Kia Soul 2020 Electric - Good, But Who's It's For?

[@StefanMoonen]

I can pickup mine in 2 weeks and would choose this over a Niro every day just because of the seating position and because it feels like a smaller car while driving. In regards to the booth space; you forgot to lower the false floor. Gives you easily 100 liters of extra space while still offering space for cabling underneath which makes it close to the 2018 Leaf. Also check Björn Nylands’ video where he’s fitting banana boxes and be amazed at how practical the loading space is. We have 2 small kids btw, but just don’t do long trips. But a visit to IKEA will be heaven with the flat loading floor and high roof.

[@gdog6226]

I've got to say I think if you look at residuals on the previous soul they've tanked really hard and I think that if someone was to buy this on anything other than a pcp they would lose a lot of money come resale whereas the niro will retain a lot more.

[@StefanMoonen]

gary clarke I’ve got it on a lease luckily so it’s none of my concern :) But wouldn’t the small battery have attributed to that the most on the old model you think?

[@gdog6226]

@@StefanMoonen possibly but I think the looks are polorising..... Front end looks great but I couldn't live with the rear.... Definitely a good move getting it on a lease though.

[@stephenclay6852]

Yes you can drop the boot floor that’s true but what you end up doing is stack stuff on top of each other which is fine for suit cases etc but not food stuff. The only other thing that used to annoy me was the partial shelf. It would drop down on you when loading the boot and I wish I had a pound for every time I forgot to put it back down only to realise you hadn’t when you look out of the rear view mirror . If only they could of had it on strings. But a miner Nigal on what is a great car what I will say having had both cars you don’t notice the size difference. Both when driving and parking . But yes that high driving position is nice. Enjoy your car.

[@StefanMoonen]

@@stephenclay6852 that partial shelf does look annoying yes, but I guess I won't fiddle with it too much unless I've got some serious moving going and I would remove it anyway. Funny that you feel that way comparing it with the Niro, I've driven the Niro quite often as a loaner, and I never felt really comfortable in that car for some reason. While from the moment I stepped in the Soul I was very pleased. Maybe just a matter of taste.

[@brianroden6036]

Bought one in January. First electric car. I have over 12,000 km on it already. Everybody in my family loves to drive it. The main reason I chose it over the Niro EV is the seating position. At 6'2" the Niro roof line is too low for the driver. I do prefer the look of the Soul over the Niro too. I got CDN$14k in incentives (9k Euro) but it was still about CDN$10k more than a similarly equipped gas engine model. That difference will be made up in about 100,000 km at the current price of gas, which is about 4 years for me. Some people upgrade their vehicles more often than that, but the Suburban I scrapped to get this car had over 300,000 km, and I'm still driving my Focus with over 350,000 km. I was paying over $0.25/km for fuel alone for the Suburban and now I'm paying about $0.02/km for the Soul and about $0.11/km for fuel for the Focus.

[@pioneer7777777]

I think it's made for empty nester's. There are TONS of people in the 55-70 age range that love these things in the US. No need to worry about toting around a family as the kids are all grown up and out of the house. Fold down the back seats and you've got loads of room for cargo for a two person trip. Fold them up and you can take people around town to restaurants, concerts, etc. Those are the folks that buy these things in droves. Probably a lot easier to park than the e-Niro as well due to being much shorter.

[@allyliddiard7320]

Certainly fits the job for my parents, especially with my mother's bad back which means this would be a good car to get in and out of, plus the range fits perfectly with their weekend away trips. But they prefer their self-charging Lexus IS300h for some reason...

[@msmith99ffl]

Thanks so much for this review, I really enjoy your videos, but (of course there is a "but"), I think you missed out on the genius of boxcar utility. I will explain it here in way too many words. The cargo volume of the Soul with the rear seats folded down is 61 cubic feet and the eNiro's is 51cf. That's nearly 20% more maximum cargo area and the square shape and high roof provide better “stackability”. Second, the Soul has 3 inches more legroom in the rear seats than the eNiro and 5.5 inches more than the Kona. The only time the eNiro has more usable room is when 4 people are going on a long trip (split rear seats probably make it even when there are three passengers). Yes, long trips happen but it’s a small percentage of time compared to the first two scenarios that happen daily. MOST days the Soul will be more useful/roomy and for those long trips, a hitch box or roof box will be necessary and may be necessary anyway with the eNiro. Note: I test drove the eNiro and the boot isn't exactly cavernous. Also, the driving position is substantially different than the Soul's so that will be left to personal preference. I prefer the Soul's seat followed by the Kona's and the only reason I didn't buy the eNiro whcih has been available for a few years is that I found the seats uncomfortable. Something with a jabby lumbar area. I owned a second-gen Scion xB which had very similar dimensions to the Soul, huge back seat with a small boot. You could pack it like a van with the seats down. We took our two kids cross country and used a hitch box. The large back seat area and legroom was appreciated during 14 hour driving days. That 3 inches of legroom will make a big difference when contorting yourself to find the next comfortable position. Notably, my family still laughs about that hitch box because it was filled with rollerblades and helmets that I insisted on transporting across the country and never once used. Personally, I’m trying to talk myself into a Model 3 but the trunk opening and lack of ability to carry large items are holding me back. If only they had made it a hatch like the Model S or old Mazda 6 liftbacks. I'll probably end up with a Soul when it comes to the states since Kia still gets the government rebate and Tesla doesn't. Hamsters for the win!

[@kevfquinn]

I'm one of the niche :) I find the Niro looks tedious, and I prefer something looking a little unusual (hence happy with my i3!) so quite like its looks. Don't care about the back seat, and folding seats down for loading space is fine by me. For me, it's a car that would do *all the things* - in particular, the few things the i3 really isn't suited to. The long range at better than i3 price is attractive while the non-Tesla charging network is still patchy (although that continues to improve). More than happy with the some people pointing and shaking their heads :) Again with the niche though, in the end it's off the table for me as I'll choose something that I can get without the cow-hide interior - this is leather-only at least in the UK as far as I can tell.

[@janeohara8883]

I find the Nero very boring looking. Would never buy that car.

[@jelomaxjoiner]

Kia soul is good for me as it is very easy to get in and out of , it is brilliant

[@reggiebuffat]

Reminds me of some people...

[@gazza595]

I think you're obsessing over family use, our kids have now left home and this would really work for the wife, she does long business trips and stays one or two nights and she loves the look of this. Also steady on the "elderly" tag!

[@annabelburn6291]

I am loving mine. The eNiro was just too dull to buy and this feels better quality than the Kona - finish/ road noise/ music system and has a nicer layout. And I love the boot! A lift up boot and level floor so I can perch there and put my walking boots on sheltered from the rain is top of my list of requirements,. There is a category of people you are missing - single / active people. I am single and go walking (rucksack/ boots/ sticks in the car), camping, have a telescope and visit friends in different parts of the country solo or with friends. I drive on country roads mostly then for long distances (6 hours) on motorways. This car fits the bill. The boot floor can be lowered to increase space or I can drop one or two seats. If I was going on holiday with 3 or 4 people I would use a top box which is what I would have to do in my previous car (Merc B class). My only anxiety is ground clearance - too new to know if this is a real problem but I was trapped in a parking space yesterday as someone thought they had left me enough space but rocks meant I had to do a million point turn with the help of some kind people who stood on the rocks so I didn't do any damage.

[@usfouru2]

I had a diesel qashqai and got £9500 after selling it but didn’t want to spend £35k (couldn’t afford it) so I chose the £24k MG ZS EV which I drove to Bridlington yesterday and plugged MG in and parked next to a 20 plate Kia Soul :-) For £11k less I have a huge boot and 170 miles real world range in summer (enough for me) with a decent interior cabin. For an entry car in to EVing nothing can touch the MG. In fact as I was charging at the Skipton free rapid charger last week that EVM helped organise via the Council a chap approached me and after 20 min conversation he was convinced in buying one as £35k is out of the reach of most people.

[@Runtythestar]

My wife has a 2016 Soul+ (ice) and it is her favorite car over the last 20 years. Great visibility, seat height, and is easy to drive as it is right sized for her. She definitely wants the Soul EV as it is everythig she likes about her current car and all the things she likes about EVs. I have a 12 Leaf SL and a 19 Model 3 SR+ and the experience has convinced her EV is the way to go.

[@tonysmith6561]

Love all your comments. I must be in the one percent you describe. I an not an SUV fan and I'm not keen on the model 3. I like the looks of the soul and I like a car with real buttons to press. I sold my fiat 500 second car and my soul arrives in a couple of weeks.

[@stvutelvc]

Must be the biggest 1% in history ! (but don't worry, Tesla owners don't understand percentages... otherwise why would they buy a Model 3, when reports show that 40 to 50% have faults in the first month of ownership)!

[@ridingwolf42]

Long trips are not the only reason to have a long range. If you don't have off-street parking, extra range means it gets easier to plan your charging.

[@ElectricVehicleMan]

Then go for the eNiro. For me.

[@ridingwolf42]

@@ElectricVehicleMan not having off- street parking might also mean you like a smaller car you can park in tighter spots. But yes, for me too: Niro > Soul

[@ElectricVehicleMan]

Wouter De Rijck The Soul is pretty much the same size.

[@stvutelvc]

@@ElectricVehicleMan Sounds like all us old dogs (who want a good driving position, ease of access, a good view out, a tall boot opening) cannot teach you young dogs new (SUV) tricks. You'll see in a couple of years time, when you tweak your back getting down into your Tesla! Oh, and 19cm is not to be sniffed at!

[@descb600f]

Only 29cm between Model S and Model 3 but one is considered much bigger than the other.

[@matpat2636]

I'd have the Soul over the Niro. But I preferred the Kona!! The Niro is so dull to look at. The thing is though, they are all really, really good cars. Had the Kona for 18 months and it still surprises me how good (and efficient) it can be. Hyundai/Kia absolutely knocked it out of the park with that drivetrain and it totally deserves to be in as many body styles as possible.

[@devonbikefilms]

It's got a longer range and is way cheaper than a Tesla model 3 SR+ And it's a hatch back. What's not to like. The styling is bold as well, which I know won't appeal to the more conservative buyer, but it's not for them. Definitely will be our first EV.

[@ElectricVehicleMan]

As we said, we liked the car but when the eNiro exists we can’t see what it does that means it makes sense.

[@dijellicoe3185]

It has a height adjustable boot floor, so you can drop the shelf down to fit a buggy or two large suitcases on their side as it’s tall or use the underneath as storage.

[@markcornwall8132]

Kids have left and we wanted a raised hatchback which is as short as possible but tall ( we are 6ft 5in + 6ft 1in) looked at the e Niro and despite being a good EV my god its pretty boring looking, with some dire colour choices, so we went with the shorter less conservative and roomy 2020 Soul instead. Only car in the household and ideal for us on short or long trips. Easily forgotten but all kids grow up and leave home and so boot size is not an issue for almost everyone eventually.

[@MythosGandaar]

Yeah, to echo other comments, honestly I think the greatest draw to the Soul EV is the looks (exterior). That matters a huge amount to lots of people and the soul is very popular generally

[@jamesw7786]

It has roof rails, just get a roof box for the times you need more space! The boot is very tall and square, you just load up rather than out. So many cars have no space above the parcel shelf, this has a very practical square back end. For tip runs it’s like a van. Substance over style, except, I actually find it has style. Unlike the Niro. Would I buy one, yes, if it could have a tow bar. Without the towing ability, it won’t tempt me to sell my current EV, a 30kWh Soul. That is so much cheaper to buy used, I could afford a back up ICE for towing.

[@ElectricVehicleMan]

Roof box would reduce range significantly.

[@jamesw7786]

@@ElectricVehicleMan about 15-20% maybe? Could pull some of this back driving at 60 instead of 70, not ideal I know, but for those odd few times a year not a deal breaker. You mentioned the passenger seat height adjustment as a miss on the spec sheet, the other is front parking sensors, especially as these were standard fit on the previous Soul EV

[@thereligionofnick]

Maybe for a younger demographic? I quite like it and feel like the eNiro is just a bit too "mature" I guess

[@evolution9774]

Due to the extra height is the soul easier to get in and out of vs nero/kona

[@Oxmustube]

I tried getting in a Kona and banged my head...hard. It was easier to get into the Niro and the Soul. Unfortunately, I forgot which of the Soul or the Niro is easier to get in and out of.

[@jelomaxjoiner]

The soul has good head height and the doors open rearly wide giving a good space to get in and out

[@decimal1815]

It's always entertaining in these videos when the other guy just suddenly appears out of nowhere. Good review - very informative as ever!

[@stevemccormack9948]

The eNiro is great but this has more personality. I prefer it any day.BTW guys, the back seat can fold down.

[@sanderdejong66]

Why a Soul Electric and not an e-Niro? I don’t know about UK prices, but in Holland the Soul Electric costs €34K and the e-Niro €45K. That’s a big difference. In Holland the Soul Electric is the cheapest EV with a decent range. Even much cheaper than a Zoe.

[@roundel52]

Is that the 64kW version (as in the UK), or the 39kW version available elsewhere. Do you get that one in the Netherlands?

[@MrLongraphics]

Yep totally agree with what you said. We had the first generation Soul with the 27kw battery here in Norway, black with red roof. It's an iconic car and also lacked boot space and the range was bad in our winters, only 126km! The new Soul will have no problem with the bigger battery. Hope the new model will also have good road holding in winter like the older version which was amazing! Our current 64kw Hyundai Kona isn't as good.

[@RWBHere]

'Outside my own house...' You are responsible for tea being sprayed across a tablecloth! Thanks for the chuckle, Andy; it's an excellent intro.

[@joppedijk]

We are a very tall family of 4 and would sit comfortably in this car and less in the Niro (due to the roofline in the back). Like @Stefan Moonen wrote, the false floor can be lowered and with the backseats down it has far more space than the Niro (like a van!). Offcourse on holiday you can use a roofbox (as we do with our present car).

[@nicholasriley8977]

Interesting review. I’m newly retired and at one point I was shouting at my television - you seem to overlooked almost 50% of the population. What about the empty-nesters who no longer have kids who just want a practical sized car where storage isn’t particularly important. Either way it’s outside my price bracket and the lease deals are far too high. Strangely I could afford a Hyundai Kona which is almost the same car spec wise - I’ll never understand car pricing!

[@Sam-tx1tn]

Shouting? You need to just relax my man.

[@nicholasriley8977]

Sam48 ok - so I might have been a little frustrated but I didn’t actually shout - artistic license 😉

[@ElectricVehicleMan]

We did mention the older population, twice.

[@johndoyle4723]

Thanks, a good review and discussion, personally I do not like the looks, but there will be a Soul fan club who will love it. Anyway I have already just got my eNiro and love it. Perhaps I am just too old and conventional, but it was the conventional design of the Niro that persuaded me, the model 3 I liked but not Mrs D. In my frustration waiting for the Niro, I nearly bought an Ipace, over £60K and no heated seats, that also was a deal breaker for Mrs D.

[@cawfeedawg]

I completely agree with you on charging port placement but still, I like the convenience of charging at the front. More auto makers should put a charge port at each end. I mean the second one would just be a repeater. I would pay extra for that option.

[@krispyai4229]

A city car for someone with limited access to charging?

[@stephenshannon3706]

With the same power train as the e-Niro it has the range and power to be much more than just a city car.

[@andyjamo1961]

Is that a joke 😅

[@wikidslippers]

I’m about to get my firsts ev and we looked at both the soul and Niro but the value in the soul over the Niro on price is unrivalled. I have kids and a dog and live by sea. It’s perfect

[@clasqm]

A penholder! Just what I need to sign autographs for my adoring fans ...

[@keithreynolds]

I'd never consider the Niro! This car is so much more comfortable to sit in and get in and out. The Niro is so bland and I hate the Niro driving position.

[@temporarynoble]

Long range urban would suit someone with no home charging

[@ElectricVehicleMan]

Then the eNiro would be a better option.

[@davidmccarthy6061]

Anyone that can make their current vehicle last another three years or so will have a nice selection of used longer range cars, which will be ideal as the second car. Less cost with still the range.

[@carolines7834]

We have had our Soul EV for almost three years. We've done a round Britain trip in in with a lot of luggage, and managed to get it all in the boot. We find the car SO comfortable, and So efficient, and So easy to park etc.. There ARE couples with no dogs who want to do long trips. We recently were hit by a car swerving to avoid someone doing something daft. We are without our Soul, temporarily, and have another electric car, a BMW. Not a patch on the Soul. Less Comfortable, practical , and less range. Longer charging times. Just no comparison! Can't wait to get our Soul back. You vastly undersell this car, I guess because you are a Tesla fan. Teslas have been shown by Which to be far less reliable. I know which I'd prefer!!

[@errcoche]

The Soul sells very well in the US. I rode in one in 2012 and didn't like it - felt super tinny and cheap. They have managed to make it a lot better looking while retaining the same cubist form and getting that range from a square block that isn't a "ground up" EV is really impressive. I really don't like the look of the Niro at all. They haven't brought the latest Soul EV to the US and there is a big stink about intellectual property infringements by SKI, the battery supplier, so it might never make it to market here. I would definitely be in the market for a lightly used one for the wife in about three years time ( coming off a lease ) if it ever does get here. You wonder if they couldn't have had a sliding rear seat to address boot issues. You could also put a box on the roof and with the range it has, you wouldn't be that worried about increased drag. The one thing about the huge range is that if you are buying for the wife, there is a huge margin for error/omission in the event that she doesn't plug it in or freaks out if she has less than 100 miles of range. There is peace of mind in that. I am not saying all women are like this but my wife is brand new to driving and I don't want to burden her with range anxiety as she figures out the rest of what she needs to learn. Her Bolt has 200+ miles of range and I have it set up so it only needs to be charged on the weekend.

[@kevinmoule5213]

Just purchased the Soul EV after trading in the Kia E Niro. We find the look of the Soul plus the extras are more appealing than the Niro. We have a Collie size dog who fits in the boot perfectly fine. Just to say you didn't mention the heads up display. Auto high beam headlights. Blind spot warning. Still have to wait months and months for the Niro to have these facilities on plus the Niro is more expensive. By the way this will blow your mind the Cybertruck is on order.

[@ElectricVehicleMan]

We did mention the HUD. Harry said it.

[@wobby1516]

I had the diesel variant and loved it, would have bought the BEV had it been available when we bought the Kona. I still think it’s a brilliant car with reasonable boot space if the floor panels removed. You really should test it that way as that’s part of its design and the only fair way to do a road test. Check out the Soul sales figures Kia hasn’t kept the Soul for the fun of it.

[@ElectricVehicleMan]

The eNiro has the same false floor and even with that removed the Soul still has a smaller boot than the Zoe! It’s the size of the eNiro but has a boot smaller than a super mini.

[@detlefk.5126]

​@@ElectricVehicleMan don't think so... you have to stack in this car, because it is not deap but boxy high. So it has 650 litres, if you pack to the roof... this is certainly more, than Zoe or mini...

[@blur106]

I think this could be good as a city car because of the range. Living in a city your less likely to have off road parking to charge it. So the range means you don’t need to charge it as often. I live in a flat and there is only 1 charger in my town so this would be good for me.

[@ElectricVehicleMan]

blur106 Or the more practical eNiro.

[@stephenclay6852]

Hi to you both. Having watched your video. I completely agree with you choosing the e Niro over the soul. We were in the same position the wife liked the soul I preferred the e Niro. We had a soul diesel version some years ago and like you say in short the Niro can do all the soul can do but with a much more useful boot. The soul was designed to appear to the younger couple but on our experience with people that have them are the older generation I e 60 plus because they like the higher seating / driving position.

[@grahamarnold2591]

GREAT REVIEW --boot size immaterial --- USP---The style set its apart-- Kia have the battery nailed --together with Tesla they will deliver electric vehicles to the masses -- SKODA are coming up fast with VW in the wings but ID COULD SELL AT 38K -- WELL DONE .. Methodical Analysis.

[@buixote]

People make too much of aesthetics. We leased the 2016 Soul EV, and *loved it*... *functionally*, handling, and pricewise, it's a winner. I'd take the eSoul over eNiro any day of the week. You're higher up, you don't have that annoying long windscreen, the rear cargo area is easier to access.

[@johnbradshaw5900]

I like this. Yes it is expensive and the boot small but that's true of many EVs. I like the fact they avoided going down the "put everything on a touchscreen" route and cabin space is excellent. I think the reality is that EVs still have a price premium to buy (Tesla 3 excepted maybe) and you have to do a lot of miles to make the figures work. That said, I think this is competitive with cars like the Zoe, e208, Leaf etc if you consider spec and range and the first edition VW ID3. The one which looks bonkers is the Lexus UX EV, great looking car with a superb front cabin but mediocre rear space, a minuscule boot and 186 miles WLTP range for £43k, bonkers.

[@tuc-dh4df]

I'm CROSS OVER the description!

[@usaverageguy]

Old people like me want a tall car. Hamsters seem to like it. So old hamsters are probably the target group.

[@stephenjones2340]

We have a 30kwh Soul and the boot is deceptive, we have been away 2 adults and 3 kids plus all our stuff. Its shallow, but very tall.

[@peterwaller]

Stephen Jones agreed. We took ours on our 3 hr airport run. 4 people (son 6’8”). All luggage in boot. No problem.

[@watcher24601]

I'd have it over the eNiro. I look at eNiro and see mature family car, at least 2 kids and no need for thrills. ESoul for couples that still like a bit of fun not weighed down by baggage. 13:40 you sold it to me. Shame the interior is just dull plain grey, could fall asleep in that!

[@rtfazeberdee3519]

Its a hatchback on stilts just like all SUVs/Crossovers - i.e. marketing hype as they think a "hatchback" is down market

[@roundel52]

Excellent video, thanks. I'm headed to the showroom at the weekend (once shielding is finally over) for an e-Niro test drive. Now I know what to say to the salesman if he points out the Soul as an alternative :)

[@johnwhite2143]

I'd choose this over the e niro , only time I use lots of boot space is camping with mountain bike and the missus ,plenty room in this and it looks alot better than the eniro, this is top of my shortlist for next car, love the quirky looks an it's very different, great car from Kia 👌👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@kuldippanesar590]

This would be good for someone who doesn't have a charger at home which is a lot of people staying in the city

[@ElectricVehicleMan]

So would the eNiro.

[@kuldippanesar590]

@@ElectricVehicleMan don't dispute that jus better than your model 3 lol.... no jokes apart every one has different tastes and this kia/Hyundai drivetrain is way ahead of everyone else ..keep the good work up luv the videos.

[@phillipcottingham1489]

I'm looking to get one as this suits my bad back were the niro doesn't (would be nice to have a bigger boot)

[@rhmagalhaes]

The e-Niro might be the best benchmark for every comparison. That said, since the Soul has a great sound system, it would also be an option for those who work far from home and have to drive very long distances alone, let's say a sales representative visiting clients 200 miles apart. Because it has a different shape than regular vehicles it will pop out and if you put the name of a company on the doors, it will make a marketing impact. So, there you go, another piece of the market for it.

[@johnkeepin7527]

The choice of the ‘brand name’ reminds me of the old ‘mini van’ of the 1960s, with a mini with a Morris traveller (van like version of the Morris Minor) like bit tacked on the back, if you remember those!

[@MrLongraphics]

"The range is too good to be a city car"....In the UK there are tens of thousands of cars parked bumper to bumper in our suburbs and towns making home charging impossible. Unless you are fortunate enough to have a drive or garage, buying an EV is not worth considering. With the large battery and long range on this car one can charge it say once a week for their daily commute either by fast charging (not recommended permanently) or petrol station/supermarket etc. The 300+ mile range should be adequate for most weekly trips. Not such a bad idea then to have a big battery!! :)

[@ElectricVehicleMan]

Then in this case go for the same size but more practical eNiro. It’s not the car we have an issue with it’s the fact it’s so close to the eNiro.

[@simonreeves2017]

I quite like it. Seen one in a blue that looked much better than the white. The more EVs to choose from, the better.

[@davidm7237]

The floor of the boot drops down to give more room

[@ElectricVehicleMan]

As it does in other cars, it’s still smaller than a Zoe’s boot for example.

[@wayneclifford1673]

@@ElectricVehicleMan does the back seats not go down?, I like the headroom and it doesn't look like a squashed frog tesla.

[@nickbaker4857]

The advantage of the Soul is, it does not look like a blancmange like every other SUV.

[@stepheng8779]

Heated windscreen, the only thing I miss since swapping my ford for a Kia. At least the colours are a bit brighter, if still limited, least not dull like the e-niro.

[@Richard-io9xe]

Perhaps I am funkier than I thought because I like it. I have a e-niro 4+ MY21 on order for the end of the year. But I can't quite get rid of the thought about whether this would be better. The worry for me is the much worse residual values when compared to the e-niro, which is why the PCP rates are much higher. But if buying cash, the offset of that is that the Soul can be had 4.5k cheaper than the 4+ Niro and can be had now. Maybe I am just looking for ways to convince myself about the Soul because I can get one without the 6 month wait. Perhaps I am better waiting for my e-niro.

[@ElectricVehicleMan]

I think the Soul will hold its value just as well to be honest.

[@ojh2700]

yes I've just ordered a new soul ev on the motability car scheme. And to be honest with you have been a vw golf man for years, but the id range got taken away so I looked at the e-up ( small , no range, just no) then the e-niro is a great car but don't look as good in my opinion. Quirky and fun might be what people see from the outside but it's a great 1 car ev.

[@apierc1]

The passenger manual seat, many cars have manual passenger seats simply because electronic seats weigh so much more, which would impact on the range.

[@ElectricVehicleMan]

10 speaker, 2 subwoofer audio system is fine though.

[@apierc1]

@@ElectricVehicleMan well if that's a feature then yes it makes perfect sense, I wonder if there's a start for percentage of time most cares are used by just one person making journeys

[@kiae-nirodiaries1279]

My wife says that about length too..Mmm. Jonny Smith (Car Pervert On KZbin) loves the Soul, it is more ‘funky’...whatever that means but this is all a matter of taste. I wouldn’t swap our e-Niro for one. Here in France there is not much difference in the price. €35,990 for the e-Soul and €37,000 for the cheapest of the e-Niro’s (64kWh battery)...We bought ours outright in March 2019 so its a first edition but right now my dealer is offering the e-Niro on a lease deal of €47 a month over 25 months if you put €3,250 down but only 20,000 km crazy!..AND with French government incentives you will get €5,000 cash back if you agree to scrap an old diesel or petrol. France is getting serious on the EV transition.

[@mermer2359]

The large range might be useful for those who do not have off road parking - maybe those that live in a city and mainly do short trips and the large range could reduce how often they have to use public charging.

[@ElectricVehicleMan]

Might as well go for the eNiro then.

[@mermer2359]

@@ElectricVehicleMan True, I suppose its not like its much smaller than the eNiro so its not really benefiting from being easier to squeeze into city parking spaces.

[@savedfaves]

I happen to agree with Kia with their reasoning for selling just one battery size in this part of the world.

[@kuldippanesar590]

Luv it luv the niro as well it's a matter of what fits best no point making two cars the same ..you also have kona and ionic jus shows how clever the Koreans are not forgetting how reliable they are at least they don't fall to bits like Tesla's, the technology build quality in these cars is way ahead of the rest you can't go wrong .

[@paulwyatt3367]

I have just ordered a Soul and I thought the same about the boot but not sure if you were aware you can drop the base down and get a lot more room ? I am swapping from a 24kw leaf so looking forward to no range anxiety lol

[@heidiwilks5316]

With no kids, the Soul EV has plenty of cargo space for me; I find the Niro looks generic and like virtually any other crossover, while the Soul has a certain funkiness that never fails to bring a smile to my face. And while it's labelled as an "urban" car, it's perfectly capable on long range countryside drives. So I'll gladly sacrifice the extra 6 inches of boot space in the rear for something with more personality.

[@jeta1f35]

A lot of comments about the car being aimed at couples, young or old, and then comments about the lack of boot space. Surely the rear seats fold forward?? Then you have a couple's car, with space and range, it looks a bit different, that could be quite an appealing mix for some. The height could be a particularly attractive feature for older drivers.

[@ElectricVehicleMan]

stephen cartwright We said this in the vid.

[@paulcox4369]

Puzzled, if you want a car with a big boot buy a second hand Ford Mondeo sorted, if you have a big family don't buy this car! If however you want a vehicle with a great driving position, range, build quality & puts a smile on your face & is very practical despite, let's mention it again, it's small boot, then this is a fantastic car, l love mine. Yes l have got a bit defensive, sorry.

[@ElectricVehicleMan]

Or get an eNiro and have all those things without the small boot! 👍 It’s biggest problem is it’s brother.

[@andymccabe6712]

@@ElectricVehicleMan well, it's also a COMPLETELY different looking car! People do buy cars on emotion - as you know, and Nero is just like loads of other SUVs - indistinguishable at a distance......

[@andymccabe6712]

Oops - it's Niro isn't it! Hate sloppy spelling.......!!

[@ElectricVehicleMan]

Which is why we said the only people who will choose it will do so for the looks. Everyone (and I do mean everyone) told me before this that they chose the Soul over the eNiro due to its size. I don’t think people check the specs before buying.

[@paulcox4369]

@@ElectricVehicleMan It was a very close call between the SoulEV, eNiro & M3 SR+ for me. I do most of my driving on very narrow roads with drystone walls, l am sure you know them, so the driving position of the Soul was the best & yes it looks very different from the standard SUV blob which l really don't like. Can completely understand why most would go for eNiro, l think Kia are importing far more eNiro' s so they expect that as well. Loved the M3 but for my use it was the least practical. Fortunately we are all different, otherwise we would all be driving the same car, same colour, as well as boring we would have nothing to talk about in the bar, socially distancing of course & no EV man!

[@robsmith1a]

It really does look like a stormtrooper in the shot at the beginning. At least it looks different and I kind of like it. Pretty expensive unfortunately but at the moment EVs seem to be at a premium price wise in all forms. I see your point that it is too expensive as a second car and not enough fun for someone single. I've given up electric for now and bought a used sports car partly because I want some open air fun and also because I think EV prices have to fall big time if there is to be mass adoption and hopefully that will be the case.

[@chippie2493]

If you'd filmed the music segment in the dark you would have seen what they meant by musically inspired....the speakers light up in time with the music.....fresh and funky

[@simonbroom7459]

I do a 100 mile commute every day to work so thus would be perfect meaning I wouldn't have to charge it every night. We have no kids so boot space would not be an issue and it looks good compared to all the other boxes on the road today. I would love an ev but cost to buy one is just mad!🙁 Now I just have to win the lottery dream on

[@gordonross8524]

I’ve test driven the Soul which felt like a box on wheels. The Niro was a clear winner for me.

[@andymccabe6712]

Well, it IS a box on wheels - it's a CAR.......!!

[@stvutelvc]

Each to their own... drove the E-Niro and it felt like an inflated 80's estate car. Now own a Soul... no regrets at all (and we don't have to explain to everyone that it's the electric version, not the petrol, or the hybrid)!

[@gordonross8524]

stvutelvc totally. Each to their own!

[@RWBHere]

It looks like a huge Mini (if that makes sense) from the side, and ugly from the front and rear. I don't like SUV's either. For the money, I'd buy a Zöe, accept the compromises, and be happy with the smaller size and far more practical boot. Both of the latter make much more sense in town and for occasional longer journeys. Thanks for the summary, guys.

[@grantbriggs4442]

Lol... love the scene of the guys testing the music!

[@MarkSherwen]

There is one thing missing off the spec, the original Kia Soul has front parking sensors.

[@liamjpbrady]

it has front parking sensors and a rear armrest in Ireland but not the UK! We (Ireland) don't get the black plastic stuff on doors and wheel arches, though, but I'm really not a fan of those...

[@DogsBAwesome]

The new DS EV has the boot open where it will get full of road muck also.

[@nickwool9751]

Just picked up a brand new Soul EV for £29990 this week....so It's 6.5K less than an E-Kona, and 10K cheaper than an E-Niro (best offers I've had from main dealers on these cars). Would have prefered the E-niro for its bigger boot, or the E-Kona for its longer range, but £29990 was just too good an offer to pass for the Soul. Given the price difference, there was only one choice!

[@nickwool9751]

PS: The car is not 'fully loaded'. It lacks front parking senors, front camera and a 360 degrees camera, all of which can make maneuvering in tight spaces much easier.

[@fintrollpgr]

If you actually need booth space you would still choose the LEAF over this Soul.

[@ElectricVehicleMan]

No you’d choose the eNiro.

[@andymccabe6712]

@@ElectricVehicleMan I'd choose a C3 Picasso - beats em all for practicality, MUCH cheaper! Diesel, mind you- but you can't have everything, there's always a compromise........

[@sanderdejong66]

So what about this: crossover means: small SUV. Urban means: don’t think about off-roading.

[@NorthernMonkeeUK]

So by that definition, all "SUV's" are "Urban SUV's"?

[@EgoShredder]

Pah! That house is more than a year old, it must be second hand! :-D

[@ashtaroth1975]

The soul long range looks like the urban car for people Who Park in the street

[@jur4x]

Makes sense. If I have to go somewhere to charge, surely I want to do it is rare as possible.

[@francisparish]

You say the ground clearance is poor but I'm sure I read that on this latest model it has a ground clearance of 6.7" which is more than the majority of electric vehicles. Can you confirm which is right ,as I have an awkward drive requiring reasonable ground clearance ?

[@ElectricVehicleMan]

5.9”

[@hamshackleton]

See if you can get hold of the new Citroen E- C4 - looks interesting, good range on their spec's. But they don't dare mention the price - it's probably one of those where if you need to ask, you can't afford it!

[@chrisrichmond403]

The only noisy thing from what it sounds like is road noise . The tyre roar sounds loud & very annoying to me .

[@brianstevenson9967]

I would agree with the statement Kia are probably the best EV manufacturer apart from Tesla at moment and I know that this car is virtually the same car as the e-Niro mechanically and spec wise. The e Niro you cannot get for love nor money but this thing you ca get with not much problem if you can put up with the style of the car. I would love an e Niro but you could not pay me to have this thing.

[@solentbum]

Can you fit a towbar?

[@ElectricVehicleMan]

First! Ha ha, beat you all!

[@EgoShredder]

Ahh but you did not specify what that first was! Anyway get the kettle on, we are all FIRSTY!

[@QALibrary]

I think that's cheating :P

[@LiamE69]

Visualisation of sound = it has disco lighting in the foot wells.

[@ewadge]

Hey, not fair!

[@richardhobbs9038]

Yeah, with that and $2.50 you can get yourself a cup of coffee ! ! !

[@paulgoffin8054]

It'd probably make a great van.

[@MarkSherwen]

It is available as a van, but not in the UK.

[@SamuraiTacos1]

looks cool

[@Aaronage1]

Did you film at Abington Services? Looks like the Ecotricity I stopped at on Sunday and Wednesday. Gave me a free vend 🙌

[@johnathankain8033]

This looks far far better than the e-niro though.

[@saliwali]

Could you please review the new e-soul 2023?

[@OldAgima]

I pick mine next week. ;-) ( grafity grey 64 Spirit )

[@mikeyj7990]

Wow, I think it is targeted for your younger EV buyer.

[@RichardTW7]

As a 73 year old owner of one I love this comment

[@tonyjones4556]

I am 63 and picking mine up next week..

[@MrLongraphics]

Me too, 72 and had the first gen Soul EV....black with red roof! Funky :)

[@jur4x]

Except younger demographic can't really afford it. Or in fact anything brand new.

[@stvutelvc]

Looks like we are the youngest owners yet then... 59 !

[@frankstocker5475]

If you drop the rear seats how many banana boxes can you fit compared to the Nero?

[@clansome]

Even worse for the Soul is the new eNiro with the smaller battery pack and it's cheaper. It's for the folks who bought the original Fiat Multipla.

[@YS-cs8yq]

It's for someone who wants a car bigger then a mini, with longer range.