Long-term test review: Kia Soul EV - pictures

We've had our Kia Soul EV for six months now, and it's proving to be something of a mixed bag. 

It's not down to the car, though. While it's had a couple of technical glitches in our ownership, the biggest problem comes down to the frail charging infrastructure in the UK. 

Two-tone grey interior is smart, while the large infotainment system is easy to use. 

Handy sat-nav guides you to the nearest charging point, but it needs constant updates as it's sent us to stations no longer in use. 

Battery warning light causes stress, especially when the charging infrastructure lets the side down and it's difficult to find somewhere to charge the Soul up. 

Boot is a decent size for an electric car, with 281 litres, and there's a hidden compartment to store the charging cables 

Driving in B mode aids regenerative braking and helps conserve the car's electric range. 

Bright blue paint looks fantastic, but it shows up every scratch - and the Kia's picked up a few due to tight spaces around charge bays and clumsy fellow motorists. 

The Kia Soul EV also comes in silver, but our car's smart blue and white paintwork is exclusive to the electric model. 

We're finding that using the Soul EV in the winter has reduced range to about 76 miles on a full charge, almost half Kia's claimed 132-mile maximum. 

There's plenty of torque for instant getaways from traffic lights, and the Soul is generally comfortable and easy to drive. 

EV warning light has come on intermittently, but disappears when car is restarted. Kia is investigating after dealer diagnostic check failed to identify a problem. 

The Soul EV has a setting to set the temperature 30 minutes prior to departure, as long as the car is plugged in and charging.

Heated seats and steering wheel don't have as big an impact on battery life as the heater itself. There's a driver-only option for the heater if you're driving alone, too. 

Neat touches like mood lighting around the speakers contribute to an upmarket cabin - there is a setting to be in sync with music, too. 

Kia Soul EV

Dawn has taken to driving the Soul in Brake mode. This boosts engine braking to recharge the batteries, but it does slightly blunt acceleration. 

"The Soul's mix of funky design and decent kit suits the electric car template. It's clear that Kia has engineered it for urban use, as it's comfortable around town, but less so at speed." - Dean Gibson, Deputy road test editor

Dawn picked her Soul EV up from Beadles Kia in Coulsdon, Surrey. 

Kia salesman Mark McKaig shows Dawn the location of the charging point located in the front grille.

Kia claims the Soul EV will travel 132 miles on a full charge, but we're getting about 90 miles at this stage. 

Kia Soul EV

Sat nav is programmed specifically for the Soul EV and will suggest charging points along your route. 

281-litre boot easily accommodates the Soul's charging components. 

Eco mode optimises Soul EV's systems to make the most of the car's electricity, while 'B' mode increases regenerative braking when you lift off the throttle. 

Kia Soul EV