Kia has revised the compact cube Soul in details for the 2017 model year. The Koreans will also add a sports version to the portfolio. Both innovations can be seen for the first time at the Paris Motor Show (October 1-16, 2016).
The exterior design of the Soul has slightly modified Kia in some details. Among other things, the underride protection indicated on the front and rear aprons offers a new metal look. In addition, the large air opening in the lower area of the front apron was redesigned. After all, new colors and two-tone paintwork can be ordered in the future.
In the interior, new seat covers and color accents ensure something freshness. Surfaces in high-gloss black and metal optics are intended to convey more value. At the turn of the model year, two new assistance systems are also available for the Soul with cross-traffic and blind-spot warning. Another new feature is an infotainment system that will allow smartphone integration with Android Auto and Apple Carplay in the future.
In addition, Kia will round off the Soul drive range with a sport version. This already stands out visually with a more powerful front design, 18-inch wheels and a double exhaust system from the other Soul variants. The sports steering wheel and new fabric-leather seat covers with orange stitching create a special atmosphere in the interior.
The most important ingredient, however, is the drive. This is where the direct-injection 1,6-liter turbo gasoline engine known from the Ceed GT comes into play. In combination with the seven-speed dual clutch gearbox, the 150 kW / 204 hp and 265 Newton meter unit should enable a sprint time to 100 km / h in 7,8 seconds, the top speed should be around 220 km / h. Despite the lively nature, Kia specifies a standard consumption of around 7 liters. The Koreans do not yet give a price, but the sporty soul should cost around 25.000 euros.
