The Kia Soul EV is set to get a mid-life refresh, along with the rest of the Soul range, with updated styling and equipment available. The all-electric crossover will benefit from sharper looks, new safety features and increased connectivity capability.
Because the changes make up an update rather than a new model the electric drivetrain remains the same, which means the 81.4 kW electric motor and 27 kWh battery stay the same. This offers an official range of 132 miles and is still rapid charge compatible with a CHAdeMO connector.
Changes include design changes front and rear to bring the model back in line with the current Kia product line-up. This is primarily made up of remodelled front and rear bumpers, a metallic front chin plate, new headlights with LED running lights, a new ‘tiger-nose’ grille (for those with engines) and ‘grille’ for the Soul EV, and new front fog lights.
There is also an emphasis on the ‘crossover’ looks with gloss black wheel arch trim, a feature mirrored inside the cabin, which has been updated too with new gloss black and metallic highlights and switchgear. Equipment upgrades include Kia’s latest touch-screen infotainment system with smartphone-style controls and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Blind-spot detection and rear cross traffic alert safety systems have been added too, along with a rear-view parking camera for improved manoeuvring at both low and high speeds.
Further details will be announced later this week at the Paris Motor Show, with a full UK launch finalising local market details later this year.
Image is of non-electric Soul model – Soul EV images unavailable at time of going to press
