Kia Soul EV 2020: Pricing and spec revealed for First Edition model
Kia has announced the Soul EV will be offered in one highly specified grade called ‘First Edition’. Priced at £33,795 with the plug-in car grant, first deliveries are expected in the first quarter of 2020.
Following the recently released e-Niro, the third generation Soul EV promises to be more distinctive, dynamic and innovative than ever and will be powered by a 64kWh lithium-ion battery pack that delivers a range of 280 miles.
The all-new Soul EV features a Type 2 charging inlet which allows the car to be fully charged in 9 hours and 35 minutes. Additionally, the Soul EV can achieve up to 80% charge in 1 hour and 15 minutes using a 50kW DC Rapid Charging Station. A three-pin cable and Type 2 connection will be provided with the car.
Many design elements have been carried over from the outgoing model, most notably the square-back body design that’s flanked by a pair of stacked tail lights at the rear.
These get a boomerang-type design on the new car though, and actually follow the lines of the car all the way around the top of the boot lid where it joins the third brake light – it’s certainly a unique look.
There are new lights up front too, with the LEDs getting a much fresher signature than previously. The rest of the car has been designed with aerodynamics in mind to help improve range, as have the unique 17in alloy wheels.
In the cabin, you’ll find an updated infotainment system featuring a 10.25in screen on the dash. The driver will be able to access vehicle charging information, including charging station locations, charger availability, and connection compatibility. It’s also compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The new Soul EV gets the same powertrain as the range-topping version of the e-Niro. In short, that means it gets a single electric motor driving the front axle, producing up to 201bhp and 395Nm of torque – a significant boost compared to the outgoing model.
There’s a clever regenerative braking system too, controlled via the paddleshift on the steering wheel like the Hyundai Kona EV.
As standard, the car is fitted with up to seven airbags as well as numerous safety systems including electronic stability control, hill-start assist control, pedestrian warning system and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
A host of driver-assistance systems and safety tech features, including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and forward collision avoidance assist.
Orders are open now so that demand can be judged to ensure that the appropriate supply is available at launch.