Try Kia Soul EV, hello to electric mobility in Europe

Kia has already had some electric model. Yes, although in Spain, in Europe, associating Kia with electric mobility is difficult, the Korean brand already had a version of these characteristics in its own market. Now he has another one that is not only completely new, but also dares to conquer Europe, the new Kia Soul EV.

Yesterday we told you about first impressions on the second generation of the Soul, a model with a lot of personality that now returned with equal doses of quality and equipment. But during the presentation we also had the opportunity to test for a few kilometers its new electric version that we are talking about today.

keeping the look

They told us at Kia that it was too common to differentiate the combustion and electric versions of the same car. They also told us that some manufacturers resorted to a completely new model. At the same time, Kia boasted of offering the same car with diesel, gasoline and electric mechanics with the minor differences.

And it is true. Differentiating a Soul EV from a standard Soul is playing the game of 7 differences: new aerodynamic rims, differently shaped front bumper, new larger grille with power outlet, different rear bumper, LED pilots with differentiated light signature, exclusive control panel and touch screen browser with dedicated information. Go go with Kia and the 7.

In other words, it has been modified just and necessary so that it continues to look like an ordinary Soul, in fact the blue model with the white roof and mirrors in the images. could easily pass for a standard model. It is, therefore, discreet, as discreet as the new Korean B-SUV can be or intends to be.

These modifications respond to efficiency criteria. As the cooling needs change, the front part changes its design, in addition to incorporating the power outlet, whose hatch opens from the inside like a Transformer. Aerodynamic rims improve airflow, while lighting is replaced with LEDs to increase energy efficiency and therefore autonomy.

If we go inside, more of the same happens. Although I'm not going to fool you, sit inside finished in light colors so pure As the test unit was wearing, it transports you to a somewhat futuristic world. Even if it's just the illusion. Movies aside, we can not cross out the interior of Soul EV as poor because the two available versions have more than rich equipment.

Sitting in the driver's seat, we find ourselves in front of a dashboard identical to the standard one, except for the specific dashboard, which replaces analog dials with digital information, such as a potentiometer or a battery charge and efficiency indicator. The 8-inch touchscreen navigator It is standard and offers complete information on the car's operation, as well as an estimated autonomy range shown on the map.

Except for those two details, we can transfer what was said in the test of the new Soul here. good presence, good materials and a design that here, with the finish in light colors, gains in showiness, something that the black and dark interior of the normal Soul could sin.

Slight decrease in habitability

One of the biggest criticisms distilled by electric or hybrid derivatives of conventional models is the loss of interior space due to the placement of the batteries. In the Kia Soul EV this is also the case, but it has been worked in such a way that the loss of space is hardly noticeable.

To begin with, batteries are placed under the floor, so we will not find a trunk unused, but the same 354 liters of the standard version. However, the rear seats have sacrificed some space for passengers. Specifically, the ground rises, which will force us to travel with your legs higher and bent. In any case, it is something insignificant unless we get on one or the other, and space and comfort are maintained at all times.

Up to 212 km of autonomy

Kia declares a 212 km range for your Soul EV. Obviously this is achieved by juggling with the right foot, but with a full charge I have no doubt that they can drop 180 or 190 real kilometers. It uses a motor to move. 110 horsepower and 285 Nm of torque instantaneous, allowing it to reach 100 km/h from standstill 11,2 seconds and a maximum speed of 145 km/h.

With this in hand, it is completely sufficient data for standard driving, more so for urban driving, the bet of this Soul and, without a doubt, the best scenario to enjoy an electric car. We were able to shoot both in an urban environment and some on the road, passing in both territories.

The start from a standstill is brilliant, like any electric vehicle. The instant strength It will make the exits of the traffic lights as agile as possible without emitting, in addition, not a single drop of CO2 or any noise. Precisely, to the careful soundproofing of the Soul is added an engine that emits a slight humming barely perceptible.

When we demand more and press the right pedal, we notice that the response is no longer as lively from about 60 km/h, when it is more difficult for it to pick up speed. However, personally, I have not missed a more forceful answer at no time considering the power and its weight. For example, the additions to the highway will not be a problem as long as we are not afraid to turn the right foot.

However, and as in all electric, squeezing the ear means losing a few kilometers of autonomy that, reflected in the table, can give more than one scare. In our case, and with carefree driving, a 90% battery charge meant a range of 140 kilometers according to the computer. To gain a few kilometers has regenerative braking, which charges the battery during braking and deceleration.

And speaking of autonomy. For now 212 kilometers can be a tare. However, a car with these characteristics, considering the urban environment, should be enough with this autonomy in real use. Logically, the long distance commuting they represent an end point, unless we program a few stops along the way.

When it is time to charge the car, it will have to be plugged into the conventional network with the standard plug. An operation that completes 5 hours with a 240 volt network. Although, Kia offers us the option of getting a standard plug CHAdeMO, with which we can recharge a 80% battery in 25 minutes, yes, at a price 3.000 euros higher.

In short, Kia has bet on insurance, with a model that achieves better autonomy data than some of its rivals at a contained price and with a most versatile bodywork. Perhaps in Spain, with a charging network still scarce, you have to do numbers to consider a Soul EV, but we do not doubt for a moment that it is a very valid and interesting alternative for those who use it as a second car or only car, parking long distance trips. In other countries like France, with a more extensive top-up network, you will face a market already quite influential and on the rise since 2011.

Since 13.990 €

an electric from 13.990 euros in Spain It is not something usual, of course, to get that price you have to take advantage of all the discounts, the PIVE plan, opt for the normal charger and pay 99 euros per month for battery rental for 7 years. In return, we get an extremely well-equipped car, even more so than the top-of-the-line Emotion with a combustion engine.

Includes LED lighting as standard, two-tone bodywork, 16-inch wheels, cruise control, rear view camera, configurable variable steering, climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, keyless entry and start, electric parking brake, light sensor or navigator with 8-inch screen and updated mapping for 7 years.

The range is as follows, including all current discounts and promotions, in addition to the PIVE Plan. In case of not taking advantage of the brand discount, the batteries are delivered as property.