Skip advert
Advertisement

Kia Soul 1.6 CRDi

Supermini offers appealing mix of practicality and quirky looks

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Kia Soul
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

With its Cee’d family hatch, Kia raised its status from a cheap-and-cheerful brand to mainstream contender. The Soul should take the firm even further, as it has that quality which never fails to sell cars: character. By appealing to the young with its quirky style and the mature with its practicality, the Soul could fly out of Kia’s showrooms. The only letdown is the quality of materials in the cabin.

Advertisement - Article continues below

We’ve finally discovered Kia’s Soul! In May, we drove the Soul Burner – one of three themed concept cars. But now, we’ve got behind the wheel of the real deal, ready to hit showrooms in March.

Described by the maker as an ‘urban crossover’, the car has elements of an SUV, MPV and traditional hatchback. The exterior is striking, as it shares many of the concepts’ styling details. Touches such as the letterbox grille, smoked front lamps and flared wheelarches add a hint of aggression.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Kia Soul

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_narrow","fid":"68385","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image"}}]]

Inside, the high-set controls on the steeply raked dashboard are simple and well laid out. There’s a USB port to connect an MP3 player or memory stick, plus storage compartments lined in a contrasting colour. But while the cabin looks good – especially in bright colours – in places, some of the plastics aren’t of the highest quality.

Still, the Soul really impresses by seating four adults comfortably within its supermini frame. There’s masses of head and legroom, too. The trade-off is a small boot, and it’s a pity there isn’t a sliding rear bench.

The lofty driving position offers a great view, although there’s no steering reach adjustment. We drove 1.6-litre petrol and diesel versions. The latter is our pick – it’s punchy from as low as 1,500rpm, making it flexible and well suited to town driving. While the electric power-steering is light and short on feel, turn-in is sharp, making the Soul easily manoeuvrable along urban roads. The ride is spot-on, and only the imprecise gearbox lets things down.

From launch, Kia will offer the newcomer in three trims, starting at less than £11,000. The flagship will have 18-inch alloys, an eight-speaker stereo and brightly coloured interior trim. There will be plenty of scope for personalisation, too, including bold graphics kits and a parking camera with its display integrated into the rear view mirror.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,200
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,192 off RRP*Used from £20,921
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £37,230Avg. savings £3,710 off RRP*Used from £15,416
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £9,591
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!
Skoda Octavia vRS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!

A three-time Auto Express Family Car of the Year winner, paired with Golf GTI power, is our Deal of the Day for 6 July
News
6 Jul 2025