Kia Motors South Africa has added a more powerful 2,0-litre derivative to its quirky Soul compact crossover stable as part of a number of refinements to the 2012 model range.
The 2,0-litre four-cylinder engine at the heart of this new model develops 122 kW at 6 500 r/min and 200 N.m of torque at 4 800 r/min and is offered with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.
Updates to the exterior include revised front and rear facias, new headlamps with daytime running LED elements, LEB brake lamps, new side mirrors and 18-inch alloy wheels with disc brakes front and rear.
Kia in addition to the added power under the bonnet, Kia has also beefed up the 2,0-litre model’s specification to include rear park assist with rear-view camera, cruise control for the automatic model, auto lights, keyless entry and go and an uprated audio system with external amplifier and subwoofer. A sunroof is offered as an optional extra.
The 2,0-litre Soul also adds electronic stability control, vehicle stability management and hill-start assist to the existing suite of safety features, which include dual front, side and curtain airbags, ABS with EBD and EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), traction control system (TCS) and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), front and rear crumple zones, side-impact door beams and an impact-absorbing steering column.
The 1,6-litre Soul has also undergone a similar cosmetic overhaul and offers such features as air-conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, front and rear electric windows, radio/CD front loader with MP3/USB/iPod connection, rear park assist and 16-inch alloy wheels.
All Kia Soul models are covered by a 5 years/100 000 km warranty, a 4 years/90 000 km service plan, and 3 years/unlimited km roadside assistance.
Pricing:
Soul 1,6 manual – R193 995
Soul 1,6 automatic – R203 995
Soul 2,0 manual – R229 995
Soul 2,0 automatic – R239 995