Kia has released prices for its face-lifted Soul, which is on sale now. The 2012 Kia Soul has updated styling, engines and trim levels, and prices start from £12,495.
The styling updates are subtle, but the light clusters, bumpers, front grille and alloy wheels are new. Daytime running lights have been added, and all models now have body-coloured door handles and mirrors.
The 2012 Soul also has a redesigned dash, centre console and gearlever, as well as new materials designed to give a higher-quality appearance.
The Soul comes with a new range of 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines, with improved economy, performance and emission levels.
The direct-injection petrol unit has an increased output of 138bhp, a 14bhp increase over the previous 1.6 model. It's linked to a new six-speed gearbox and returns an average of 44.1mpg, a 0.6mpg improvement. CO2 emissions have dropped from 153g/km to 149g/km.
The diesel version has the same 126bhp output as before, but a range of changes – including a new six- rather than five-speed manual gearbox - boost average fuel economy from 54.3- to 57.6mpg. It's available with an optional six-speed automatic gearbox, which replaces the previous model's four-speed auto.
There are four trim levels available; the 1 and 2 regular grades, plus two new 'Soul Originals': Hunter and Quantum. Kia describes its Soul Originals as 'a rolling programme of special versions with unique styling and trim, changed at regular intervals.'
Standard equipment includes:
Soul 1
Sun visors with illuminated mirrors
Air-conditioning
Four electric windows
Bluetooth
Electric door mirrors
Soul 2
'Muscular' front foglamp surrounds
16-inch alloy wheels
Folding electric mirrors with side repeater
iPod cable
Hunter
Metallic paint
LED daytime running lights
Eight-speaker audio
Cruise control on auto models (available on manual from end of year)
18-inch alloy wheels
Electric sunroof
Reversing camera
Quantum
Black leather upholstery
Cruise control on auto models (available on manual from end of year)
Black 18-inch alloy wheels
Chrome door handles
Heated front seats
Climate control
Reverse parking sensors
All versions have an updated stability control system and the 2012 Soul also comes with a new hill-start assist control that stops the car rolling backwards when setting off on an incline.
Pricing
1.6 GDi 1 £12,495
1.6 GDi 2 £13,595
1.6 CRDi 2 £14,695
1.6 CRDi 2 auto £15,795
1.6 GDi Hunter £15,095
1.6 CRDi Hunter £16,195
1.6 CRDi Hunter auto £17,295
1.6 GDi Quantum £15,595
1.6 CRDi Quantum£16,695
1.6 CRDi Quantum auto £17,795
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