Skip advert
Advertisement

Kia Soul 1.6 CRDi Shaker

Korean car is a distinctive addition to the class

Typically, Kias appeal to the head, but the new Soul is also supposed to appeal to the heart. The supermini is designed to add a welcome dash of desirability to the Korean company’s worthy image. But will that be enough to see off the practical new Citroen?

The Soul is billed as an urban crossover, although it’s practical, too. The flagship Burner has already beaten Skoda’s versatile Roomster (Issue 1,054), yet we’ve chosen the more restrained Shaker for this test. Thanks to Kia’s competitive pricing, you can get a diesel Soul for less than the cost of our C3 Picasso, while the 1.6-litre petrol costs £1,000 less.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Unlike its rivals, the Kia has not been styled to resemble a scaled down MPV. Instead, the firm’s designers have given the car a tough SUV appearance. With a raised ride height, upright windscreen and chunky wheelarches filled with 18-inch alloys, the Korean car looks every inch the mini off-roader. The only downside is that the distinctive beige finish of our Shaker is the only paintwork option available with this special launch trim.

Inside, the dashboard gets the same colour treatment. There’s no doubt it helps to brighten the interior, but it’s likely to become grubby with normal family use. However, that’s one of the few complaints we can level against the Kia’s cabin. The firm has worked hard to create a quality feel, and only the occasional piece of hard and shiny plastic trim lets the interior down.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

iX3

2024 BMW

iX3

24,880 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £28,018
View iX3
i10

2023 Hyundai

i10

22,180 milesAutomaticPetrol1.2L

Cash £12,668
View i10
e-tron Sportback

2023 Audi

e-tron Sportback

55,880 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £20,133
View e-tron Sportback
iX3

2021 BMW

iX3

57,242 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £20,374
View iX3

Buyers certainly won’t feel short-changed by the amount of space on offer. Passengers travelling in the back get plenty of head and legroom, while useful storage cubbies are dotted all over the cabin. Better still, the tall SUV-style driving position provides excellent visibility. The Soul can’t match the Nissan and Citroen for ultimate versatility, though.

It’s the only car in our line-up that doesn’t have a sliding rear bench, and the 340-litre boot only trumps the smaller Daihatsu by 46 litres. But what the Soul lacks in space it makes up for with kit. Air-con, an electric sunroof and iPod connection are all standard. There’s even a reversing camera which transmits images to the rear view mirror.

The Kia ups the stakes when you hit the road. Its 126bhp 1.6-litre diesel feels more muscular than its petrol rivals. Despite being the heaviest car here, it sprinted from 30-50mph in 4.6 seconds in third – that’s six-tenths faster than the Note.

Away from the test track, the Soul impresses with its refinement. As with the Citroen, it provides a grown-up driving experience, with surprisingly low noise levels and a comfortable ride.

Head for a twisty road, and the Kia shows real composure. The steering is accurate, there is plenty of grip and body roll is well controlled. It can’t match the Nissan for entertainment, but it’s not far behind.

So with its neat styling, strong pace, good driving dynamics and spacious cabin, the Soul is without doubt Kia’s best car yet.

Details

Chart position: 3
WHY: With distinctive looks and decent dynamics, the new Soul is a Kia with style and character all of its own.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £2,607 off RRP*Used from £15,997
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £3,576 off RRP*Used from £11,895
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £5,330 off RRP*
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £5,249 off RRP*Used from £14,350
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Fiat Grande Panda goes on sale with tiny price and big ambition
Fiat Grande Panda La Prima - front cornering

New Fiat Grande Panda goes on sale with tiny price and big ambition

The newly crowned Auto Express Supermini of the Year is available in hybrid or pure-electric form, with the EV offering 199 miles of range
News
1 Sep 2025
Skoda Elroq and Enyaq get Electric Car Grant approval
Skoda Elroq - front cornering

Skoda Elroq and Enyaq get Electric Car Grant approval

Despite some models costing over the £37,000 threshold, Skoda has secured the government grant on its mid-size electric SUVs
News
2 Sep 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Enjoy Scandinavian style with the Volvo XC40 for just £296 a month
Volvo XC40 - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: Enjoy Scandinavian style with the Volvo XC40 for just £296 a month

Swedish company’s popular compact SUV is still effortlessly cool, and great value with our Deal of the Day for 31 August
News
31 Aug 2025