|
But there’s a few strong hooks for the youth market in the car, which has just been launched in Australia.
The colours, a big range of accessories and dress-ups – both factory order and factory after-market – and a sharp starting price of $20,990.
That gets you into the base model Soul, with a five-speed manual transmission mated to a1.6-litre petrol engine developing 91kW of power at 6300rpm and 156kW of torque at 4200rpm.
Opt for the six-speed tiptronic auto and you add $2000 to the price. If you’d prefer the 1.6-litre diesel version borrowed from the Hyundai i30 (94kW at 4000rpm and 260Nm at 1900rpm), it’s an extra $3,500.
For base Soul you get 15” steel wheels, space saver spare, six airbags, iPod-compatible audio system and the usual powered bits and pieces.
Step into Soul2 (Soul Squared) at $23,190 and you get roof rails, 16” alloy wheels and extra trim. An electronic stability system is an option at this level, but as part of a pack that includes 18” alloys. Soul3 (Soul Cubed) puts you on the 18” wheels and adds all the fruit – but still with plenty of scope to add personal touches like decals, interior trim, bezel garnishes (called ‘eyeliner’ in the catalogue) or a glow-in-the-dark fabric pattern.
Kia Australia product planning manager Nick Reid describes the base Soul as “a blank canvas” for people to play with, and says that level and the top spec will grab most of the sales.
“People will mainly go for the added value of the top level, or they’ll go for the base level and do their own thing,” Reid says. “We’ve got a strong offering of after-market factory accessories and options to dress it up.”
Reid admits there’s a bit of a jump to get into the diesel, but says the extra cost is in the materials and manufacture. “There’s a higher cost of raw materials, more hardware and technology like the particulate filter,” he says.
Reid expects to be one of the most attractive factors of the Soul to be the size of the five-door body: 4105mm long, 1785mm wide and 1610mm high with a wheelbase of 2550mm and tracks of 1570 front and 1575 rear. It sits on brand new underpinnings – following the concept of the Kia Cerato but not the same platform, and expected to spread to future cars – with a lightweight, tight rear suspension intended to add a sporty taste.
“This is the first application of the platform, but it will be the basis for other cars going forward,” Reid says. “The thing that stands out is the overall packaging and dimensions. On paper it’s hard to appreciate the size.
“Anybody from 18 to 80 will appreciate the practicality. We’re not just targeting Gen-Y.”
Reid admits supply of the cars is tight because of overseas demand, and says Kia Australia will get 500 cars to last to the end of this year. Or perhaps more – head office may be flexible if the market is responsive.
“There’s a need to treat the Soul differently (to the normal business case),” he says.
“The Soul is about brand building, about changing people’s perceptions and attracting a younger audience.
“It’s 500 for the rest of the year, but we would revisit it if the demand was there.”
Check back here tomorrow for first drive impressions…
|
