Kia Soul 2012 review

KIA'S distinctive cubemobile range has been given extra spirit with the addition of a model with a new 2.0-litre petrol engine and a six-speed auto transmission. Others in the range also get six speeds, auto or manual, a welcome upgrade from the original four-speed auto.

The funky Soul is a big hit in most countries, the US in particular, where elderly drivers like its tall styling with easy entry and exit, and youngsters love its in-your-face chunky looks. For 2012, there's a lusty new-generation 122kW/260Nm 2.0-litre and all models get subtle new styling touches to see the charismatic chariot through its mid-life moments.

The range still includes the 1.6-litre Gamma petrol engine, which has been slightly tweaked for an extra five kW and one Nm and the 1.6-litre turbo-diesel with its 96kW/260Nm gives a choice of three models, all with six-speed shifters and two equipment levels.

Design

Outside, a new grille, head and taillights, side mirrors and restyled wheels give the car a wider, more with-it look.

Inside, new designs and materials, much-improved noise reduction and a tilt-and-telescopic steering add up to extra refinement. But bling fans might bemoan the demise of that weird lighting system that bathed the door speakers in a spooky light which pulsed with the beat of the music.

Safety

Across the range has been boosted with hill-start control and VSM  vehicle stability management. Other standard safety gear includes ABS, ESP, traction control, EDB, BA and front, side and curtain airbags.

Driving

We bared our upspec 'Soul+' with the NU (that's what they've code-named it) 2.0-litre engine along lengthy stretches of Korean countryside and some seriously congested city traffic, drew lots of admiring looks and here and there cruised along the new expressways with the rev counter reading only 2000 rpm at around 110km/h. That means hardly any effort, therefore less fuel use. Its official figure is 7.5litres/100km, pretty good for a sturdy crossover, we thought.

The 1.6 petrol gets 6.5 in manual, 7.3 auto and the diesel 5.2 and 5.9.

Nothing has changed in the suspension or steering, so the Soul ran as sweetly as ever, with its better-than-you'd-think handling and comfort. The new motor is keen to be let loose, but like Australia, the Korean roads have many cameras. Main difference is they clearly display theirs.

The Soul+ also gets very attractive 18-inch alloys with fat 225/46 silicon tyres, adding to both roadholding and economy. We also liked the leather on the steering wheel, the 'soul shining' cloth seats and the under-floor storage tray.

Soul is a good name for the car because it does seem to give its occupants something to smile about. It's spacious, fully featured, safe, beautifully built and despite one or two attempts by rivals, there's nothing quite like it.