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Kia Soul 2019 revealed: EV could come to Australia

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The new Kia Soul range will be offered with GT-Line, X-Line and EV versions - each with its own distinct character.
The new Kia Soul range will be offered with GT-Line, X-Line and EV versions - each with its own distinct character.
Matt Campbell
Managing Editor - Head of Video
29 Nov 2018
3 min read

The all-new Kia Soul 2019 model builds on a familiar base, with the compact crossover hatchback combining a boxy stance, stylish design and a cute interior.

The third-generation Kia Soul debuted overnight at the 2018 Los Angeles motor show, with a range of drivetrains set to be offered - a 2.0-litre non-turbo petrol, a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol for GT-Line models, and the Soul EV, which uses a pure electric powertrain.

The Soul EV has a 64kWh battery and a 150kW/394Nm electric motor, which has all the makings of a strong level of performance and driving range of at least 350km.

And CarsGuide understands that of all the new-generation Soul models, the EV is the most likely to be sold in Australia. Kia Australia has confirmed plans to offer a few electric cars by 2021, the first of which is expected to be the e-Niro compact SUV. And it could well be that the Soul EV forms part of the brand’s strategy, too

The petrol models are “under close review”, but it is understood Kia Australia would find it hard to justify offering them. The small SUV segment is up 23 per cent year-on-year, and while Soul sales are up slightly in 2018, it has struggled for several years to gain significant traction with customers.   

The Soul has always been a style-focused vehicle, and the new-generation version is no different. 

The slimline LED headlights almost look like a modifier has stuck ‘eyebrows’ over the top of them, while the rear lights are divisive in their appearance. Apparently Kia designers drew inspiration from aircraft wing design. 

There are unique bumpers for the EV model, while the GT-Line version includes a sportier mesh finish and LED lamps at the front. An X-Line version with body cladding, chunkier bumpers and model-specific wheels will also be offered.

On the inside there are a few hallmark elements to the design, including rounded dash components, but with a neat 10.25-inch touchscreen media system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An 8.0-inch head-up display is also available, and there’ll be a 10-speaker-plus-subwoofer harman/kardon stereo offered, too. 

And while the existing Soul missed out on funky interior lighting (the first-gen model had lights in the speakers that pulsed to the music), the third-gen version has ambient lighting and some new textured materials on the doors and dashboard.

Would you like to see Kia offer the new Soul in Australia? Tell us in the comments section below.

Matt Campbell
Managing Editor - Head of Video
Matt Campbell has been at the forefront of automotive media for more than a decade, working not only on car reviews and news, but also helping manage automotive outputs across print, online, video and audio. After completing his media degree at Macquarie University, Matt was an intern at a major news organisation as part of the motoring team, where he honed his skills in the online automotive reviews and news space. He did such a good job there they put him on full time, and since then he has worked across different automotive media outlets, before starting with CarsGuide in October 2017. At CarsGuide Matt has helped shape the video output of the business, while also playing a key role in management behind the scenes, and helping in-market new car buyers make the right choice by continually evolving CarsGuide's comparison reviews. Driving more than 100 cars a year seemed like a dream to Matt when he first started out, but now it's all just part of the job - a job he loves and plans to stay in for a long time to come. Matt is also an expert in used car values, as he's always on the hunt for a bargain - be it a project beater or a prime example of the breed. He currently owns a 2001 Audi TT quattro and a 2007 Suzuki Jimny JLX.
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