Kia Soul 1.6 Gdi in the driving report: draft and 7.5 year guarantee

D he question is written in the face of most passers-by : What kind of car is it that, in its basic form, is reminiscent of a panel van, but at the same time looks much smarter? Although it came to Germany in 2009, the Kia Soul has not yet established itself in the streets - the small car falls too far out of the learned schemes.

For the 2012 model year, Kia has slightly revised it at the front and rear. Counter-steering assistance, active brake lights and hill start assist are now standard. In addition, the 1.6-liter four-cylinder in the Kia Soul has been converted to direct petrol injection and can now be combined with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Kia Soul we drive, however, has the sufficiently precise six-speed manual transmission.

Kia Soul leaves a strong impression

Especially when it comes to pulling through, the 140 hp engine leaves a stronger impression than the previous one 126 hp version. It is also remarkable how relaxed the direct injection engine is when it comes to low engine speeds in the high gear. If you want to move forward quickly, you have to turn off the gears. This then increases the consumption of the Kia Soul. On average, it was 8.8 liters of super per 100 kilometers.

Those who mainly swim in traffic with the Kia Soul, on the other hand, can stay well below that. In any case, the Soul doesn't tempt you to attack corners, its steering is too spongy and its traction too poor - the electronic reins have to prevent the front wheels from spinning in tight bends. On the other hand, the Kia Soul offers a level of suspension comfort that does not make long journeys a torture.

The basic layout of the angular body shape manifests itself in the generous space in the interior - even on the rear bench seat. Plus, getting into the Kia Soul is easy thanks to the wide door cutouts. The hallmarks of a practitioner are the steep hatchback, the double loading floor, the foldable rear seat backrest and various shelves up to a spacious glove compartment. The only drawback: When fully upgraded, only 222 liters of luggage space remain - a concession to the ample legroom in the rear.

7.5 year guarantee on the Kia Soul

Despite the overall funky appearance the Kia designers around Peter Schreyer can refrain from artificialising the fittings in the Kia Soul; they are rather simple and goodreadable. In general, the operation is not hidden behind concepts that are difficult to understand. The basic version already includes air conditioning, audio system, electric windows, height and depth adjustable steering wheel, central locking, on-board computer and daytime running lights.

In addition, the Kia Soul has six airbags and active headrests at the front as standard, as well as stability control and a brake assistant. What makes the small car manufactured in Gwangju, Korea particularly attractive: Kia offers a seven-year guarantee.