In the mood for sweet Soul music

ROAD TEST – KIA SOUL 1.6 CRDi

Travelling after dark in the new generation Kia Soul sets you up for a night on the town, or alternatively a relaxing drink in an upmarket mood bar.

It’s a bit like a late lounge on wheels as the circular lights around the Infinity sound system speakers pulse from a purple haze to blue, red, yellow, green, white and back to purple.

Cool stuff, and soft on the eye rather than distracting for the driver, but then the Soul is a car with a style of its own.

Still perhaps a bit on the boxy side for some tastes, its design no longer reflects the original version’s muscular movement of a wild boar, instead giving the impression of a British bulldog wearing sunglasses.

That’s down to a squarer, more planted stance and wraparound windscreen glass while at the same time retaining the ritzy style sure to attract plenty of young admirers.

Plenty of practical touches though will ensure this model also spans the generations.

Kia Soul in action

Longer and fractionally wider than before, there’s more luggage capacity in the latest Soul including extra storage space under the floor.

Space is plentiful, even for tall passengers, and there’s a tough, durable feel to the upholstery.

But it’s the overall quality of the car’s fit and fittings that marks the model down as a more upmarket offering, right back to the entry grade 1.6-litre GDi petrol Start model at £12,600.

Technically the biggest change is a new platform, based on the latest Kia cee’d, the result being improved ride and handling, plus greater refinement thanks to an upgraded suspension, stiffer bodyshell and more efficient soundproofing.

Inside the cabin of the new generation Kia Soul

Of the two engines available in the Soul – both carried over from the previous generation but with lower emissions – the 1.6 CRDi diesel makes the test model a sweet and engaging car to drive.

It develops 126bhp and while 0-60mph acceleration in 10.8 seconds won’t place it in the performance category, it’s nonetheless strong, willing and can return 56.5mpg and 132g/km of CO2 using the six-speed manual gearbox.

All versions are front-wheel drive and five-door, the trim grades being Soul Start, Connect and Connect Plus, along with a pair of more snazzy models called Mixx and Maxx.

Stuff like painted bumpers, keyless entry, electric windows, air-con, DAB radio and USB/AUX ports come with every car while the M twins get the full hit of styling pack, 18-inch alloys, premium sound system and contrasting colour roof.