Vehicle Description

Kia Soul 71 Plate 150kW First Edition 64kWh 5dr Auto Hatchback Review

The Kia Soul 150kW First Edition 64kWh 5dr Auto Hatchback is an electric car that stands out in a crowded field of compact electric vehicles. With its unique design, solid performance, and impressive electric range, the Soul continues to capture attention for those looking for a fun-to-drive, eco-friendly hatchback. The 71-plate model boasts a 150kW electric motor, 64kWh battery, and a high level of standard features in the First Edition trim, making it a compelling choice for buyers seeking an electric vehicle that’s both practical and stylish.

Performance and Efficiency
The 150kW electric motor in the Kia Soul EV produces an impressive 204 horsepower (150kW), giving the car plenty of punch when it comes to acceleration. This translates to a 0-60 mph time of about 7.9 seconds, which is quick enough to make the Soul feel lively on the road, especially in city driving and highway merges. The electric power delivery is instant, as expected from an EV, providing smooth and seamless acceleration.

When it comes to range, the 64kWh battery provides a solid driving distance of around 280 miles on a full charge (WLTP range). This makes the Soul EV a great option for both city commutes and longer road trips, especially when combined with the rapid charging capabilities. Using a rapid DC charger, the battery can be charged to 80% in just 54 minutes, making it convenient for those who need to top up quickly. At home, a standard wall box charger will take around 9 hours to fully charge the battery, which is ideal for overnight charging.

The driving experience in the Soul EV is pleasant, with the electric motor delivering a smooth, quiet ride. The suspension does a good job of absorbing bumps and uneven road surfaces, making it a comfortable car for longer journeys. The steering is light and easy to handle, perfect for city driving and parking. While the Soul EV is not designed for sporty driving, it does offer adequate handling, especially in urban and suburban environments.

Interior and Comfort
Inside, the Kia Soul EV continues to impress with its spacious and modern cabin. The First Edition trim offers a premium feel with high-quality materials, offering a mix of soft-touch surfaces and distinctive design elements. The unique layout of the cabin, with its floating dashboard, adds a futuristic touch to the overall aesthetic.

The front seats are comfortable and provide plenty of support for both short and long drives. There’s ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers, making the Soul EV a great option for families or those who regularly have passengers. The reclining rear seats add to the comfort, while the rear seat space is roomy enough for adults, which is a bonus for a compact hatchback.

The boot space is also generous, offering 315 litres of storage, which is comparable to other compact hatchbacks in the market. With the rear seats folded down, this increases, providing enough room for larger items. The flat load floor makes loading and unloading easier, and the cabin is filled with thoughtful touches like storage bins and cup holders.

Technology and Features
The First Edition trim of the Kia Soul EV is loaded with technology, and it certainly feels like a premium offering in the EV segment. The 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system is the centrepiece of the cabin, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing seamless integration with smartphones. The interface is responsive, and the system is easy to navigate. It also includes satellite navigation, DAB radio, and Bluetooth connectivity, ensuring that drivers stay connected and entertained.

The digital driver’s display behind the steering wheel is customizable and provides key information about range, energy consumption, and driving modes. You can also track the performance of the vehicle’s regenerative braking system, which helps to recharge the battery while slowing down.

Other features in the First Edition trim include keyless entry, push-button start, wireless charging, and dual-zone climate control. The Bose premium sound system offers excellent audio quality, enhancing the driving experience. The panoramic sunroof is another highlight, providing an airy and open feel to the cabin.

Safety Features
Safety is a top priority for the Kia Soul EV, and it comes equipped with a range of advanced safety technologies. The First Edition trim comes with a comprehensive list of features, including autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. These features help to make the Soul EV safer to drive, especially in busy urban environments or on longer road trips.

The car also comes with adaptive cruise control, which can automatically adjust the car's speed based on traffic conditions, as well as traffic sign recognition, which displays speed limits and other important road signs on the dashboard. The 360-degree camera system and front and rear parking sensors make parking and low-speed maneuvers a breeze.

In terms of crash protection, the Kia Soul EV performs well in safety tests, earning a 5-star rating from Euro NCAP. The car comes with a full suite of airbags and other crash protection technologies to keep passengers safe in the event of an accident.

Driving Experience
The driving experience of the Kia Soul EV is characterized by its smooth, quiet ride, making it a pleasant car to drive around town. The instant torque from the electric motor means that acceleration is smooth and immediate, and the car feels effortlessly nimble in urban traffic. The Soul is agile enough for easy city driving and parking, despite its slightly larger size compared to smaller hatchbacks.

One of the best features of the Soul EV is its regenerative braking system, which allows drivers to adjust the level of braking via paddles behind the steering wheel. This feature helps maximize energy efficiency, particularly in stop-and-go driving, and provides a one-pedal driving experience if you prefer to coast more and use regenerative braking to slow down.

The driving modes—including Eco, Comfort, and Sport—allow the driver to tailor the driving experience. In Sport mode, the car offers more responsive throttle input for a livelier drive, while Eco mode optimizes energy usage for longer driving range. Comfort mode strikes a good balance between efficiency and driving pleasure.

Verdict
The Kia Soul 150kW First Edition 64kWh 5dr Auto Hatchback is a standout choice in the electric vehicle segment, offering a unique combination of style, practicality, and performance. The 150kW electric motor provides ample power for everyday driving, and the 64kWh battery offers a long range, making it suitable for both short trips and longer journeys. The First Edition trim is loaded with features, from the 10.25-inch touchscreen to the Bose sound system and 360-degree cameras, making it feel like a premium offering without the premium price tag.

The Soul EV is a great option for those who want something different from the typical electric hatchbacks or SUVs on the market. It offers a spacious and comfortable cabin, impressive technology, and a high level of safety features, all wrapped in a distinctive design. Whether you're looking for an eco-friendly car for your daily commute or a fun, comfortable electric vehicle for longer trips, the Kia Soul EV delivers on all fronts.

If you're after a quirky, well-equipped electric car that delivers both performance and practicality, the Kia Soul 150kW First Edition 64kWh is a highly recommended option in the growing EV market.