Kia Soul EV gains new entry-level battery option
Kia has expanded the line-up for its Soul EV to include a new entry-level grade and battery option, giving buyers more choice.
The Soul EV has the choice of 39.2kWh ‘medium-range’ and 64kWh ‘long-range’ battery options for the first time in the UK
Available to order now, the revised Soul EV adopts a two-tier model structure with a pair of powertrain options, each with their own bespoke grade.
The entry-level powertrain uses a 39.2kWh ‘medium-range’ battery pack – a first for the UK market – which provides a WLTP combined range of 171 miles. It can be charged using an 80kW DC rapid charger, giving a 0-80% state of charge in 54 minutes. A 7.2kW home charger will replenish the battery from 0-100% in six hours and 10 minutes.
The car is powered by a 134bhp electric motor, producing a maximum torque of 395Nm and with a top speed of 97mph, plus a 0-62mph acceleration figure of 9.9 seconds.
The entry-level powertrain comes in an Urban grade that includes features such as 17-inch alloy wheels, 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic headlight control and reversing camera system. It’s priced from £32,795.
The flagship model is the 64kWh ‘Explore’ grade, expected to be the best-seller. Priced from £38,995, this replaces the previous ‘Maxx’ model. The larger battery gives a WLTP combined driving range of 280 miles. Using an 80kW rapid charger, this model can be recharged 0-80% in the same 54 minutes as the ‘Urban’ model. A 7.2kW charger gives a 0-100% charge in nine hours and 35 minutes.
This grade is powered by a 201bhp electric motor with maximum torque of 395Nm, enabling a top speed of 104mph and a 7.9 second acceleration dash from 0-62mph.
The top-rung model features SUV-inspired design cues and adds in equipment such as a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment and navigation system, free seven-year Kia Connect connectivity services, rear parking sensors, black leather upholstery and extra driver assistance tech such as blind-spot collision warning.
UK customer deliveries start during Q4 2022.
Natalie Middleton
Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day.
