Lower pricing for upgraded Kia Soul
Korean car-maker’s quirky crossover gets styling changes, a minor electronics upgrade and a substantially lower sticker priceKia has introduced an upgraded version of its quirky crossover, the Soul. In a move that may reinvigorate local interest in the offbeat hatch, the update not only freshens the car but adds standard equipment and brings a handy price reduction.
On sale now, the revised Soul is now $24,990 drive-away. The single-spec pre-update model was priced at $26,990 before on-road costs.
The update brings subtle cosmetic changes including a new-look front fascia with restyled grille, bumper, air intake, fog lights and reflectors, plus re-styled alloy wheels. The interior makeover includes a new five-inch colour screen for the audio.
According to Kia Motors Australia chief operating officer Damien Meredith “Even the best can do with a helping hand from time to time, and for Soul the 2017 adjustments are just that – a bit of a boost for what is an excellent vehicle.
“The Soul certainly deserves greater recognition than it has enjoyed and with the preferred SUV-like seating position, a willing 2.0-litre engine, a six-speed automatic and clever interior space we believe it has a strong future in Australia.”
The Soul’s four-cylinder engine produces 113kW/191Nm and claims a fuel economy figure of 8.4L/100km along with exhaust emissions of 195g/km.
Although the changes don’t go quite as far as those introduced with the update for the Korean-market car in August this year the local price reduction alone should cause a few potential customers to prick up their ears.
An industry-leading seven-year warranty (with roadside assist included for the full period), plus capped-price servicing, also provide an incentive for Australian car buyers who may have so far ruled Kia out of their new-car considerations.
While total Kia sales in Australia are charging along well ahead of last year’s figures to date, with strong performances from Carnival, Cerato, Optima, Sorento and Sportage – plus the impact of the new Picanto micro car the Soul has declined from 147 sales for the period in 2015 to just 65 so far this year.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
