New Kia Soul 2014 prices and specs revealed

The second-generation Kia Soul is now on sale, and the new compact SUV is bigger and bolder, taking its design cues from 2012’s hot-hatch Track’ster concept.

Prices start at £12,600 for the entry-level Start trim featuring a 1.6-litre petrol engine, with the range-topping 1.6-litre CRDi diesel Maxx available from £21,550. 

As with the outgoing model, the Soul will be available in five trim levels, although only Start, Connect and Connect Plus are available at launch. These will be joined later in the summer by the top-spec Mixx and Maxx variants, which are set to get “more extrovert styling and higher levels of technology” according to Kia.

Standard kit across the range includes DAB radio, tyre pressure monitoring system, keyless entry and full electric windows, as well as Kia’s three-mode Flex Steer variable power-assisted steering, 16-inch alloys, air conditioning and wheel-mounted controls.

Soul Connect (£14,800 – £17,900) will add leather-trim to the steering wheel and gearstick, as well as a black-gloss finish to parts of the dash, wheel and door interiors.

You’ll also get 17-inch alloys, front fog lamps, heated door mirrors, and Bluetooth connectivity. Cruise control, a central storage box between the front seats and reversing camera are additional features from the Connect up. 

The mid-level Connect Plus (£15,900 – £19,000) adds a new sound system and integrated satellite navigation to this set up, with front speaker mood lights included, too.

As well as 18-inch alloys, selecting Mixx trim (£18,150 – £21,250) gives the Soul contrasting-colour roof and door mirror casings, LED taillights, privacy and solar glass, a cooled glovebox and heated front seats. Alongside this, the package comes with the urban styling pack for a tougher, more sport-oriented appearance. 

Helping the Maxx (£19,950 – £21,550) stand out visually is a TFT instrument cluster, leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof. It also gets improved technology in the form of front and rear parking sensors, smart-key entry and engine stop/start button.      

Under the Nissan Juke rival's bonnet, buyers will once again be offered the choice of a 1.6-litre direct-injection GDi petrol engine with 130bhp or a 1.6-litre turbodiesel capable of CO2 emissions as low as 132g/km and up to 56.5mpg. 

Kia has also announced a full-electric model – called the EV and boasting zero emissions – will join the line-up towards the end of this year.