In the future, we'll all end up driving small electric cars. EVs are one of the fastest-growing segments in Europe, and everyone is trying to position themselves for the years when they'll be commonplace. The new KIA e-Soul arrives with a very distinctive look but a very clear philosophy: urban, versatile, and above all, electric.
It's worth noting that this isn't the first time we've seen a battery-powered KIA Soul . The previous generation already had a similar version, which was available in both diesel and gasoline versions. But times change, and it's time to say goodbye to internal combustion engines and make way for a fully electrified generation of the Soul.
This policy isn't exclusive to this model. In fact, KIA is becoming a benchmark in the electric car market . The KIA Niro is another example of the current market's versatility. It offers many versions, all with some form of electrification. The KIA e-Soul is a more extreme case, but it undoubtedly offers very appropriate solutions for its family and urban purpose. Unfortunately, the model will be discontinued at the end of 2024 without a successor in sight.
Technical characteristics of the KIA e-Soul
The evolution of Kia models in recent years has been spectacular. With each new model launched, the improvement over its predecessor has been considerable. The e-Soul is a prime example. Beneath its eccentric bodywork lies the platform of a Kia e-Niro —a platform specially designed by the Koreans to be fully electrified.
In terms of appearance, the KIA e-Soul is somewhere between an SUV and a compact MPV. These lines have been a constant since its first generation. While not as striking as a full-fledged SUV, it offers the classic advantages of any MPV . This means a highly versatile interior that can be configured to accommodate up to five passengers.
With its dimensions, the e-Soul clearly belongs in the B segment. Ideal for urban environments, it measures 4,195 meters long, 1,8 meters wide, and 1,605 meters high . Of these dimensions, 2,6 meters are dedicated to the wheelbase. Regarding cargo capacity, since the batteries are located in the underbody, it offers a minimum capacity of 315 liters and a maximum capacity of 1.339 liters. This maximum volume is achieved by folding down the second row of seats in a 60:40 split.
Mechanical range and gearboxes of the KIA e-Soul
For this generation of the e-Soul, Kia has decided to discontinue all internal combustion engine versions, including diesel and gasoline engines. This leaves us with electric power as the sole mobility option. Despite this, the Korean brand presents two different versions, with two different power levels, to cater to the needs of distinct customer groups : those who will primarily use the vehicle in urban environments and those who will want to extend its range.
The entry-level mechanical variant is a KIA e-Soul equipped with a 39,2 kWh lithium-ion battery . This is paired with a 100 kW (136 hp) front-mounted synchronous motor operating at 326 volts. This configuration achieves a maximum WLTP range of 276 kilometers . Combined fuel consumption is rated at 15,6 kWh per 100 kilometers.
As for the extended-range version, the water-cooled lithium-ion battery is increased to 64 kWh . The front-mounted synchronous motor also increases its power to 150 kW or 204 hp. Thanks to all of this, the maximum WLTP-rated range is 452 kilometers . In this case, the official average consumption is 15,7 kWh per 100 kilometers.
Equipment of the KIA e-Soul
As is typical for KIA, the Korean brand focuses on offering a lot of equipment at a reasonable price. However, also as is customary, it presents very fixed trim levels that are unlikely to change. The KIA e-Soul, like the rest of the brand's lineup, offers three trim levels: Concept, Drive, and Emotion . Each step up these levels increases the amount of technology and equipment in this small electric vehicle.
The base Concept trim includes features such as a driver fatigue detection system, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, a multimedia system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity and a seven-inch touchscreen, and lane-keeping assist. The Drive trim adds a navigation system, a 10,25-inch infotainment screen , a wireless charger, a head-up display (HUD), parking sensors, heated front seats, and a Hardman/Kardon sound system, among other features.
Finally, the Emotion trim level boasts the most advanced technology available on the KIA e-Soul . This includes a rearview camera, power-adjustable front seats, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, heated rear seats, and leather upholstery. It's also worth noting that, with the exception of the Concept trim, all trim levels are available with either the 136-horsepower or the 204-horsepower engine.
The KIA e-Soul in video
KIA e-Soul from Km 0 and second hand
The KIA e-Soul is far from becoming one of the Korean automaker's most popular models; in fact, it's one of its lowest sellers. Its all-electric design isn't making much of an impact, either at dealerships or through alternative sales channels. Despite this, and given that it is an electric vehicle, its depreciation value is good , very similar to that of models with a similar approach to mobility.
The e-Soul is a relatively new model and, therefore, not very common on the used car market. The few units available are from the previous generation. Prices start at around €14.000 for 2015 models with approximately 60 kilometers on the odometer . Interestingly, more models are available through the nearly new (Km 0) channel. These are late-generation units with prices similar to those advertised at dealerships.
Rivals of the KIA e-Soul
The electric vehicle market is still in its infancy. Although more and more models are appearing, competition is largely limited to a few models from different brands. As such, the KIA e-Soul doesn't have a clear rival in sight . Its concept, a hybrid between an SUV and an MPV, makes it practically unique. Among its main competitors are its sibling, the KIA e-Niro , and other models from the same brand, such as the Nissan LEAF , the DS3 Crossback E-TENSE , the Hyundai KONA electric , the Peugeot e-2008 , the Lexus UX 300e , and the Volkswagen ID.3 , although the latter is slightly larger.
Highlight
- electrical autonomy
- bold design
- Extensive equipment
To improve
- high selling price
- little trunk capacity
- Very tight equipment lines
KIA e-Soul prices
The KIA e-Soul suffers from one of the inherent problems of current electric cars: its high price. The fact that all combustion engine versions have been discontinued means we only have two purchase options. In the best-case scenario, the starting price for the KIA e-Soul is €38.890 , without any offers or promotions. That's for the 136-horsepower version with the Concept trim. On the other end of the spectrum is the 204-horsepower e-Soul with the Emotion trim, starting at €47.745. This is also without any offers or discounts.
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