WHEN you’ve got soul, you want more of it.
At least that’s the view of car maker Kia as the go-ahead Korean company reveals a fresh and updated version of the car that re-wrote its design rule book.
The latest Soul keeps all the radical features of the original but adds some extra style, power and techno expertise for that cruise down funky street.
On sale in the autumn and revealed at the New York International auto show, the new look model ramps up the fun factor with more punch and better fuel economy.
A new 1.6-litre gasoline direct injection petrol engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission produces 138bhp - an 11 per cent increase over the previous engine – and should return around 34 miles per gallon.
And in some markets, though not necessarily the UK, a new 2.0-litre unit is available with either the six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.
Subtle exterior changes include new projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, a redesigned bonnet plus new front and rear bumpers and rear LED light clusters. And the five-door vehicle’s low, wide stance is complemented by an angled window line and rounded nose.
Inside, the Soul features a more futuristic and roomy cabin with a three-dial instrument cluster, LCD illumination and floating centre stack. Standard USB and auxiliary input jacks can also be found in the centre console with full iPod and MP3 control via steering wheel-mounted controls.
A reversing camera display is also part of the audio upgrade package.