Used Kia Soul review: 2009-2010

The Soul was created to appeal to younger motorists with the desire to personalise their ride to suit their lifestyle.

NEW

While that idea might put the frighteners up older motorists it shouldn't, because under that funky skin lies a really practical small car that makes perfect sense for the times.

It's called a hatch, but looks like a wagon and has oodles of inner space for its relatively diminutive exterior dimensions. With its upright style it is easy to get in and out of the Soul, and when you're in you find it's quite roomy with good head and legroom. The squarish shape means those in the rear seat also have plenty of room as well as those in the front seats.

The rear seats split and fold down, and the big square opening in the rear allows big, boxy items to be loaded with easily. While the Soul is a practical little device that should appeal across a broad spectrum of buyers it's also funky enough to appeal to the younger set, particularly things like mood lighting, and USB and iPod connectivity.

Two engines were offered. One was a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that gave the Soul decent acceleration without being breathtaking; the other was a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel that delivered good fuel economy. There was also the choice of a four-speed auto and a 5-speed manual, the auto a smooth operator, but lacking a sport-shift function. Kia offered the Soul in three variants, starting with the entry-level hatch, before moving up to the 2 and on to the 3 at the top of the range.

NOW

It has to be said that the Soul is relatively new to the market and the earliest examples are yet to reach 50,000 km, so it's too early to say conclusively that there aren't any hidden issues that have yet to surface. But at the same time we can say that we receive relatively few complaints about Kia cars in general, which means the future really does look quite rosy for the Soul.

A recent spin in a Soul revealed it to be well built and nicely finished, there was nothing about it that would suggest it had any hidden demons. The petrol-powered hatch drove sweetly, with enough punch to hold its own in traffic, the auto transmission was smooth and unfussed. There was no sport-shift function, but it was happy to shuffle along with the lever planted in 'D'.

On the road it was quiet, the ride was comfortable, and there was plenty of room inside. For anyone thinking of buying a used SUV it would be worth adding the Soul to the shopping list as it gives you the upright stance of the SUV without all the complicated gubbins that come with the all-wheel drive system. When checking a used Soul prior to purchase check for a service record that confirms it has been properly maintained and make the usual checks for dodgy crash repairs.

SMITHY SAYS

Neat, roomy and economical little urban cruiser that makes perfect sense.

Kia Soul 2009-2010

Price new: $22,990 to $30,890
Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cylinder, 91 kW/156 Nm; 1.6-litre turbo-diesel 4-cylinder, 94 kW/260 Nm
Transmission: 4-speed auto, 5-speed manual, FWD
Economy: 7.0 L/100 km, 5.9 L/100 km (TD)
Body: 5-door hatch
Variants: Soul, Soul 2, Soul 3
Safety: 4-star ANCAP

COMING UP

Do you own a Toyota Yaris? If so tell us what you think of it by sending your comments to Graham Smith at grah.smith@bigpond.com or Carsguide, PO Box 4245, Sydney, NSW, 2010.