Kia Soul EV got plenty of +ve design feedback at Auto Expo [Update]

Update: Speaking to moneycontrol.com recently, Lorenz Glaab, VP and Head of Global Product Management, Kia, revealed said that the next Kia launch in India after the Kia Sonet this year will happen in the first half of 2021. Glaab didn’t disclose the name of the product, but the rumour mill has been churning out reports that it could be the Kia Soul. Note that Kia has made no announcements on the Soul EV for India, only stating that its plant in Anantapur is capable of building Electric Vehicles.

The encouraging response to the Soul from its demo at the Auto Expo could lead to the arrival of the EV in India sooner than later. Moreover, the recent spurt in attractive state subsidies and incentives for EVs is further likely to make a strong business case for the new electric car in India. Whenever it comes to India, expect the Soul to be assembled and sit between the Seltos and the Carnival.

26 May 2020

Kia Motors India’s first two products, the Seltos SUV and Carnival MPV have received a good reception and the company is looking to bring the Soul hatchback after very positive feedback was recorded from visitors at the Auto Expo 2020.

Kia displayed the Soul EV at the expo and the electric hatchback is said to have received plenty of good feedback from the customers according to Manohar Bhat, Head – Sales and Marketing, Kia Motors India. Speaking to carandbike.com, Mr Bhat has said that though the Soul EV might not be feasible for India immediately, petrol versions of the car are worth looking at and Kia is seriously considering to bring the car here but only after seeing how the market progresses as the Coronavirus lockdown is eased.

Globally, the Kia Soul is available with two petrol engine options while the Soul EV can be had in two battery choices. The petrol engine range consists of a 2.0-litre engine that makes 147 hp and is available with either a 6-speed manual or an Intelligent variable transmission, and a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine that is available with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and makes 201 hp.

On the Kia Soul EV

The Soul EV comes in two battery sizes – 39.2 kWh and 64 kWh. The 39.2 kWh comes paired with a 100 kW electric motor that makes 395 Nm of peak torque and returns a driving range of up to 276 km (WLTP) in a single charge. The long-range 64 kWh offers a range of up to 452 km (WLTP) and gets a 150 kW/395 Nm electric motor. Both the batteries support DC fast charging and can be charged to 80 per cent capacity in 42 minutes with a 100 kW DC charger.

This year the Kia Soul EV bagged the World Urban Car award at the 2020 World Car Awards for its impressive range and performance in a compact body with a bold and practical design.