We review the Kia Soul from price to economy and all its features
THE Soul was the model that made people sit up and notice Kia.
When launched in 2009, its funky styling was a daring break away from the "safe" conservative design of earlier models.
Kia Soul... Taken for a spin in Rio.
Kia is offering far more personalisation with three roof colours
This was Kia breaking into the new "crossover" sector and proving it could lead, not just follow, in motoring design.
In many ways the new Soul was the perfect Kia to test in Brazil, brash, bright and full of fun - an ideal fit for flamboyant locals.
Kia has sensibly retained the model's distinctive styling but tweaked it just enough to make it fresh and a touch more grown-up.
New shape...Kia have addressed the look to make it more fun to drive
It keeps the square-shouldered upright stance plus the "tiger nose" grille and gets bigger headlights with LED running lights, along with an even deeper lower grille in black mesh.
New tall, upright LED "halo" tail-lights wrap around the rear to give it a more dynamic look.
Kia is offering far more personalisation with three roof colours to go with 11 vibrant exterior hues, which suits the Soul's quirky character.
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And the Koreans have significantly stepped up the interior quality - from plastics with a softer touch to neat mock-aluminium trim and yellow stitching on the seats and steering wheel.
It's more fun to drive I like the attention to detail and cool design touches, such as the round speakers stacked above the air vents and the substantial feel of the leather-trimmed gear lever.
Noisy... The Soul quietens down as it gets going, but is loud to begin with
The new Soul is slightly bigger despite still being compact, with more leg and shoulder room for driver and passengers, as well as boot space increased to 354 litres. One of the big failings of the original Soul was that it was disappointing to drive, a bit soul-less.
Kia has addressed that with an all-new body chassis.
It's now more fun to drive on A and B roads with keener steering. The ride is more refined and Kia has worked hard to improve interior noise levels with extra sound-proofing.
Although the 1.6litre diesel I tested still felt a little gruff under hard acceleration, it's quiet enough as soon as you are on the move. Just don't expect any fireworks - this is an engine built for economy, attaining 70mpg plus.
And with prices expected to start at just under £13,000 and go up to around £19,000 for the top-of-the-range diesel, this seven-year-warranty car retains Kia's value for money.