Skip advert
Advertisement

Kia Soul: 5,582 miles

First report: Jacked-up Korean supermini has wide all-round appeal

Pros
  • One of my favourite things in the Kia is its excellent stereo. Its USB port means I never have to worry about charging my iPod the night before a journey. And you can control your music player by way of the user-friendly, well engineered buttons.
Cons
  • The traffic announcement setting on the stereo doesn’t seem to work and, as I drive in London a lot, this can be annoying. Instead of hearing a traffic alert when the radio cuts out, you get a few seconds of silence – so any time-saving info is lost.
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

The Kia Soul has a split personality!

I’ve recently taken delivery of our new long-termer, and it’s proving to be a car of contrasts. On one hand, its trendy styling, off-road looks and chunky detailing are aimed at younger drivers. On the other, our car’s monochrome colour scheme and frugal diesel engine give it grown-up appeal.

Advertisement - Article continues below

So, whether I’m heading to a photoshoot for the magazine or hitting my skateboard, the Soul fits the bill perfectly.

The Kia’s gleaming white paintwork is sure to keep me busy with a bucket and sponge, too. However, at least I won’t be visiting fuel forecourts too often, as the economical 1.6-litre diesel powerplant means I can now go further between refills than I’m used to.

The Soul has replaced my quirky Daihatsu Materia. Although both cars are genuine head-turners, that’s where the similarities end. While the boxy Materia is essentially a city car, the Soul is a jacked-up supermini, so it’s bigger both inside and out.

The extra space brings added practicality and the interior quality is a step ahead of your typical smaller car. Everything feels more substantial than I’m used to, and the cabin features the kind of kit you expect in much bigger machines. Top of the list is the stereo, which will appeal to everyone from trendy teenagers to mums and dads.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

CX-5

2023 Mazda

CX-5

8,662 milesAutomaticDiesel2.2L

Cash £31,299
View CX-5
CX-30

2022 Mazda

CX-30

19,995 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £19,949
View CX-30
CX-60

2025 Mazda

CX-60

18,162 milesAutomaticPetrol2.5L

Cash £30,999
View CX-60
CX-5

2021 Mazda

CX-5

22,392 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £21,399
View CX-5

Its USB port means I no longer have to cart my music collection around with me. I simply plug in my MP3 player to access my favourite tunes through the car stereo. I don’t even need my separate 12-volt charging lead, as the USB connection makes sure my iPod stays charged at all times.

Advertisement - Article continues below

So far I’ve already driven 5,582 miles and the Soul has returned 46.1mpg. But it’s not only the Kia’s economy that makes it such a welcome addition to our fleet – it’s the performance of its engine that really sets it apart from my previous long-termers. The 1.6-litre diesel provides strong performance on motorway trips, and this is where I spend most of my time, travelling to various locations to snap pictures for the magazine.

And if you’re not a fan of the Soul’s off-road looks, you only have to climb inside to see the benefits. Its tall body creates an airy cabin, and the upright seating positions make it incredibly spacious. Don’t believe me? Take a look for yourself – it’s here in black and white...

Extra Info

I’m undecided about the Soul’s styling, and only time will tell if this Kia will be a hit with younger buyers. But Otis’s plain white car is much less in-your-face than the flagship Burner model, with its glitzy exterior trim and bold alloys. The Soul is a well built, great-value supermini alternative, and the five-year warranty – now extended to seven years on new models – is fantastic. Yet the Kia lacks the dynamic polish to rival cars such as MINI’s Clubman.

Owen Mildenhall
Senior road tester

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,864 off RRP*Used from £7,250
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,200Avg. savings £4,685 off RRP*Used from £14,998
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,115 off RRP*Used from £13,262
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £8,595
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal
BMW M5 Touring - front action

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal

The BMW M5 Touring is M car royalty, with a thoroughly impressive PHEV powertrain. It’s our Deal of the Day for 29 June
News
29 Jun 2025
Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
New 2026 Honda 0 SUV: Japanese brand to finally have an EV to rival Tesla and BYD
Auto Express senior staff writer Jordan Katsianis stood next to the Honda 0 SUV prototype

New 2026 Honda 0 SUV: Japanese brand to finally have an EV to rival Tesla and BYD

Honda EV plans are gathering momentum, and they’ll be realised in the groundbreaking 0 SUV next year
News
1 Jul 2025