Kia Soul – Euro-market second-gen makes debut

kia-soul-2014-1

The second-gen Kia Soul made its first public appearance at the New York show in March; now it’s time for its Euro-market sister to shine in Frankfurt before Continental sales begin early next year.

Inspired by the 2012 Track’ster concept, the 2014 Kia Soul retains the soul of the original, which began production in 2008 and received a minor update in 2011. What it gains is an all-new platform, based on that of the current Kia cee’d. Ride, handling and on-road behaviour are improved as a result, says Kia.

It’s slightly larger than the outgoing model, with a longer wheelbase and wider track yielding more interior and luggage space. Leg, head and shoulder room are up for all passengers, while boot volume gets a 4% boost to 354 litres (not including additional underfloor storage) with the rear seats upright.

Thanks to upgraded suspension, a 29% stiffer bodyshell and more soundproofing, the second-gen Kia Soul boldly claims to be the best in its class for refinement, with cabin noise levels reduced by around 3 dB.

Buyers will be able to choose between the latest versions of Kia’s 1.6 litre GDI petrol and CRDi diesel engines, as well as six-speed manual and automatic ‘boxes. Both engines are carried over from the outgoing model, and feature improved efficiency with lower emissions.

Depending on trim levels – which will be announced at a later date – the Euro-spec cars get LED or HID headlamps, LED ‘halo’ tail lamps, keyless entry and start, auto climate control, cruise control, leather seat trim, ventilated front seats, heated front and rear seats, panoramic sunroof and heated door mirrors. The roof can be had in black, white or red, and no fewer than 11 body colours are available.

Additionally, the pair of Kia Souls displayed in Frankfurt will exhibit a new SUV Styling Pack, featuring piano black bumper garnish, side skirts, wheel arches and a black painted roof.

See our previous story on the US-spec car for more detailed information on the second-gen Kia Soul.

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.

Certified Pre-Owned - 1 Year Warranty

10% discount when you renew your car insurance

Compare prices between different insurer providers and use the promo code 'PAULTAN10' when you make your payment to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services.

Car Insurance

Jonathan James Tan

While most dream of the future, Jonathan Tan dreams of the past, although he's never been there. Fantasises much too often about cruising down Treacher Road (Jalan Sultan Ismail) in a Triumph Stag that actually works, and hopes this stint here will snap him back to present reality.

 

Comments

  • Darien on Sep 10, 2013 at 5:14 pm

    Kia, pls bring this to Malaysia!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 21 Thumb down 74
  • muddy on Sep 10, 2013 at 5:21 pm

    Sad even the first gen cant make it here…. due to some kind of protection i guess?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 3
  • Hey Naza, will you bring this model to Malaysia?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 1
  • Hondasalesman on Sep 10, 2013 at 6:33 pm

    Should be cheaper than sportage right? Currently the only brand new SUV below rm100k is rush, if naza ckd this, it will sell like hot cakes

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 10
  • Now is the time for Malaysian to get it…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • SpaceWagon on Sep 10, 2013 at 7:50 pm

    bring this baby to Malaysia.. at least dapat mengembalikan saat2 drive Hyundai Matrix sebab dua2 dalam segmen yang sama, Compact MPV…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 1
  • Kalun on Sep 10, 2013 at 8:26 pm

    Two word.

    Perodua Myvi.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 12
  • Sam Loo on Sep 10, 2013 at 8:53 pm

    Aiyoh, I would not even accept this car for trade in.

    So cold door that it could reverse Global Warming

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 120 Thumb down 43
    • Vader on Sep 11, 2013 at 8:06 am

      Hidden due to lowcomment rating. Click here to see.

      Poorly-rated. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 147
    • SamSuck on Sep 11, 2013 at 9:37 am

      Hidden due to lowcomment rating. Click here to see.

      Poorly-rated. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 211
  • boxy myvi ~ haha

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 19 Thumb down 0
  • hadi75 on Sep 11, 2013 at 8:57 pm

    Hidden due to lowcomment rating. Click here to see.

    Poorly-rated. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 21 Thumb down 171
 

Add a comment

required

required