The Kia Soul will receive several updates for the 2017MY, which will debut at this year’s Paris Motor Show. The big news here is the introduction of a 1.6 litre T-GDI engine to the line-up, along with changes to the exterior and interior.
The 1.6L T-GDI on the Soul is shared with the cee’d GT and pro_cee’d GT, providing 201 hp on the crossover. All that power drives the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (first seen on the Hyundai i30 FL), allowing the most powerful Soul to sprint to 96 km/h from a standstill (0-60 mph) in 7.5 seconds, and onwards to a top speed of 196 km/h.
To match the new-found turbo power, Kia has also fitted the Soul 1.6L T-GDI with larger ventilated front discs, while retaining the size of the solid rear discs. The upgrade sees a reduction in stopping distance of 35.3 m from 35.5, when stopping from 96 km/h.
Visual updates to the rest of the Soul range include redesigned front and rear bumpers, with a metallic skid plate for a more rugged look. Other exterior changes include the latest version of Kia’s “tiger nose” front grille, as well as new LED daytime-running lights, fog lamps and reflectors.
Inside, the Soul gets new switchgear, gloss black and metallic highlights, and infotainment systems. For the latter, buyers will be able to choose from either 5.0-, 7.0- or 8.0-inch colour touchscreens, which now comes equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Elsewhere, there’s a new USB charging port added to the rear of the cabin, eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, and for models equipped with the 7DCT, a new Drive Mode Selector (allows for normal, light or heavy steering depending on driver preference and driving conditions).
The Soul 1.6L T-GDI is differentiated from non-turbo models in the range with a bolder front bumper and air intake grille design, twin exhaust pipes, red exterior accents, 10-spoke, 18-inch aluminium alloy wheels, D-shaped steering wheel and a black/orange interior colour scheme.
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Nissan Cube competitor kah?
Kia Soul > Honda HRV.
When will this ever come to malaysia…
Kia Malaysia should to bring in this stylish SUV to priced below HRV. Will sure meletop. Of course spec must be on the high side la..
Will this ever be released in Malaysia? I’ve been eyeing one since I checked it out in Seoul few years back. Still keeping the brochure, with few different models, even one which is fully electric.
Ah I need this! Expected price range?