Kia has become something of a leading force in the world of electric cars. With an ever-expanding fleet of hybrid and fully electric cars rolling off the production line, the South Korean manufacturer continues its sprint towards the future with this brand new Kia Soul EV. After the success of its stablemate the Kia E-Niro, the Soul is the latest model to join the group of cars sold by Kia in electric-only form.
With zero emissions, the 2020 Kia Soul EV is the most practical you can get on the road. The bold design ensures this four-door model is just as much fun. With room for five and ample cargo space, you’ll find something to appreciate about the compact car every time you get inside. Measuring 4195 mm in length, 1800 mm in width, and 1605 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2600 mm, the Soul EV represents a significant commitment from Kia, offering it with only one powertrain in electric-only form.
Powertrain And Battery Features Of Kia Soul EV:
Under the hood lies a 201 hp electric motor that is hooked up to the front wheels via a single-speed direct-drive transmission. The new Soul EV makes use of the same 64 kWh battery found in Kia’s e-Niro, with a quoted range of 450 kilometers from a single charge. The EPA’s fuel economy estimates for the Soul EV are 127 MPGe for cities, 101 MPGe for highways, and 114 MPGe combined. As yet, there are no performance figures to speak of, but we expect it will go somewhere close to the e-Niro’s 7.9 seconds 0-100 km / h benchmark.
Normal driving is better suited in normal or eco modes, and the regeneration level can be adjusted in any of the modes using the paddles on the back of the steering wheel. Soul’s regen system is operated by two paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel in the same fashion as up and downshifters in a manumatic transmission. The right paddle decreases the regen strength; the left increases it.
Its Type 2 charging port means an 80% charge can be achieved in an hour and 15 minutes at a 50kW Rapid Charging Station, with a full charge taking nine hours and 35 minutes which is pretty slow compared to other options out there. With the new Soul EV, Kia has not simply cut emissions from the exhaust. It has also taken steps to ensure its carbon footprint is reduced across the entire process from manufacture to delivery.
Interior Specifics And Safety Aids Of Kia Soul EV:
Soul EV provides a spacious interior with plenty of headroom and legroom for drivers and passengers. Luggage space is also generous at 315 liters with the seats upright, or a very respectable 1339 liters with the seats down which are enhanced by the vertical sides of the car, making it a very capable load hauler also. For enhanced comfort, it features a heated steering wheel and heated front seats plus available features like ventilated front seats and heated rear outboard seat cushions. In addition, soft-touch material on the dash and upper door panels and available leather seat trim lend sophisticated styling.
The Soul EV supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay with Voice Control, keeping you connected while you focus on the road. The large 10.25-inch navigation touchscreen is easy to use and provides you with routes, shortcuts, and other useful information. The large monitor also provided a rearview when engaging the shift-by-wire rotary dial to reverse, in addition to parking guidance. It also gives you control of the 10-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system with Clari-Fi technology and Quantum Logic Surround. Kia’s own software, which can be controlled via your smartphone, will also provide live updates on weather and traffic and help to locate compatible charging stations. Lane Following Assist (LFA) adjusts the Kia Soul EV acceleration, braking, and steering to the car in front. It even starts automatically if the car ahead moves within three seconds of stopping. Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go regulates both the speed and the distance to the car in front. By braking and accelerating automatically, it maintains the car’s speed and keeps a safe distance between you and the car ahead. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Pedestrian / Cyclist Protection uses radar and camera inputs to warn of pedestrians, cyclists, and cars in your path. It gives you warning signals and automatically brakes if you don’t react, helping to prevent or mitigate an accident.
Exterior Highlights, Sales, And Warranty Of Kia Soul EV:
In terms of looks, the Kia Soul EV is quite pleasing although not overly striking. The dual high and low-beam LED headlamps to blend into the front profile and the LED DRLs come as standard. The car stands on 17-inch alloys and the rear profile is highlighted by futuristic-looking wrap-around LED rear lamps, surrounding the vertical tailgate.
As of now, it is available as an EV only in Europe and is probable to launch in the remaining countries by the early 2022s. Kia is well known for its warranty. The limited warranty covers 5 years or 95,000 kilometers. Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 160,000 kilometers. The battery warranty covers 10 years or 160,000. No complimentary scheduled maintenance is available according to reports.
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