The line-up for the Kia Soul EV will expand with the addition of a new entry-level option that features a smaller battery and less powerful motor.
The popular Korean crossover is Kia’s smallest electric SUV, and is currently offered with just a single battery option: a 64kWh unit that has an official range of 280 miles. That is the same battery featured in the new second generation Kia Niro EV.
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For the 2023 model year, Kia will now offer the Soul EV in two specifications, named Urban and Explore. All Urban models will feature a ‘medium range’ 39.2kWh battery, while the Explore machines will get the ‘long range’ 64kWh unit. Both machines are now available to order, with UK customer deliveries due to start shortly.
The smaller 39.2kWh battery has an official range of 171 miles, although it can achieved 252 miles on the WLTP city test cycle, and as the Urban name suggests is being promoted for inner-city usage. A 0-80 per cent charge will take 54 minutes on an 80kW charger.
The Soul EV Urban features a 100kW (134bhp) motor that has a 0-62mph time of 9.9 seconds and a top speed of 97mph. The trim also includes 17in wheels, an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen, a seven-inch digital driver display, a reversing camera, and a range of driver assistance and safety systems.
While the Urban model gives the Soul EV a new entry-level option, Kia anticipated that the larger-battery Explore model – which replaces the Maxx trim previously offered – will be the best-seller in the line-up.
The 64kWh battery offers an official range of 280 miles – reaching 402 miles on the WLTP city test cycle – and can also be charged from 0-80 per cent in 54 minutes despite the larger battery.
The Urban model uses a more powerful 150kW (201bhp) motor, which can achieve the 0-62mph sprint in 7.9 seconds and has a top speed of 104mph. It also features 10.25in infotainment touchscreen and digital driver display screens, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, black leather upholstery and steering wheel trim, heated seats, automatic front wipers and an ‘SUV pack’ that includes roof rails.
The ‘medium battery’ Urban model is priced from £32,795, while the ‘long range’ Explore trim is priced at £38,995. Those prices compare to £34,995 for the previously offered ‘long range’ Maxx trim that they effectively replace.
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