Shaking up KIA’S soul range

The Soul ‘Shaker’ returns to the Soul Originals line up joining its Originals stable-mates – Soul ‘Quantum’ and Soul ‘Inferno’ – at the top of the recently revised Soul range, priced from £15,295 on-the road. The Soul ‘Shaker’ sits in the Soul line-up above the ‘2’ specification version and shares some high-tech features with other models in the Soul Originals range. These include iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control (diesel model only) and air conditioning, as well as LED daytime running lights, LED rear combination lamps and high mounted brake lights. Inside, there are steering wheel mounted controls and both the steering wheel and gearshift are leather-trimmed. The ‘Shaker’ is distinguished by its Vanilla Shake coloured bodywork or, for no extra cost, is available in Quartz Black metallic. Distinctive multi-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels give the ‘Shaker’ a purposeful stance. The design-focused look continues inside with premium cloth upholstery in a new unique ‘Houndstooth’ design, combined with striking beige interior surfaces. Further features include an electric tilt-and-slide sunroof, and an automatically-dimming rear view mirror with an integrated colour reversing camera. The Soul Originals first appeared on the market in 2009, conceived in the spirit of a fashion collection – being frequently updated with distinct styles and personalities. Powered by a 1.6 CRDi 126bhp turbo-diesel engine, and mated to a six-speed manual transmission, Soul ‘Shaker’ delivers 126bhp at 4,000rpm and 192lb/ft torque from 1,900rpm to 2,750rpm. Top speed is 112mph and the 0-60mph dash is dispatched in 10.3 seconds. C0?emissions are just 129g/km – putting the car in VED Band D. Fuel Economy is 57.6mpg on the official combined cycle. The 1.6 GDi petrol engine delivers 138bhp at 6,300rpm and 122lb/ft torque at 4,850rpm. The top speed is 112mph and 60mph is reached in 10 seconds flat. Soul ‘Shaker’ receives the same comprehensive technical package and safety measures as the rest of the Soul range. Electronic stability control (ESC) and anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake force distribution (EBS), vehicle stability management (VSM) and hill-start assist control (HAC) provide a comprehensive level of active safety whist twin front, side and curtain airbags provide occupants with a reassuring level of passive safety. The Soul ‘Shaker’ is rated at insurance group 19 and has service intervals of 12 months or 10,000 miles on the GDi engine and 12,500 miles on the CRDi engine. The Soul ‘Shaker’ is priced from £15,295 for the 1.6 GDi version. The diesel is priced at £16,690 and is also available as an automatic for £17,795. As with all new Kias, the Soul ‘Shaker’ comes with a fully-transferable seven year warranty. From Motorin News