September 2013
New Kia Soul unveiled
The biggest technical change for the 2014 Soul is the adoption of an all-new platform, based on that of the latest KIA cee'd. The result is greatly improved ride and handling compared with the outgoing model, as well as more mature and refined on-road behaviour.
The second-generation Soul will also be the best in its class for refinement, a result of the car's upgraded suspension, 29 per cent stiffer bodyshell and comprehensive soundproofing. Interior noise levels are reduced by approximately three decibels.
Subtly larger dimensions also mean the new model offers buyers a more practical proposition, with a longer wheelbase and wider track contributing to greater cabin space and cargo capacity. Leg, head and shoulder room are increased for all passengers, while the cargo area is increased by 4 per cent to 354 litres (plus additional underfloor storage) with the rear seats upright.
Environmental performance for the new model is also improved. Buyers will be able to choose between the latest versions of KIA's 1.6-litre GDi petrol and CRDi diesel engines, as well as six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. Both engines are carried over from the outgoing model, and feature improved efficiency with lower emissions.
Promising a more rewarding ownership experience, the 2014 Soul will be available in Europe with a range of new premium features (depending on model), including: front LED daytime running lights and rear LED ‘halo' lights, xenon headlights, keyless entry and push-button engine start, automatic climate control, cruise control, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, heated front and rear seats, panoramic glass sunroof and heated and electrically folding exterior mirrors.
April 2014
Kia Soul launched
Went on sale in the UK at price from £12,600 to £19,000 for the main range and from £18,150 to £21,550 for the high spec Mixx and Maxx versions.
June 2014
Soul EV revealed
Featuring a high-capacity 192-cell 27 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack, 212 km of the Soul EV's drive range is now certified for Europe. The Soul EV also employs regenerative braking to capture and recycle into the battery the kinetic energy generated while the car is coasting and braking.
Power comes from an 110PS electric motor, producing a generous and instantly available 285Nm of torque, driving the front wheels via a single speed constant ratio gear reduction unit.
Acceleration to 60 mph takes 11 seconds, while top speed is 90mph. The battery pack is mounted beneath the cabin, ensuring a low centre of gravity and contributing to the car's accomplished ride, handling and refinement.
Charging is accomplished by plugging the Soul EV into any standard household electricity supply. Recharging times are up to five hours for a fully depleted battery using a 6.6 kW AC slow charger. An 80 per cent charge can be achieved in as little as 25 minutes with a 100 kW charger (if available) or 33 minutes using a 50 kW DC charger.
September 2014
Soul Mixx and Maxx launched
Come with Infinity Premium sound system, urban styling pack and 18-inch wheels come as standard. The Soul Mixx is priced from £18,150 and the Soul Maxx from £19,950.
KIA Soul Mixx has 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/45 R18 tyres, contrasting colour roof and door mirror pods, high-gloss black bumpers, chrome exterior door handles, LED rear combination lamps, rear privacy and solar glass, cooled glovebox, heated front seats, luggage floor undertray. It is also fitted with the urban styling pack consisting of front, side and rear skirts and a wheel-arch garnish.
KIA Soul Maxx has 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/45 R18 tyres, leather upholstery, TFT supervision cluster, panoramic sunroof, front and rear parking sensors, smart-entry key and an engine starter button.
November 2014
Soul EV arrived in UK
Priced at £24,995 (assuming Government grant of £5,000). Class-leading range of up to 132 miles. Class-leading energy density of 200 Wh/kg. Innovations that extend the distance the car can travel on a charge. Same seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty.
The charging ports are hidden behind a panel in the blanked off grille. Owners have the option of recharging the batteries from a standard domestic socket, via the KIA-branded wallbox supplied as standard with the Soul EV or at a public fast charger, or through a public rapid charger. Using a UK 230-volt domestic power supply, the Soul EV can be fully recharged in 10 to 13 hours. With the wallbox or at a public fast-charge point, the time is reduced to around five hours. The Soul EV is supplied with a customised red adapter cable stored in a KIA-branded pouch for this form of charging. Alternatively, through a public rapid charger, the batteries can be topped up to 80 per cent of capacity - the maximum permissible with this type of system - in 33 minutes.
March 2015
Kia Soul EV gained Red Dot Award for outstanding design.
April 2016
Kia Soul Urban launched
Starting with two 6-speed manual gearbox versions, one with the 1.6 GDi petrol and the other Kia’s popular 1.6 CRDi diesel engine. An automatic version of the diesel version is also available when twinned with Kia’s new 7-speed auto DCT gearbox.
The exterior styling of the ‘Urban’ features a striking ‘SUV pack’ alongside black high gloss bumpers and rear and side sills, teamed with chrome inserts which adds to the vehicle’s dynamic and premium character. Also added to this trim are electric folding door mirrors with integrated LED indicators, LED rear combination and high level brake lights alongside front daytime running lights and privacy glass. Adding to the convenience of the vehicle, rear parking sensors come as standard on the ‘Urban’ range.
The Soul ‘Urban’ is available in a choice of one solid and three metallic paint exterior colours. Clear White (solid), Caribbean Blue, Inferno Red and Quartz Black. All models ride on the 17” alloy wheels seen on the Connect and Connect Plus models. In addition the Soul ‘Urban’ can be noticed by its unique ‘Urban’ badging neatly positioned on the usual boot literature, in chromed letters.
On the inside the Soul ‘Urban’ features attractive black woven seats with yellow trim alongside generous use of soft touch materials and black high gloss trim giving a contemporary feel. Also included is an AM/FM radio with DAB radio, Bluetooth, USB port and auxiliary socket.
Variants |
CO 2 |
OTR Price |
1.6 GDi 130bhp 6-speed manual |
153 |
£15,500 |
1.6 CRDi 134bhp 6-speed manual |
128 |
£17,095 |
1.6 CRDi 134bhp 7-speed DCT |
135 |
£18,595 |
December 2018
3rd generation KIA Soul revealed at Loas Angeles Auto Show. Announcement that in the UK the 3rd gen KIA Soul will be EV only.
September 2019
KIA Soul awarded Best Multimedia Quality in its award segment in the J.D. Power 2019 Multimedia Quality and Satisfaction Study. The announcement follows KIA’s award as the highest ranked mass market brand in the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study for the fifth consecutive year, with the Soul recognized among the top 10 vehicles in the industry.