Prices of 2012 Kia Soul revealed

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 Quantum16,695
1.6 CRDi Quantum auto 17,795