Boxy but oh, so foxy

Kia Soul should have been pitched at the mature market - it is functional but still young at heart. Photo / APN

I've often wondered why mature drivers are directed to cars which look like the automotive equivalent of white bread. After all, you may want an easy drive and a convenient seat height without losing those essential elements of fashion and design.

So when I recently chauffeured a couple of mature ladies on a day out and had to factor in stiff hips and at least one walking stick, I booked a Kia Soul for the weekend.

This is the 1.6-litre diesel variant, with 91kW and 260Nm delivered to the front wheels via a four-speed auto. But more importantly, its boxy lines are disguised by clever design detail that imparts a concept car air. And it's got wide doors, a high-ish seat and a good level of seat adjustment, too.

That meant the more arthritic of my passengers had little trouble sliding on to the relatively high front seat via the wide-opening front door. We'd pushed it right back to give her maximum space - yet my 1.8m passenger still fit behind her. Seatbelt height adjust helped get a comfy fit, and we were off.

Once under way, Soul's cabin was quiet enough for a spirited catch-up between the ladies, punctuated by plentiful comments on the car.

They liked its ride, compliant over bigger bumps though it could be a tad better over smaller jolts.They liked the good all-round vision and how roomy the cabin felt even with four aboard.

They twittered appreciatively at the diesel's strong feel off the line.

But the seal of approval came when I opened the glovebox and fascia cubby - for they're lined in red. "Just like a jewellery box!" they exclaimed, and said it'd be easier to spot their bits and pieces though they did find the glovebox too deep to reach into easily. We relative youngsters thought the red naff, but I know what'll get the first mention at the bowling club - and it's not the modest acceleration figures.

This Soul made a great runabout once we got used to its high-riding, boxy feel. The engine picks up strongly around town, yet is smooth enough for motorway cruising, and rarely felt the need for a fifth gear.

It was never less than practical with lots of thoughtful touches like the under-boot storage cubbies; slot your valuables out of sight.

Kia missed its mark pitching Soul at the youth market. Few youngsters can buy a new vehicle and, if they do, they're likely to seek a more dynamic image. This is a car for those seeking a practical runabout that's easy to use without looking too boringly functional - folk just like my delightfully cheeky passengers, no longer limber but far from ready to settle for dull and predictable.

Kia Soul diesel

We like
Safe and sensible performance; funky looks; easy entry and egress; well-thought-out cabin

We don't like
Needs another gear

Powertrain
1.6-litre turbo-diesel, 94kW at 4000rpm, 260Nm at 1900rpm, four-speed-auto drives front wheels

Performance
0-100 not available, 5.9l/100km

Safety
ABS and stability control, six airbags

What it's got
Air con, 16-inch alloys, USB and iPod ports, rear parking sensors

Vital stats
340/671-litre boot, 48-litre tank