Soul Burner from Kia (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Soul Burner from Kia

11:20am Friday 12th June 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

IT’S AMAZING the different cars which really turn heads and attract the attention of other motorists.

Naturally the likes of a Ferrari never fail to make an impact, the arrival of a Rolls- Royce at a nearby office recently dragged the suits out for a drool and the rare sight of an Escort Cosworth is always worth a second glance.

But when it comes to the reality of everyday motoring and rather less exotic or rare motoring is concerned it is a different matter.

Sure the Fiat 500, which was launched last year, created copious amounts of interest but on the whole it is the hugely expensive or rare motor which really attracts the attention.

On that basis who would have thought that a Kia would ever generate as much interest and fascination as cars which are way out of most people’s league?

I never had the Korean manufacturer down as creating cars which turn heads wherever they go but the Kia Soul seems to have given the company a massive boost since it was launched earlier this year.

While the budget Picanto is grabbing the scrappage headlines for Kia it is the Soul which is getting people talking.

Even before the car arrived the scene was set for a roadtest with a difference.

Kia has been touring the UK with its Soul Train and the eight brightly decorated cars dropped into Southampton recently, with visits to Viking Kia and Hendy Kia on its three-month tour providing an innovative way for Kia to ensure that its Soul reaches as many motorists as possible.

And rather than just waxing lyrical about the design, economy and practicality of the new car, Kia was keen to point out that the Soul is fun.

And detailed stereo settings were provided to ensure that my favourite music could be enjoyed with precisely the right amount of bass and treble.

But of course it is the looks which first attract the attention – described by some as a baby Hummer, the Soul is billed as an urban crossover.

What this means is that the car is a five- seat hatchback with a high roofline and large boot.

You love or hate the design but Kia is confident that the striking lines will appeal to a wide audience.

These are primarily the lifestyle buyers aged 18-39 who are adventurous, active, individual and interested in driving, and the young-at-heart aged 45-60 who are downsizing from a larger car but who still value practicality, quality, unique and upmarket features. Well I fit neither of these key categories but I was easily won over.

I had the Soul Burner edition with the funky 18in alloy wheels, distinctive red and black interior and Burner decals with dragon motif and red grille and door mirrors – interesting.

It’s easy to be swayed by the Soul.

On the outside it looks a bit, well, odd but the 1.6 litre diesel engine is a good choice and inside it is both comfortable and has plenty of space for passengers.

Stick the back seats down and there is stacks of space for a bike or masses of luggage so maybe I can at least pretend I’m still in the 18-39 category.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)