Kia Soul (09 on) - Review

A 124bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine and a 126bhp 1.6-litre diesel engine are offered with the Soul. The petrol version accelerates from 0-62mph in 11 seconds, while the diesel does the same job in 11.3 seconds. However, it's the CRDi engine that provides the most satisfying performance with extra low down pulling power compared to the petrol. While both engines are responsive, it's the diesel that takes the stress out of overtaking slower traffic, while the petrol sounds a little strained on the motorway. Both engines come with a five-speed manual gearbox, while the diesel is offered with a four-speed automatic option. The manual has a smooth gearshift, although the petrol version would benefit from a six-speed gearbox to make it feel more relaxed at high speed.

The Soul's wide stance and relatively long wheelbase for a small car means it's composed on the road, although Kia commissioned Lotus to help develop the chassis settings used on UK cars. It means that Soul 2 grade models on 16-inch wheels feel firmly planted on the road with excellent body control. The top-end models on 18-inch alloys make you more aware of poor road surfaces, but there is no roughness to the ride. The Soul isn't designed to drive like a sportscar, but it is more than agile enough to cope with the trials of everyday driving. It's also easy to manoeuvre, making parking easy.