This 2018 Kia Soul EV Range is Impressive - Car Nation Canada
This 2018 Kia Soul EV Range is Impressive - Car Nation Canada
Posted on January 18, 2018
While the auto show season is in full swing and the 2019 Kia Forte was revealed earlier this week, Kia quietly updated the Soul. I have no idea why they didn’t make a big thing of it, the Kia Soul is a great little car and while not available universally across North America, deserves a little applause.
The updates were admittedly minor, but one, the range, is worthy of note. Kia have updated the batteries for the 2018 Kia Soul to give it up to 111 miles of pure electric range. That is an increase of 18 miles over the current model. The existing Soul is capable of 93 miles from its 27kWh battery pack. The new uprated 30kWh batteries are what give it more range.
The motor, transmission and most other parts of the Soul remain the same. It is still the same zippy little city car with lots of storage and enviable manoeuvrability. It just now has further to go before needing to be plugged in.
2018 Kia Soul
I like the 2018 Kia Soul. It is a cheeky little car that has an element of fun about it. Much like the redesigned Beetle before it became too serious, the Soul has a gentle irreverence about it that is endearing.
The design is simple but effective. The front end is small and friendly. Rounded edges, bulbous body panels and small headlights all portray an approachability that works well. The different coloured side mirrors and roof adds to that irreverence while also looking good.
Under that modest hood is a 109 hp electric motor that generates up to 210 lb-ft of torque. With front wheel drive, a comfortable cabin, decent levels of comfort, lots of features and cargo space in back, there is a lot to recommend the Soul.
The current version is a viable city car that can get you to work and back between charges, ferry you or the kids around and stop for groceries on the way home. Adding 18 miles to its range with now perceivable downsides is a good move from Kia and will likely make the Soul even more popular amongst green drivers across Canada.
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