Kia Soul EV - Latest Cars Info

Kia Soul EV: when electric becomes fun - Latest Cars Update

"You're the first to inaugurate" proudly said the head of the fleet of Kia France by giving me the keys without contact this Kia Soul EV. With 8 kilometers on the clock, it comes out of "fund". Yes it looks great, this 100% electric urban crossover in its black and red livery (also available in the blue Caribbean / white and pearl white / blue) and with its wheels (16 inches) especially designed for drawing aerodynamics. Outwardly, this Soul EV stands out from the heat release by its front, logos "EV", its LED tail lamps and a roof panel designed for better penetration into the air.

Presentation

Once in the cabin, we find a board rather a plain edge, with a central block with integrated touch screen topped with air vents and an LED charge indicator. At both ends, tweeters (audio) come comb gills side vents. The steering wheel incorporates controls on each branch (music, voice assistant, cruise control and trip computer). The only small problem in this landscape, this dashboard deserved a touch of fun, especially in the colors. Comfort, all seats are heated without exception. However, the chest was reduced due to the presence of the battery. However, it has two levels in which we find the charging cable and the triangle and vest.
The start takes place silently via pressing a dedicated key, since the key works on the principle of contactless mode. The dashboard is then illuminated with two round counters separated by a screen serving as a board computer. The first counter on the left shows the theoretical battery life, power gauge, and drive mode while the second provides information on the current speed. To counter our Kia Soul EV, the battery announces 180 km, against 212 theoretical kilometers (NDEC standards).

A beefy battery

As the SUV ix35 Fuel Cell (fuel cell) of the sister brand Hyundai, the Kia Soul EV is a variation of the thermal release. The brand's engineers are responsible for electrifying the pattern by bringing serious modifications. Thus, this Soul EV has an electric motor 81.4 kW (110 hp) with a torque of 285 Nm at the maximum speed of 145 km / h. 0 to 100 km / h is shot in 11.2 seconds. The most interesting are the battery (placed on the floor) that powers the motor at the front. It is a lithium-ion polymer battery with 27 kWh a "substantial" energy density of 200 Wh / kg. Usually, electric cars take onboard lithium-ion batteries. Here, the advantage is the possibility to drive for 200 kilometers in one go, a single charge. However, the reality is quite different.

Finally, we have traveled a hundred kilometers (97 to be precise) while driving in city and highway. It is more fun to drive Kia Soul EV with accelerations, especially at traffic lights. Phenomenon accentuated if one turns the key "eco" located at the electric handbrake. But in this case, autonomy takes a hit.

Same with the outbreak of the air that impacts the autonomy announced, despite the presence of a heat pump and the "driver only" command to only warm the driver's area. Fortunately, we can count on the energy recovery during braking including the mode "B" (Brake), selectable from the automatic. This mode, unlike the "D" mode (Drive), makes the strongest engine braking and, therefore, increase energy recovery. Also available, three driving modes: Normal, Comfort, and Sport.

Let's get back on power consumption. The activation of the key "EV" on the central console displayed on the touch-screen power consumption of the control system, air conditioning and onboard electronics. Always on the screen, the "eco" mode allows eight levels, depending on your driving style, to "manufacture" a virtual tree. More you ride "properly" over the foliage of your virtual tree will take colors. A similar system, this time, illustrated by fir trees, are the Nissan Leaf, and it takes quickly to the game. Another feature, the "distance traversable" gives a vision circle (green and red) of the "accessible area" depending on remaining battery power. If in doubt, charging stations are displayed according to their accessibility by colored symbols.

A lower cost of refill

Comes time to recharge. The Kia Soul EV has a flap at the front; the opening is operated from the cockpit. Behind it, two sockets: a quick charge (30 minutes) and normal. It is the second we used by connecting it to a household outlet. Inside, the dashboard indicator to three load LED glows blue.

ATR was then 83 kilometers or 47% of battery. Charging time estimated: 9:20 to "fill" the missing 53%. Our meter recorded a consumption of 18.71 kWh for the 53% or 35.3 kWh to 100%. Based on 0.14 cents per kWh, the 100 km back € 3.16. In comparison, the 100 kilometers on the BMW i3 had cost us € 2.28 and € 4.34 with the Tesla Model S.

It is far from 212 kilometers advertised, but rather on an average range of 150 to 190 kilometers, conditioned by the type of conduct and whether or not you opt for the "eco" mode and use air conditioning. You should know that it is programmable when the car is charging.

A high-quality screen

'8-inch screen of the Kia Soul EV displays a resolution of 800 x 480 px, a little light, but enough with a decline of more than 50 cm. The good surprise comes from the calibration: colors are right (average Delta E 2.6), the gamma curve is perfect (average 2.2), and even the average temperature is perfect with an average measured at 6330 K. this IPS panel offers all the wide viewing angles, allowing the driver and passenger to have the same image without troublesome variation. IPS technology requires, the contrast is a little weak, as it does not exceed 830: 1, but this is not a handicap for a car screen where the most important criterion is the maximum brightness. Precisely on this point, the screen is doing very well. With a measured maximum brightness to 571 cd / m², Kia's screen is perfectly readable in daylight. Not to mention the size, it even comes complete with the VA screen technology of the Tesla Model S.

It's colorful

The Kia Soul EV integrates an audio comprises six speaker system coupled to an external amplifier. However, no trace of the Infinity brand that teams thermal upscale versions of this model. Kia has taken care to place the tweeters subtly on the upper side vents. As for boomers, they are surrounded by a bright border that can be activated or not; trim that lights up to the beat of the music that we listen.

The interface accessible from the touch screen is well designed and integrates the necessary elements such as balance, bass, middle, treble and volume adjustment according to speed. We can also highlight that DAB (digital) is natively integrated into this system. Side connections, there is a Bluetooth, a USB port that directly detects the phone and a mini-jack 3.5mm port to play lossless audio files (Flac type).
Listening, the entire audible spectrum is more faithful and detailed, with many mediums present to transcribe intelligible voice without any distortion. The highs are well broadcast, and sibilants (in 's',' f ',' toss ...) are controlled. The only downside concerns the bass that is slightly behind with a report a bit too soft. The total power provided by this system is very high, but the lack of control over the appearance of bias. Lastly, the stereo rendering is very correct, even if it requires slightly deep.
Regarding the kit, it works great to stop, but listening becomes very painful to the listener once the speed reaches 40-50 km / h. One feels a sense of echoes with a sound that seems distant.

The Kia Soul EV leaves no marble: one likes or dislikes. No half measures. With his mug of "Kei-Car" (range of Japanese cars at reduced size), this Kia is a breath of fresh air in the world of electric cars. It is not particularly aerodynamic, but it is functional and efficient. The flip side, its purchase price: from € 35,400 to € 36,900 for the Ultimate model. With the real bonus (€ 6,300), the entrance ticket goes to € 29,100. It is still more expensive than a Nissan Leaf (€ 22,900). Remains a major asset in competition: the Kia Soul EV, as all Kia is guaranteed seven years or 150 000 km!