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Full Review: Kia Soul

By John Slavin
Freelance Contributing Writer
09 September 2010

First impressions say it all
I realise that a first impressions blog for this car is conspicuously absent, but that’s because first impressions say it all with the Soul. It’s staggeringly bold in its design, and when you see one in the metal, you’ll know there and then whether you love it or hate it.

I’m in the former camp; I adore it. Ever since I first clapped eyes on one back in 2009, I wanted to drive it, so when Kia told me that I could, I was tremendously excited. But as the days wound on and it came closer to the car arriving, I became rather nervous. There’s a phrase; ‘never meet your heroes,’ and I was concerned it might apply in the case of the Soul. Thankfully, though, it didn’t.
As it rolled up outside, with a dragon tattoo, black wheels, and red details, I remembered why I liked it so much, and when I climbed inside to see a bright red dash, transparent gear knob and strobing neon speaker surrounds, I liked it even more.


Strobing neon speaker surrounds


The Soul’s tall, angular, aggressively styled body makes interior space frankly rather excellent. Head and legroom are great both front and rear, and the boot is capacious, especially with it’s clever under-floor storage. The audio system is absolutely brilliant. Seven speakers and a subwoofer make for crisp music with tremendous bass. I couldn’t tell if people were looking at me because of the noise or the crazy styling, but I didn’t mind. Sometimes it’s nice to be noticed.


Dragon tattoo, black wheels, and red details - sometimes it’s nice to be noticed


On the road, the Soul is competent but unexciting. Steering and gear changes are extremely easy at the expense of being involving. The suspension was set up specifically for UK roads, and it shows. Lumps, bumps and potholes are absorbed with aplomb, but without creating a wallowing blancmange style mess through the bends. The Soul feels safe and pleasant on all sorts of roads.

The 1.6 diesel is fairly refined at lower revs, but slightly coarse higher up. Torque is ample low down though, so on the go, the Soul is generally refined and pleasant.

As I waved the car off at the end of the loan, I had to turn and have a second look as it left. I really, really liked it. So much so, that I’d consider buying one if I had the money.

The Soul is inexpensive, competent, distinctive, and with a 7-year warranty, probably very reliable. I can’t recommend it enough.


The Soul’s tall, angular, aggressively styled body makes interior space frankly rather excellent




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