First glances might conclude this is only a half-life facelift, but the truth is Soul received a whole new generation, even though it’s only five years old. This comes from the fact that it’s an image car, whose biggest appeal has always been an unique concept, which is specialized into unmatched styling and proposal. Following this path may demand frequent changes in order to keep the car standing in the crowd but, on the other side, each and every update must be carefully planned to avoid losing the image which has been built around that car through all the years. Such difficulties are what makes this kind of car very hard to achieve success, and therefore makes these rare examples so special.
Kia decided to improve Soul, rather than trying to surprise once again, and performed this plan with a strategy that reminds of what Suzuki did with the current Swift: there was as much attention inside as few outside. The biggest intention seems to be making the hatchback more imponent, not only by the slightly increased length, wheelbase and width but specially the use of elements which give the idea of solidness: besides of wider fenders, the headlights are bigger and now carry the LED daytime lights on themselves, instead of the additional opening right below. The tail lights have also increased, but even though the red section resemble big telephone handsets, the entire set is much more elegant.
Base trim brings multimedia sound system and power windows and locks, while Plus adds 17” wheels, automatic headlights, backup camera and UVO infotainment system. The best Soul available comes in Exclaim, which adds 10-way power driver’s seat, 18” wheels, LED external lights and several styling items – all the trims also bring very interesting lists of optional items. This car carries over the entire powertrain set, which features the direct-injected 1.6L of 130 hp and 118 lb-ft for Base, and a 2.0L with the same technology but 164 hp and 151 lb-ft starting on Plus. When it comes to the transmission, Base and Plus’ manual six-speed can be upgraded for the automatic box which comes as standard on Exclaim.
Lançamento no Brasil (22/08/2014)
Seguindo uma tendência brasileira de gosto discutível, a nova geração do compacto de imagem da Kia chega ao Brasil sob a alcunha “New Kia Soul”. As novidades apresentadas no texto acima lhe tornaram um veículo maior e mais sofisticado, ainda que a proposta jovial tenha crescido na mesma proporção. Seu motor é o mesmo 1.6 16v flexível, que gera 130 cv e trabalha com um câmbio automático de seis marchas. O único senão é o preço: agora ele só vem na versão EX, que parte de R$ 88.900 e tem ao teto solar panorâmico como opcional de R$ 4 mil. É a faixa de preço de compactos de luxo, como Audi A1, Citroën DS3 e Mini Cooper, mas tudo indica que a Kia está muito confiante no potencial de seu modelo.
Tal preço é justificado pela lista de equipamentos, que traz de série oito airbags, ar-condicionado digital, bancos de couro com regulagens elétricas, central de entretenimento com tela de 4,3”, controle de cruzeiro, direção elétrica, fixação Isofix, luzes diurnas e lanternas em LEDs, porta-luvas refrigerado, rodas de liga leve de aro 18”, sensor crepuscular, sistema de partida sem chave e volante multifuncional, entre vários outros. Como sempre, o visual é a aposta mais forte do modelo: além dos elementos de estilo em tamanhos e formas extravagantes, com direito à tampa do porta-malas em vidro, a carroceria pode ser pedida em oito opções de cor, com o teto usando outras para formar o contraste.