Skip advert
Advertisement

Kia Soul Shaker

Trendy Korean supermini is a real head-turner.

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

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 an array of gadgets to match its future-proof styling, space for all the family and a Lotus-tuned chassis, the Soul Shaker is tempting. However, there’s little scope for adjusting the spec, so why not buy a base Soul 1 for £10,495 and build your own tailor-made car from the huge options list?

Advertisement - Article continues below

Kia is looking to shake up the establishment with its new Soul. It’s aimed at the likes of MINI and the Fiat 500, and the Korean firm has created three special editions for launch, each in a single colour and with a fixed set of options – the Samba, Burner and Shaker.

The Shaker gets its name from its unusual Vanilla Shake paint scheme, which is complemented by beige and black upholstery and chocolate-coloured plastics inside.

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

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

Other kit, on top of the already well specced Soul 2 trim, includes an electric sunroof, larger 18-inch alloy wheels and an iPod connection. But the real highlight is the clever reversing camera, which feeds images
to the rear view mirror.

The Soul’s squared-off SUV styling and supermini proportions look very different to anything else on the road, while the Shaker’s colour scheme and big wheels meant our car turned even more heads.

With a chassis tuned by Lotus, it’s no surprise that the Soul corners keenly, despite its upright proportions.

The suspension avoids being too firm, and copes admirably with uneven surfaces.

The 124bhp 1.6-litre diesel engine is a strong performer, combining exceptional mid-range punch with supermini-like emissions and economy.

At £13,495, the diesel Soul Shaker offers exceptional value – especially when you consider the amount of kit and space you get, plus a five-year unlimited mileage warranty. And if diesel’s not your thing, you can choose the 1.6-litre petrol unit and knock another £1,000 off the list price.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,297 off RRP*
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,780 off RRP*Used from £13,850
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £7,825 off RRP*Used from £12,170
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £7,568 off RRP*Used from £12,800
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New ‘baby’ Range Rover electric SUV: design, technology and full details
Range Rover Velar EV - front (watermarked)

New ‘baby’ Range Rover electric SUV: design, technology and full details

JLR is getting ready to unveil a mid-size electric Range Rover to end its four-year new model drought, and our exclusive images preview how it could l…
News
10 Sep 2025
New Honda Civic facelift 2025 review: subtle tweaks boost its appeal
Honda Civic facelift - front

New Honda Civic facelift 2025 review: subtle tweaks boost its appeal

The Honda Civic was already a great car, but updates for 2025 have elevated it even higher
Road tests
11 Sep 2025
New Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 2025 review: an incredibly capable hot hatch but there's a catch
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport - front tracking

New Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport 2025 review: an incredibly capable hot hatch but there's a catch

The hottest front-wheel-drive Golf has sharpened up its act in Mk8.5 form, but it's not as fun as we'd like it to be
Road tests
11 Sep 2025