Kia’s new Soul might not look radically different to the former model, but the brand promises it has improved interior quality and driving dynamics. The manufacturer has also added some new trims to the line-up, including the Mixx, which has two-tone colours for people who really want to ham up the alternative styling of the Soul.

Since the first-generation launched in 2009, there’s a host of new competition on the table, including the Nissan Juke and Renault Captur. So, can the updated model hold its own?

Performance

We drove the 1.6-litre diesel producing 126bhp on test and although this engine will serve you well when cruising on the motorway, it is hardly what you would call exciting. On paper however, its benchmark 0-60mph sprint stands at 10.8 seconds, which doesn’t sound too bad. But you will still have to venture beyond the 2,000/2,500rpm mark if you want to bring it to life.

The closest equivalent diesel-powered Nissan Juke, the 1.5-litre dCi 110 version, will do the benchmark sprint in 11.2 seconds and has a top speed of 109mph.

Alongside the 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engine in the range is a 130bhp 1.6-litre petrol unit that is slightly quicker than its diesel counterpart – completing the 0-60pmh sprint in 10.6 seconds. The diesel, however, can be mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, whereas the petrol is only available with the manual ‘box.

Ride and Handling

Suspension wise, the latest Soul has improved a lot since the last-gen, as it is now suppler, although still slightly on the stiff side.

The first-generation Soul was pretty woeful when it came to road manners; this iteration is worlds apart. It’s longer, giving it a better stance and it’s less twitchy than before, while the height has also been lowered, meaning body roll has decreased. These factors make it a more enjoyable experience, especially for passengers in the rear seats. Again though, don’t expect to have too much fun in the Soul when it comes to exciting driving dynamics. With that said, the crossover SUV segment is still lacking a standout performer in this respect. Suspension wise, the latest Soul has improved a lot since the last-gen, as it is now suppler, although still slightly on the stiff side. In terms of comfort, we think the Soul makes up for this with its great insulation, especially when it comes to motorway speeds.

Interior and Equipment

The Kia Soul has previously won a prestigious Red Dot Design Award for its quirky and slightly left-field design.

Interior quality in the new Soul has been drastically increased over the previous model as there are now more soft touch materials dotted about and the design is much more attractive in terms of layout and aesthetics – the cool air vent-mounted speakers being a great example of this. Standard kit on every model is also very generous, as the likes of air con, DAB digital radio and USB connectivity are all thrown in. The Mixx trim that we had on test, sitting second to top in the range, came with some key tech additions such as Bluetooth and sat-nav. A cool two-tone paintjob is also thrown in on the Mixx grade.  In the rear, the Soul is more like a mini bus than a car as its plentiful head and leg room, together with a space for your feet to go under the seat in front of you, make for a very comfortable place to be – even on long distance journeys. Boot space is also impressive, with 354 litres on offer. This may not be as big as an SUV, but it is still decent for its size. This space extended to 1,367 litres when you fold the seats down. In terms of improvements over the previous model, the boot is now four per cent bigger and the tailgate opening is 62mm wider, making it easier to haul things inside.

Cost

Although it is more efficient than the 1.6-litre petrol, its claimed average of 56.5mpg and CO2 emissions of 132g/km are a little behind the competition.

The 1.6-litre diesel in the Soul is not brilliant when it comes to running costs. Although it is more efficient than the 1.6-litre petrol, its claimed average of 56.5mpg and CO2 emissions of 132g/km are a little behind the competition. The 1.5-litre diesel in the Nissan Juke for example emits just 104g/km and claims a return of around 70mpg. When it comes to its price tag, the Soul has a lot going for it. It starts from less than the Renault Captur, Peugeot 2008, Vauxhall Mokka and, arguably most importantly, the Nissan Juke. Kia’s seven year/100,000 mile warranty is also something to consider when it comes to possible future costs. An added reassuring factor is that the Soul has previously won an award for its strong residual values, with the model expected to retain 57% of its value after three years.

Our Verdict

Compared to the last generation model, Kia has vastly improved the Soul, there is no doubt about it. Comfort levels in particular are impressive in the Soul and family car buyers are likely to be very happy with the amount of space and plush cabin on offer. Although you are unlikely to be after an exciting drive when going for the Soul, it is still worth noting that the Soul is tailored more towards ‘A to B’ driving – in other words, you are hardly likely to grab the keys and ‘just go for a drive’. If you are after an interesting looking crossover, with a lovely interior, the Soul is spot on.