First Drive: Kia Soul compact SUV

Prices for the Kia Soul compact SUV start from €24,495

From a 2012 concept to a 2014 reality, the all new Kia Soul has arrived in Ireland.

The Korean car company says the new-look compact SUV was ‘inspired by’ the 2012 Kia Track’ster concept and introduces a ‘thoroughly fresh, more grown-up appearance without losing its individualistic edge’.

It’s certainly a distinctive looking car and it made a good first impression when we got a chance to take it for a quick drive at its Irish launch this week.

We found it to be smooth and sturdy on the road and the cabin and boot are a decent size – both bigger than the outgoing model.

Kia also says that cabin soundproofing has been improved.

Handling-wise, on our short run, we found that it’s a big car that feels like a small car – which is always a bonus for city driving.

While far more conservative than its unique exterior, the interior of this car also has some nice design touches, such as the stacked air vents and speaker combo.

Our test car had a dark cabin, however, two-tone interiors are also available, as are blue, red and orange high-gloss interior highlights, which we haven’t seen but sound very much in keeping with its exterior look.

While our time with the Kia Soul was limited this week, we are looking forward to having it for a full test drive in the summer.

The cabin in the Kia Soul is comfortable and spacious

Two 1.6-litre 128hp diesel models are available in Ireland, the EX, which we were driving, and the higher specced Platinum.

The EX is well equipped, with cruise control/speed limiter, reversing camera, Bluetooth, climate control automatic air conditioning and 17in alloy wheels standard.

Move up to the Platinum trim and you also get leather upholstery with heated front seats, panoramic sunroof, Sat Nav and Infinity sound system.

Carrying through the strong upright stance of the outgoing model, the new Soul is longer, wider and lower than its predecessor, with a bigger and easier to access luggage area.

Kia Motors Ireland managing director James Brooks described the Soul as ‘an iconic model for Kia’ and expects to sell in the region of 300-400 units in 2015.

The Kia Soul is available now, with prices starting from €24,495 for the EX model. Platinum prices start from €28,495. Both come with Kia’s seven-year warranty.

Visit the Kia Ireland website or its Facebook page for further details.