For The 1.6-litre petrol engine performs perkily enough, and costs less to buy than the equivalent diesel model.

Against Choosing this trim makes the car far too expensive to buy, and with the Soul’s poor ride and handling, it’s hard to justify the cost.

Kia Soul Hatchback

What Car? says

3 out of 5 stars

Much too pricey for a Soul. If you must have one, save yourself some money and go for the 1.6 petrol version in 1 trim.

What Car? readers say

3.75


Key facts

0–60mph
10 secs
Top speed
112 mph
Average mpg
44.1
Tank range
467 miles
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Features

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Size

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View the whole Kia Soul Hatchback range

Cheaper

More expensive

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The full Kia Soul review


Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

The Kia Soul is marketed as an urban car with an SUV attitude – no wonder the styling is so confused. What you do get with the Soul, though, is lots of cabin space and a pretty generous list of standard equipment. Entry-level 1 models, for example, come with pretty much everything you’d want: air-conditioning, four powered windows, remote locking, Bluetooth and a six-speaker stereo with steering wheel controls. The thing is, the higher-end models add plenty to the price, but not much to the equipment roster. Two 1.6-litre engines are available, and the 138bhp direct-injection petrol feels pretty perky, if not that fast. There’s a 126bhp diesel available, too. Both engines come with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, and you can add an auto to the diesel as an option. While the Soul is a decidedly below-par car, it comes with an exceptional warranty – seven years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Reader test team says:

Kia Soul Hatchback 1.6i 1 5dr

Having just swapped my 2011 Honda Civic 1.4 auto for a new Soul 2 1.6CDRI auto i can't express enough how impressed i am! I had to swap because i…

Andrew Stevens

4 out of 5 stars

Kia Soul Hatchback 1.6 CRDi 2 5dr

This automatic is my wife's Motability car, which I drive. She finds it easily accessable, whilst I like the driving position. Whether in town, on the…

Jim Kitchingman

4 out of 5 stars

Kia Soul Hatchback 1.6 CRDi 2 5dr

I was supplied with this model as a courtesy car whilst my ceed was repaired. I agree with the Whatcar? verdict. This car is a good drive, except for…

Keith Martin

3 out of 5 stars

Kia Soul Hatchback 1.6 CRDi 2 5dr

I purchased this car in June 2010, I traded in my Mini One Auto for the Soul 2 1.6 diesel auto, as the mini was no longer practical seeing as I have 2…

Stephen Hardwick

4 out of 5 stars
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