Kia Soul Mixx

IT is an apt name that finds itself onto the rump of Kia’s slightly outlandish small MPV.

Kia Soul Mixx

Engine: 1,582cc, four-cylinder turbodiesel

Power: 126bhp and 192lb.ft. of torque

Performance: 0-62mph in 11.2 seconds and 112mph

Economy: 56.5mpg (combined)

CO2 emissions: 132g/km

Price: £19,950

Because I cannot help wondering where the Soul’s soul truly lies.

Striking me as a car that could lure more mature drivers from the Honda Jazz and Citroen Picassos, its penchant for wild paintwork and big wheels seems pitches it at a younger audience.

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I got behind the rather bold Soul Mixx 1.6 CRDi (£19,950) which goes without the panoramic sunroof and full leather of the range-topping Maxx but looks the part with 18-inch alloys, a contrasting roof and door mirrors, high-gloss black bumpers, LED lights, tinted windows, heated front seats and skirts and wheel arch trims which add 31mm to the car’s broad stance.

All Souls (from £12,800) include DAB radio, adjustable steering and air conditioning.

Elements of MINI and Range Rover can be identified in the Soul’s clamshell bonnet and floating roof.

Square-set proportions make it appear robust too, but this is strictly a tarmac warrior.

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The Soul is a car that appears larger than it is, its footprint sitting between a Fiesta and a Focus. Inside, there ample room for four and a 354 litre boot, though.

Gloss black trim surrounds an eight-inch touchscreen sat-nav and entertainment system and dash top speakers stand proud like turrets.

The Mixx’s sculpted, multi-function steering wheel is stitched with yellow thread to match the seats and speakers in the footwells are embellished by a ring of mood lighting.

There isn’t the quality of a MINI Countryman interior but a shortfall in tactility is offset by original features.

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With 18 inch wheels the Soul’s ride is firm, occasionally skittery, but not uncomfortable.

Steering feel — often a Kia bugbear — benefits little from the adjustable FlexSteer system but is the Korean brand’s best to date, however, and there’s decent traction and adjustability to be had from the chassis.

Performance from the diesel engine is better than the alternative petrol, but still not a stand-out feature.

Low down torque seems lacking and the revs have to be worked for the claimed 11.2 second run to 62mph and 112mph top speed to feel plausible.

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Without the aid of a fuel-saving start/stop system the Soul records a slightly disappointing 56.5mpg claimed fuel economy and 132g/km CO2 emissions.

If you like the Soul’s quirky style then its ample standard kit and Kia’s seven year warranty could lure you in.

But in this sector the classy MINI Countryman and Citroen’s quirky C4 Cactus offer more.

The new zero-emission Soul EV could yet prove to be the pick of the range.

 

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