Kia: Bless my soul

The Kia Soul gives you the ability to personalise your car. Photo / Jacqui Madelin

It's easy to get cynical about a company's design blather, but Soul really is a funky little car that brings high design to the mainstream. Suddenly I saw what Kia's chief design officer, Peter Schreyer, is talking about when he refers to shaping the brand.

What's new?
This is a new design, and it heralds the brand's future look. Kia's been generous with specification before, but also new here are visual flourishes such as fluorescent seat fabrics, a truly multi-media interface and pulsing LEDs in the top-spec car's door speakers that are bound to please gadget-lovers.

Otherwise, the platform also underpins Hyundai's i20 and the suspension and engines don't break new ground, although the 1.6 common-rail diesel that's the pick of the pair is an upgrade to that presently fitted under Hyundai's i30 bonnet.

The company line
Sales have been up for each of the last four months despite an 18-month new-model drought, and Soul can only boost them further. Its "urban crossover" focus will inject new life into Kia.

What we say
Forget confusing marketing speak, this is a tall, wide hatchback with a city-friendly length and plenty of flair.

When Schreyer spoke with the Herald on Sunday he talked up simplicity in car design, saying, "less is more - every element has to be reduced to perfection, as any flaw stands out painfully".

You wouldn't call the Soul simple, but it's certainly cohesive, with all the details fitting together to produce something eye-catching without being silly about it. And that's before you tick the options boxes - houndstooth boot lid, anyone?

Kia talks up Mini comparisons and you can see why - people may buy this car solely because it's funky and a little bit different.

The cabin looks good and should be easy to live with too, with excellent ergonomics and plenty of storage possies. Mind you, some of the plastics don't feel that flash and there's no steering wheel reach adjust, or a tonneau cover to hide your luggage.

On the road
Our launch drive was a short one, but initial impressions are that the 1.6-litre petrol is a tad breathless while the 1.6-litre diesel pulls well. Soul is easy to get comfy in, and it offers something close to a soft-roader's command driving position.

It also handles fine considering its dimensions, though it won't attract those seeking a sporting experience.

We look forward to a longer drive.

Why you'll buy one?
Image - and the ability to personalise your car. Flash paint embellishments and fancy wheels are all on the menu, yet under the fancy skin and all those flourishes this is a practical car, with a roomy cabin and good manners.

Why you won't?
You won't touch a Korean car. You won't touch a diesel. And anything this funky must be suspect anyway.