Kia Soul (09 on) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 05 January 2010
The Kia Soul is a practical small car. It's not much longer or wider than a Vauxhall Corsa, but it's usefully spacious and stands out for people who'd rather choose something more distinctive than a run-of-the-mill small hatchback. There is a choice of a petrol or diesel engine and sitting above the normal trim levels, the Soul launched with three different limited editions: Samba, Shaker and Burner - reflecting its youthful image. Plenty of rear passenger space, a decent boot plus a well put together interior make the Soul a great small family car, while a smooth ride and light steering make it ideal for town and city driving. In January 2010 the standard warranty on new models was upped from three years to seven years, making it even better value.
4 out of 5

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4.5 out of 5

Equipment

Soul 1 models (only available with the petrol engine) come with 15-inch steel wheels, a CD/radio, MP3 player socket/USB port, electric windows, remote central locking, six airbags, air conditioning and Isofix child seat mounting points. The Soul 2 trim adds steering wheel-mounted audio controls, iPod connector and 16-inch alloys. Distinctive features of the Samba grade include upgraded and colour-coordinated interior trim, 18-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass and an upgraded audio system with LED 'mood lights' in the front door speakers. This trim was phased out at the end of 2009 and replaced by the Tempest which comes with unique black 18-inch alloys, an upgraded audio system, a reversing camera and metallic paint. Shaker models are similar to the Soul 2 but come with unique 18-inch alloys, privacy glass, an electric sunroof, metallic interior trim and a reverse parking camera with a monitor mounted in the rear-view mirror. Burner models come with dark 18-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, roof rails, unique grille, exterior trim features and have the LED 'mood lights' in the speakers as fitted to the Samba model. Additional option 'packs' can also be chosen.

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Trim

Equipment

Key:

Standard item

Optional item

  • 3x3 point rear seat belts
  • ABS
  • Air conditioning
  • Alloy wheels
  • Audio remote
  • Body coloured bumpers
  • CD
  • Central locking
  • Cloth seat trim
  • Cruise control
  • Driver`s airbag
  • Electric mirrors
  • Electric sunroof
  • Folding rear seats
  • Front electric windows
  • Front fog lights
  • Heated mirrors
  • Heated seats
  • Height adjustable drivers seat
  • Isofix child seat anchor points
  • Leather seat trim
  • Metallic Paint
  • Parking sensors
  • PAS
  • Passenger`s airbag
  • Rear electric windows
  • Remote locking
  • Roof rails
  • Side airbags
  • Space saver spare wheel
  • Steel wheels
  • Steering wheel rake adjustment
  • Steering wheel reach adjustment
  • Traction control
1 2 Burner Samba Tempest Shaker Hunter Echo Searcher Quantum
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