KIA SOUL HATCHBACK REVIEW

Performance

3 out of 5 stars

Two 1.6-litre engines are available, one direct-injection petrol and one turbodiesel. The petrol feels reasonable perky and flexible, but in truth, the car doesn’t feel as quick as its 138bhp output suggests. We haven’t tried the diesel yet, but neither its power output nor its acceleration figures match the petrol’s.
Ride & Handling

1 out of 5 stars

Ride comfort is where the Soul really struggles. The car jitters irritatingly over every surface it encounters, and bigger bumps and potholes thump uncomfortably into the cabin. The handling isn’t much better, either – the body slops around in bends, grip isn’t hugely strong and the steering is slow, lifeless and vague.
Refinement

2 out of 5 stars

The petrol engine gets a bit vocal if you stretch it, but it settles reasonably well on the motorway. Road noise is more of an issue, though, because the Soul kicks up loads of the stuff, even at moderate speeds. It’s a shame, because wind noise is pretty well contained.

Buying & Owning

3 out of 5 stars

The entry-level Soul (the 1.6 GDI 1), is affordable for a car of this size. However, prices climb steeply as you go further up the range, and the higher you go, the less financial sense the Soul makes. It’s not all that cheap to run, either – both petrol and diesel models have higher-than-average fuel consumption CO2 emissions for the class. Resale values aren’t bad, though.
Quality & Reliability

2 out of 5 stars

The cabin plastics look reasonably smart and feel solid enough, but they’re also hard to the touch, which doesn’t give a very classy feel. On the flipside, the door pulls and parts of the dash have an appealing rubberized finish, but these bits look gawdy. Kia’s reliability record is only so-so, but you get a generous warranty.
Safety & Security

4 out of 5 stars

All Soul models are pretty well stocked with safety kit. Electronic stability control is provided along with a system that helps you keep control if one side of the car has significantly less grip than the other. Hill Start Assist is also provided, along with six airbags.

Behind The Wheel

2 out of 5 stars

There’s lots of adjustment for the steering wheel and seat, but whatever you do, you’re left with a high driving position. Rearward visibility isn’t great, either, because the rear screen is flanked by thick pillars. The stereo and ventilation controls might take some getting used to, because the markings aren’t all that clear.
Space & Practicality

3 out of 5 stars

For a car of this size, the Soul has impressive interior space. The high roof means plenty of headroom in all five seats, and there’s a generous amount of legroom in the back. A wide middle seat and a flat floor means it’ll take three in the back quite comfortably, too. Shame the boot is so small, particularly in the height department, but the seats do fold down flat.
Equipment

4 out of 5 stars

Entry-level 1 models have air-conditioning, four powered windows, remote locking, Bluetooth and steering wheel controls for the six-speaker stereo. 2 models add alloys and power folding mirrors. Periodically, Kia also brings out special editions, which add all sorts of styling and luxury kit. These can be pricey, though.