The enhanced Kia Soul, which was unveiled at the Paris Motors Show in September 2016, as well as a new turbo diesel-powered entry-level model have launched in South Africa.
The new turbocharged diesel derivative, known as the Soul 1.6 START, is powered by Kia’s ‘U2’ 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine that develops 94kW of power and 260Nm of torque, mated exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission.
The Soul START features a comprehensive list of standard specification, including a radio with MP3 and Auxillary and USB jacks, Bluetooth, a rear-view camera, electrochromatic rearview mirror, electric windows and heated side mirrors with integrated indicators. It also features ABS brakes, six airbags, active (up and down) headrests, an impact-sensing door unlock function and ISOFIX child seat anchors.
Exterior
The front and rear bumpers have been remodelled and feature metallic skid plates, the grille has had a minor revision, while on the higher-spec ‘Smart’ models the Soul’s LED daytime running lights move from above to the bottom of the light.
There are newly-designed fog lamps and reflectors on all models and entry-level ‘Start’ models get a sportier alloy wheel design.
Interior
The cabin remains very much the same, with new cloth upholstery on the entry level models and new gloss black and metallic highlights and switchgear across the range.
“The new turbodiesel Soul 1.6 START is probably the best-built, most spacious and well-specced diesel crossover below R400 000,” says Gary Scott, Sales Director and Deputy Managing Director, KIA Motors South Africa. “At R329 995 it represents exceptional value, and a quick test drive will more than confirm its virtues.”
Pricing for the enhanced KIA Soul range is as follows:
Soul 1.6 START Manual R 309 995
Soul 1.6 CRDI START Manual R 329 995
Soul 2.0 STREET Manual R 347 995
Soul 1.6 CRDI STREET Manual R 376 995
Soul 2.0 SMART Auto R 391 995
Soul 1.6 CRDI SMART DCT R 431 995
Both the Soul 2.0 SMART and the Soul 1.6 CRDI SMART DCT are available with an optional sunroof (R12 500).
All models ship as standard with KIA’s 5-year / Unlimited Kilometre Warranty, 5-year / Unlimited Kilometre Roadside Assistance as well as a 4-year / 90 000km Service Plan.