New 2022 Kia Soul EV facelift launches from £32,795
Kia has revised its all-electric small SUV, adding a new powertrain and changing the exterior design
Earlier this year we saw the facelifted Kia Soul launch in the US, and now it’s time for the Soul EV to receive the same treatment over here in the UK. We only get the pure-electric variant of Kia’s funky crossover, and the updated family-friendly EV is on sale now from £32,795.
The Soul EV was only available in one ‘Maxx’ trim level, but this new facelifted model doubles the Soul EV lineup. It kicks off with ‘Urban’ with the ‘Explore’ version sitting above it, and for the first time, there’s a selection of powertrains for Kia’s smallest EV offering.
The facelifted Soul EV features a couple of minor exterior tweaks. The new Kia badge is now integrated into the section linking the headlights, and below it, we can see the charging flap remains in the same place. Kia’s ‘Tiger Grille’ is also retained lower down the front bumper.
Down the side of the vehicle, the only change appears to be the removal of the ‘Soul’ badging on the rear pillar. The rear lights have a new dark tint to them and Kia’s updated badge appears.
Kia is getting ready to launch 14 pure-electric models by 2027 and 10 of those will sit on the new E-GMP architecture. The facelifted Soul EV retains its J platform, shared with the Kia Stonic and Hyundai Kona.
The J platform underpinned the first-generation Kia e-Niro (the second-generation was renamed Niro EV), which allows for a smaller 39.2kWh battery to be offered for the first time. Available only in the entry-level Urban model, the smaller battery provides a maximum range of 171 miles. Kia says recharging the battery from 0-80 per cent will take 54 minutes using an 80kW rapid charger. The Urban model produces 134bhp and 395Nm of torque, resulting in a top speed of 97mph and a 0-62mph figure of 9.9 seconds.
Above this, you’ll find the Explore variant, which Kia expects to be the most popular Soul EV model. Maximum range remains unchanged over the pre-facelift Soul EV, with 280 miles from the 64kWh battery. Although it has a larger battery, recharging takes exactly the same amount of time as the 39.2kWh version of the Urban. 0-62mph for the Explore takes 7.9 seconds and it has a 104mph top speed thanks to its most powerful 201bhp battery.
Pricing for the Urban starts from £32,795 and as standard, it includes 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a reversing camera and USB-A and USB-C sockets. There’s also a suite of safety systems such as forward collision assist, lane keep assist, high beam assist and driver attention warning. There’s a new, smaller eight-inch touchscreen on the dash with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity and a seven-inch driver’s display.
The Explore model begins at £38,995 and essentially replaces the old ‘Maxx’ trim level of the Soul EV. Upgrades over the Urban version include a 10.25-inch touchscreen (the same as the outgoing car’s), an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, rear parking sensors, heated leather front seats, a heated steering wheel, tinted windows, roof rails and chrome door handles.
Kia says customers can order the facelifted Soul EV now, with first deliveries expected before the end of 2022.
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