The new Kia Soul EV will electrify the Geneva Motor Show

The new Kia Soul EV will be officially unveiled next week at the Swiss show

The Kia Soul EV combines the iconic design with the playful character of its predecessors. The new generation of the Kia crossover has become more distinctive, dynamic and innovative.

This electric version will be exclusively for the European market. It will feature two long-range, zero-emission drivetrain systems. The batteries of the new Kia Soul EV are up to 30% more energy efficient than the best-selling electric vehicle in Europe.

The Kia Soul EV retains the strengths that have characterised previous generations of the model, offering excellent value for money, a spacious interior for five occupants and high levels of space and versatility. Like all Kia e-Soul models, it will be sold in Europe with the Kia quality promise: a seven-year warranty that also covers the electric motor and battery.

The new Kia Soul EV will go on sale across Europe towards the end of the first quarter of 2019.

New Kia Soul EV, a different crossover

The third generation of the Kia Soul has improved its design and features very sharp LED headlights. The new bumpers give it a smooth, aerodynamic look. The charging port is located behind a small panel at the front of the model.

The Soul EV to be presented in Geneva measures 4,195 mm, 55 mm longer than the previous generation. As for wheelbase, it has grown by 30 mm, and the front overhang has increased by 15 mm. The new Soul EV will be available in seven single-tone paint finishes and seven two-tone options.

The chassis of the new Kia e-Soul is made from a combination of steel and aluminium, which maximises torsional rigidity and keeps the body weight low. With a higher proportion of advanced high-strength steel and hot-stamped steel components than its predecessor, plus new aluminium side reinforcements, the stiffer body reduces road vibrations and increases occupant safety in the event of a collision.

Music, a key feature of the new Kia Soul

Music has always been a key element of the new Kia Soul, but in this new generation it has taken on an even more important role. For the new model, the designers have “turned up the volume” inside, drawing inspiration from the visualisation of sound.

Range of the new Kia Soul EV with zero emissions

The Kia Soul EV will be sold in Europe exclusively as an electric car. The brand will offer two zero-emission electric powertrains to suit the needs and budgets of all customers.

Both versions offer a significantly improved range over the previous Soul. The motors are more powerful and deliver 39% more torque, reaching 395 Nm. The lithium-ion battery packs offer greater energy capacity than some of their competitors.

These batteries give this Kia Soul EV a range of 452 kilometres on a single charge. In addition, the new Soul accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds. The brand also includes a fast charger with both powertrains.

The Kia e-Soul is also fitted as standard with the brand’s innovative regenerative braking system, operated by paddles behind the steering wheel. The system gives drivers the ability to reduce the car’s speed and recover kinetic energy to maximise range and efficiency. Drivers can choose from five levels of regenerative braking, depending on how much energy recovery they want from the brakes.

The ‘one-pedal’ driving mode also allows the car to capture the maximum amount of energy from its brakes, and even lets the driver stop the car without pressing the brake pedal. The regenerative braking system can also automatically adjust the level of braking if it detects the car in front slowing down.

Infotainment systems and safety assistants in the new Soul

The 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation system comes with standard multi-connection Bluetooth, allowing occupants to connect two mobile devices at the same time, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Its split-screen function lets users control or monitor different vehicle features at the same time, customising the display with a range of different widgets. This allows the driver to have a single screen or combine numerous elements on the display simultaneously.

This makes it easier for the driver to follow navigation instructions or track the battery’s energy efficiency, while passengers can choose their favourite songs or check the weather forecast. The infotainment system also controls the vehicle’s charging preferences and the mood lighting settings.

The panoramic display on the dashboard is complemented by a 7-inch TFT-LCD instrument cluster, which shows essential driving information to the user.

A range of passive and active safety systems ensures occupants are kept as protected as possible on every journey. The Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) of Kia help reduce many of the hazards and stresses inherent in driving.

The available technologies include forward collision assistance (FCA), blind-spot collision warning (BCW) and blind-spot collision avoidance assistance (BCA-R), smart cruise control (SCC) with Stop & Go, lane keeping assistance (LKA), driver attention warning (DAW) and high beam assist (HBA). Lane following assistance (LFA) controls acceleration, braking and steering based on the vehicles ahead.

As for passive safety features, the Soul EV is equipped with up to six airbags (dual front airbags, dual front side airbags and roll-sensing curtain airbags), as well as a suite of electronic vehicle safety systems.