Model update Positive Quirky style, range,


charging, equipment, space Negative


Expensive, interior and


exterior design feels dated in places, sometimes unresolved ride


Kia Soul EV Explore


Styling tweaks and a new two-model range freshen up Kia’s oldest EV. Martyn Collins


If the EV6 and Niro EV are generation two Kia EVs, then the Soul EV is very much a generation one car.


Kia’s most affordable EV has received minor styling tweaks and is now available in two versions. The entry-level Soul Urban receives a smaller 39.2kWh battery, has a shorter 171-mile range, and is priced at £32,845. As the name suggests, it is aimed at urban types. However, we’re driving what Kia believe


will be the more popular of the two models for fleet, the Explore. This has a 64kWh battery, equalling a 280-mile range, all for £39,045.


Outside, the tweaks to the Soul’s styling are minimal, and despite the basic design dating back to the 2009 original, this Kia still looks modern and like it’s not taking itself too seriously when compared to their other EV models.


The inside, on the other hand, is where perhaps time hasn’t been so kind. The blobby dashboard design made of hard


What’s new  We try the revised Kia Soul Explore long-range version.


Standard equipment:  17in alloy wheels, dual full LED headlamps, DRLs, and LED Front Fog Lamps, LED rear combination lights, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors with LED indicators, automatic headlight control, regenerative braking, controlled by paddle shift mounted on steering wheel, charging indicator on dashboard, adaptive smart cruise control, all-round power windows with driver auto down function, reversing camera system (integrated into 8in touchscreen), Apple Carplay and Android Auto with voice control, 7in colour cluster display.


Engines:  Electric: 39.2kWh 134hp & 64kWh 201hp


Equipment grades:  Urban, Explore


Transmissions:  Single-speed automatic


plastic, with angular detailing around the air vents, door handles and door pulls, is a complete contrast to the Korean manufacturer’s more horizontal, modern designs.


There’s no curvy infotainment screen placed on top for the instruments, instead you have actual instruments that look like they were modelled on a digital watch in the 7in display.


The 8in infotainment touchscreen feels a bit old, clunky, and slow. But again, it works well enough and boasts modern features, such as wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto. The Soul feels well- made too, has plenty of standard kit, and physical controls for the heating and ventilation.


This Kia also feels roomy and spacious, the driving position is good, the seats are comfortable and the boot is a practical 315 litres.


The Soul Explore doesn’t disgrace itself on the road, either. The steering is precise enough, with a surprising amount of feel. In corners, there is some body roll but considering the tall body, it’s well- controlled and there is plenty of grip from the 17in alloy wheels.


Those same wheels are responsible for the resolved ride – although you can feel the weight and it is upset by large potholes.


Of the selectable drive modes, Normal Data is from Kee Resources based on a three-year/60,000-mile cycle


7/10 Kia Soul Explore 64kWh


P11D £38,980 On sale Now Residual value 41.34% Depreciation £22,871 Fuel £4,662 Service, maintenance and repair £1,518 Cost per mile 48.41p Range 280miles CO2 (BIK %) 0g/km (2%) BIK 20/40% a month £13/£25 Luggage capacity 315 litres Battery size/power 64kWh/201hp


is where the Soul seemed happiest on our mixed route, although the Sport mode is very similar - apart from making the throttle more sensitive. Eco mode does the opposite to Sport making the throttle least sensitive, and is only useful when range levels are low. We can also report that the regenerative modes that are accessed via the steering wheel-mounted paddles, give an almost one-pedal driving experience.


Then, when it’s time for some charge, despite its age, this Kia can still be fast- charged at 100kW, so stops needn’t be too long.


So, whilst the Soul might feel dated against some more modern rivals, this Kia still deserves serious consideration when being compared against them.


www.businesscar.co.uk | June 2023 | 41


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