New Kia Soul on sale now from $23,990

2014 Kia Soul Si front quarter

Kia has introduced the second-generation Soul to the Australian market. Available in just one petrol model – Si – and priced from $23,990 plus on roads, it is $2,500 more expensive than its entry-level predecessor.

Sporting a new look inspired by the 2012 Kia Track’ster concept, the Soul is based on the Kia Cerato’s platform. Since the original funky five-seater’s launch in late 2008, it has garnered a loyal following for its quirky styling and practicality, with more than 760,000 sold worldwide.

Penned by Kia’s American Design Centre in California, the 2014 Kia Soul continues with its individual styling and upright stance while getting a slightly edgier touch to the overall design.

2014 Kia Soul Si rear quarter

“The all-new Soul was one of the more difficult assignments we’ve taken on,” said Tom Kearns who headed up the design team.

“Striking the right balance between the wonderful design of the original car with the audacious proportions and stance of the Track’ster concept was daunting.

“It proved to be a truly collaborative effort with guidance from Peter Schreyer in Frankfurt and assistance from our studio in Korea. In the end, we’ve kept the essence of Soul while infusing it with more presence inside and out.”

Exterior similarities between Track’ster and new Soul are easy to spot. The large trapezoidal lower air intake is nearly a direct carryover from the concept, and the location of the available fog lights – down low and pushed to the leading edges – mirror those found on the Track’ster.

2014 Kia Soul Si rear

Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille is present, but it’s been reworked to more closely resemble the concept. Adding a touch of flare, the unique ‘floating’ body-color panel inset into the tailgate also originated with the concept.

The new Kia Soul is slightly larger than its predecessor, measuring 4,140mm (+20mm) in length and 1,800mm (+15mm) in width. It is however, 41mm lower at 1,619mm and sits on a wheelbase that is up by 20mm to 2,570mm. Its tailgate opening is also 62mm wider for easier access.

It is suspended on independent MacPherson struts at the front and torsion beam axle at the rear. The car rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels and runs a 113kW/191Nm 2.0-litre Nu MPI petrol engine. It is married to standard six-speed manual gearbox, with a six-speed automatic offered as a $2,000 option.

2014 Kia Soul Si interior

Like the rest of the Kia range, the new Soul has had its ride and handling tailored for the local market by Kia Motors Australia’s engineering team.

Features highlight include ECS with ABS and BAS, Hill Start Assist Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Tyre Pressure Monitoring system, six airbags, cruise control, reversing camera, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth and airconditioning.

 

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