2023 Kia Soul
- Expected Launch in Pakistan = 2023-2024
- 3rd Generation
- Expected Price in Pakistan 45-55 Lac PKR
Kia Soul is a subcompact crossover SUV that debuted in 2008 at the Paris Motor Show. Its 3rd generation launched in 2019, and an electric version was also introduced. Kia Soul’s 3rd generation shares a similar platform with the Hyundai Kona. Unfortunately, Kia Soul is discontinued in 2021 due to the high demand for Kia Seltos, and the 6-speed manual transmission model of the Soul is discontinued in the United States of America for the 2022 version. Kia cars are also introduced in Pakistan in collaboration with Lucky Motors Pakistan. It announced in 2020 that Kia Motors Pakistan is bringing five new vehicles to Pakistan that include: Kia Rio, Kia Cerato, Kia Stinger, Kia Niro, and Kia Stonic. Now coming back to Kia Soul, it is not been officially launched by Kia Motors Pakistan yet, but is imported in used condition to Pakistan and has a welcoming market here. Kia Soul was advertised by Hyolyn (a K-pop singer). A huge fan following of K-pop worldwide increases Kia Soul’s demand. Kia Soul has a funky style and provides technological features at a very affordable price. The latest model Kia Soul had a rear occupant alert in each trim that notifies the driver when someone is sitting in the back seat. The higher-end variants have built-in remote start technology in them.
Trims & Variants:
The Kia Soul is available in 6 trim levels internationally that are:
LX, S, GT-Line trim, X-Line trim, EX and Turbo trim.
The LX is the base trim that offers a manual transmission, a rearview camera, a 7-inches touchscreen, six speakers, and Bluetooth connectivity.
The S trim offers cloth upholstery, forward collision warning alarms, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assisting, and blind-spot monitoring.
GT-Line trim offers fog lights, a wireless charging device, a sunroof, and the latest safety features.
EX-Line trim offers a 10.25 inches touch screen, wireless device charging, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control system, and navigation.
X-Line trim upgrades with roof rails and unique exterior styling.
The Turbo trim offers synthetic leather upholstery, a sunroof, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and a head-up display.
Engine, Power &Â Transmission:
The Kia Soul is available in three engine choices that are U2 1.6 VGT, Gamma 1.6 MPI, and Nu 2.0 MPI.
The Gamma 1.6 MPI engine has a displacement of 1591cc and generates maximum power of 122 Horsepower at 6300 RPM and 152 nm of torque at 4800 RPM.
The Nu 2.0 MPI has a displacement of 1999cc and generates a maximum power of 151 Horse Power at 6200 RPM and 192 nm of torque at 4000 RPM.
 The U2 1.6 VGT has a displacement of 1582 cc and generates a maximum power of 134 Horsepower at 4000 RPM and 259 nm of torque at 1500 to 3500 RPM.
 Kia Soul offers a six-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Performance & Drive:
The driving dynamics of the Kia Soul are excellent, and all the engines deliver efficient performance. The six-speed manual transmission features enhanced shifting performance, and the gearbox is sportier. In contrast, the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission offers one of the best technologies with a dynamic speed shift and assures you of a satisfying driving experience. The organ-type accelerator pedal in Kia Soul moves in the same plane as your foot, so driving is more comfortable. As a result, Kia Soul delivers a smooth ride and decent acceleration. The 2.0 liters engine gives enough power for your daily chores, and the Continuously Varying transmission pairs with the engine to enhance the powerful performance. The higher-end trims provide quicker acceleration compared to other variants. It takes 6.4 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour. The car’s handling is easy because of its small size and provides sharp steering with a precise response. However, the steering feels imprecise sometimes, and the torsion beam suspension at the rear may cause discomfort to the passengers over bumps. Fuel Economy: The 2.0 liters manual transmission Soul gives 25 miles per gallon in the city and 31 miles per gallon on the highways. In contrast, the Continuously Varying transmission gives 28 miles per gallon in the city and 33 miles per gallon on the motorway. The 1.6 liters engine has 27 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the highways. The Kia Soul also offers an all-wheel-drive facility that analyzes the road conditions and adjusts power between the front and rear axles automatically.
Exterior Design & Features:
The exterior design of the Kia Soul is futuristic and unique. The front end has high-intensity LED headlamps that give crisp lighting for better safety, and daytime running lights illuminate during the day. There is a glossy chrome black grille in the center, having Kia Logo encrypted powerfully on it. The signature LED rear lamps boast outstanding visibility with a dose of ultramodern style. Kia Soul comes with electrically adjustable outside mirrors with heating technology, and they are available in black, glossy black, and body color. The eighteen-inch alloy wheels enhance its sporty looks and aggressiveness.
Interior Design & Features:
The inside of the Kia Soul has a revolutionary appearance with convenience at your fingertips. The steering wheel is covered with leather, and the controls present on it are audio, cruise control, computer functions, and Bluetooth. A high-tech instrument cluster in the center provides easy-to-read and stable vehicle information. There is a 5-inches touch screen mounted in the dashboard that has excellent visibility. The display of the rearview camera is also displayed on the screen. The cabin is made premium with soft-touch materials, and the fine leather upholstery takes its sophistication to the next level. The front door has a red pulsating light trim for the speaker, and it automatically changes colors at regular intervals. The air vents are high-mounted and floating as an extension of the circular theme present throughout the cabin. The sitting space is generous, and the 2nd row has class-leading legroom and shoulder room for passenger comfort. There is a panoramic sunroof that adds more light to the vehicle. The air conditioning system is automatically controlled, and it switches off and on automatically to maintain the desired temperature inside the cabin. The cargo area has a capacity of 686 liters with a rear seat folding option and transporting items conveniently. A cargo net is given to prevent goods from rolling around, and a separate partition is provided to store valuable goods out of sight of people.
Safety & Features:
The 3rd generation model gained a four-star overall safety rating. It was rated at four stars for the overall frontal crash, five stars for the overall side crash, and four stars for the rollover test.
Some of the safety features Kia Soul offers are:
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Airbags for drivers and passengers
- 15-inches disc brakes
- Electronic stability control
- Hill- Start Assist
- Vehicle stability management
- Brake Assist system
- Blindspot detection
- Rear cross-traffic alert