Korean industrial giant Kia has launched a very interesting, not to mention cute, SUV crossover on the Irish market called Soul.
The five-seat, 1.6 litre diesel car starts at €19,995 and is aimed at buyers of the very popular Nissan Qashqai who maybe want a more affordable option. There are three decent specification levels, roughly priced at €1,000 apart.
The Soul's exterior is chunky and very SUV-like, despite being front-wheel drive only. With Nissan's Qashqai and Suzuki's SX4 (Fiat's Sedici), this type of compact two-wheel drive crossover is a growing market (relatively speaking, of course).
Inside the cabin is youthful and overall there is a tight feel to the build. Air conditioning is standard on all models and, if you want toys, the top Spec GSE has 'moodlighting' built in to the speakers that you can select to pulse in time with whatever you're playing on the stereo or through the standard fit iPod (and USB) connectors. There is also a very cool reversing camera with a screen built in to the rearview mirror (GSE). The boot has 350 litres of space and although a load cover is not standard, there is privacy glass that does a good job of keeping luggage out of sight.
Kia has a new catchphrase, "Thinking Kia, Think diesel", and that is why there is no petrol option with the Soul. The engine is a great unit that pushes out an impressive 128bhp (the Qashqai 1.5dci has 106bhp) and sips a frugal 5.2 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres travelled. It has very low CO2, falling in to Band B (€156) for road tax (eg the Fiat Sedici is in band E!). The Soul figures add up nicely. And the Soul is gong one better again over the Qashqai by making the driving aid 'ESP' standard and not an expensive option. Kia has also fitted six airbags as standard and is confident of gaining a high five-star NCAP crash test rating.
On the road the car offers a commanding view. The ride is firm and perhaps the best choice if you use anything other than good roads is the base model with its 16-inch alloys. Higher spec models (EX/GSE) get very smart looking 18- inch wheels with low profile tyres that will transmit as opposed to absorb any road surface imperfections to the passengers. A five-speed manual gearbox is standard.
Kia has grown at a very impressive rate in Ireland over the last few years, from 23rd place in the market place (2003) to 12th (2009). Last year Kia had 2.7% of the market. Kia now has its sights set on making it into the top eight.
The European-built Cee'd (5.3% of sales in its segment) with its seven-year warranty has helped Kia Ireland become a serious player and although the Korean-built Soul gets a five-year warranty, it is still way better than what other manufacturers offer.
The Soul will face stiff competition in the coming year, with Skoda's Yeti and Toyota's Urban Cruiser on the way.
This is a fun, affordable car that is worth a serious look.
Michael Sheridan
