2017 Kia Soul gets turbo-gasoline engine

Kia has revealed the refreshed 2017 Soul ahead of its debut at this year’s Paris Motor Show. The Soul gets a new variant which features a more powerful 1.6L turbo-gasoline direct injection (T-GDI) engine.

The Soul’s new 1.6L turbocharged gasoline power plant can churn out 201 hp. It is then mated to 7-speed dual-clutch transmission which transmit power to the front wheels. Kia claims that with this new engine the Soul can go from 0 to 96 km/h in 7.5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 196 km/h. There’s also a Drive Mode Selector which features 3 steering settings - Normal, Eco, and Sport. 

As for the exterior, the new variant of the Soul will be distinct with red highlights on its front bumper and side sills. It will also have a differently designed air intake grille, twin exhaust pipes, and it is finished off with 10-spoke 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels.  

Inside, the new Soul will have seats in black cloth and leather with orange stitching. This is then further complemented with a flat-bottomed steering wheel, as well as orange metal paint on the gearstick and highlights throughout the cabin.

The other variants of the Soul also get upgrades inside and out. Subtle updates on the front and rear bumper includes metallic skid plate, restyled tiger-nose grille, optional bi-functional HID headlights with LED daytime running lights, and revamped fog lamps with reflectors.

As for the cabin, it will be adorned with new gloss black and metallic highlights. Buyers will also be able to choose from 5.0-, 7.0-, and 8.0-inch touch screen color human-machine interface (HMI). This will be integrated with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone pairing.

Of note, the new Kia Soul and its turbocharged variant are set to be available in the UK towards the end of 2016. However, we have yet to confirm if they will be reaching our shores anytime soon.

For more information about the Kia Soul, visit the AutoDeal Car Guide.