As much as Kia says its new Soul was inspired by last year's Track'ster concept car, it appears to have been inspired by its predecessor more than anything else.
Yet despite the 'why fix what ain't broke' design approach, this is actually a brand new vehicle that rides on a new chassis that's stiffer, longer and wider. The wheelbase grows by 20mm, while the width has been increased by 15mm.
It has “grown up without losing its edge” according to Kia, offering additional interior space, a bigger luggage compartment and a more refined driving experience thanks to reductions in noise, vibration and harshness.
ESSENCE OF SOUL
The new Soul was penned at Kia's California design studio under the direction of US Chief Designer Tom Kearns. According to Kearns, they've “kept the essence of Soul while infusing it with more presence inside and out.”
Kia also claims to have elevated the cabin to new levels of sophistication by sprinkling around a generous helping of soft-touch surfaces and high-gloss piano black trim.
Top models get an eight-inch touch-screen, which is home to Kia's second-generation telematics and infotainment system.
On the mechanical front, Kia has heavily revised the suspension. Two direct injection petrol engines are offered in the form of a 97kW 1.6-litre and 122kW 2-litre. Both have been tuned to offer more torque in the lower reaches of the rev range.
Expect the new Soul to arrive in South Africa later this year.