasts a 132 mile range.
What’s hot?
- The distinctive, tall and sawn-off looks were one of the original Soul’s selling points. Kia has reworked the second-generation Soul, to include elements of the Track’ster concept. The EV version adds further styling tweaks, including the smoothed grille, moon disc-like wheel trims, plus revised bumper and tailgate, to help slip through the air even easier and eke out those extra few miles.
- The inside of the Soul EV feels equally interesting, with an all-new dash with improved plastics. The analogue gauges are also replaced by digital instruments and there’s a new automatic shifter, with fresh white highlights and hessian-like eco trim completing the special feel to this Kia’s interior.
- Cee’d underpinnings equal a spacious interior for the Soul.
- The EV isn’t cheap at £24,995, but this Kia is well-equipped with an 8″ touch-screen sat-nav, a DAB radio, reversing camera and dual-zone air-conditioning.
- The Soul EV is great fun to drive, the electric motor feeling deliciously torquey, smooth and quick. Top speed is 90mph and 60mph acceleration comes up in 10.8 seconds.
- No C02 emissions mean this Soul falls into the 5% company car tax band for 2015/16.
- Like the rest of the Kia car range, the Soul EV has the same seven-year warranty, which is confidence inspiring.
