To say Kia has come a long way in a short time may seem like a platitude, but comparing the new Red-Dot-design-award winning Soul to the anonymously neutral line-up of not too long ago, there really isn't a better way to put it. The second all-new model released during Peter Schreyer's tenure as Kia design chief, the original Soul's sharp motor-show concept design was a bold statement of intent that projected Kia's new-found fun, accessible and design-led self-image.
Launched in 2008, the cross-segment Soul's straight lines, angles and quirky detailing proved that Kia design could be trendy and innovative. Swimming in a crowded pond alongside an eclectic bunch, including the Nissan Cube and Juke, Ford B-Max and EcoSport, Suzuki SX4 and Peugeot 2008, the Soul sits between hatchback, mini-MPV and urban/compact crossover. Stylish, well-packaged and good value, its successor is tidier, more assertive and better appointed, but stays true to and distils its predecessor's character, and primarily targets "active" urban 20- and 30-something clients. And I've travelled to Santiago in Chile to test it out myself.
The new model takes its lead from the 2012 Kia Track'ster concept and has more resolute road presence, with better-reconciled design, lines and details. With wheels pushed far out to corners and broader, more defined wheel arches and a more upright fascia, the Track'ster's influence is evident. The bigger footprint and rear wheels' noticeable negative camber create a road-hugging perception to offset the Soul's boxy, upright and tall body, and have practical purpose. Tailing a briskly moving Sorento SUV - mistaken for a support vehicle, after a series of detours - the Soul's big footprint provides unexpected grip and stability through winding Chilean side-road switchbacks and off-camber corners.
The outgoing Soul's clear plastic rear-light casings are thankfully gone, while LED running lights are adopted, front and rear. Best in primary colours, the Soul is offered with optional, contrasting two-tone body colour and alloy-wheel insert combinations. And while four-wheel-drive is ruled out, an optional "Urban Active"-style package accentuates the Soul's SUV-like looks and a Track'ster-inspired "Red Zone" package emphasises its sportier side. The angular and upright design provides excellent headroom and good front and side visibility for manoeuvring and parking.
Keener and more refined, the new Soul has firmer suspension rates and bushes, and uses more high-strength steel in construction, which together translate into a 29 per cent torsional rigidity increase, thinner pillars for better visibility and improved ride and handling. Compact and manoeuverable on Santiago's busy streets, the Soul's tightened suspension, longer wheel travel and tall ground clearance are a boon along dirt roads, where bumps are easily dispatched. Its compact size and big footprint provide cornering agility and stability on dirt roads, while on tarmac it turns in tidily and remains faithful even with sudden steering and throttle corrections at the edge of its grip limit.
Offered with combinations of 2.0L and 1.6L, naturally aspirated, multi-point injection four-cylinder engines and six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes, Kia however admits that its 200hp, 1.6L direct- injection turbo engine is being considered for the Soul's midlife refresh in two to three years' time. Driven with self-shifter during its Santiago launch, the more powerful version is a confident performer with decent mid-range flexibility and a 188kph top speed.
A classier affair than its predecessor, the Soul gains better interior design, equipment and ergonomics along with improved cabin refinement. Redesigned for a more "organic" look, the dashboard, console and door panels are more fluidly styled, while its chunky, leather-bound steering wheel and deep-set gauges look sportier. In addition to more prominent use of soft textures and discrete placement of hard plastics, glossy piano-black plastic panels create a more upmarket ambience. Classy in a business-like way in black leather trim, the two-tone beige and black is best between four upholstery trim options.
Comfortable and ergonomic, the Soul features optional eight-way adjustable electric seats with supportive side bolstering, and further seat heating and lumbar support options. With seats set lower, head pace and step-in accessibility are improved. Extensive standard and optional features - depending on model - include the panoramic sunroof, heated mirrors, smart key, six-speaker stereo, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, climate control and front and rear parking sensors.
A significant improvement on its predecessor, the trendy new Soul may not be to everyone's taste. And while detractors of its quirky, cutesy ways will be unswayed, its tighter design, sportier dynamics and more upmarket cabin and kit will likely clinch quite a few converts from the hatchback and compact-crossover segments.
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The specs
Engine: Long-range single or dual motor with 200kW or 400kW battery
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Max touring range: 620km / 590km
Price: From Dh250,000 (estimated)
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Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas
Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5
Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
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In Full Flight: A Story of Africa and Atonement
John Heminway, Knopff
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
What to watch out for:
Algae, waste coffee grounds and orange peels will be used in the pavilion's walls and gangways
The hulls of three ships will be used for the roof
The hulls will painted to make the largest Italian tricolour in the country’s history
Several pillars more than 20 metres high will support the structure
Roughly 15 tonnes of steel will be used
The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
THE SPECS
Engine: 6.0-litre, twin-turbocharged W12
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 626bhp
Torque: 900Nm
Price: Dh1,050,000
On sale: now
Key developments in maritime dispute
2000: Israel withdraws from Lebanon after nearly 30 years without an officially demarcated border. The UN establishes the Blue Line to act as the frontier.
2007: Lebanon and Cyprus define their respective exclusive economic zones to facilitate oil and gas exploration. Israel uses this to define its EEZ with Cyprus
2011: Lebanon disputes Israeli-proposed line and submits documents to UN showing different EEZ. Cyprus offers to mediate without much progress.
2018: Lebanon signs first offshore oil and gas licencing deal with consortium of France’s Total, Italy’s Eni and Russia’s Novatek.
2018-2019: US seeks to mediate between Israel and Lebanon to prevent clashes over oil and gas resources.
The specs
Price, base / as tested Dh960,000
Engine 3.9L twin-turbo V8
Transmission Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Power 661hp @8,000rpm
Torque 760Nm @ 3,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined 11.4L / 100k
'My Son'
Director: Christian Carion
Starring: James McAvoy, Claire Foy, Tom Cullen, Gary Lewis
Rating: 2/5
BORDERLANDS
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jamie Lee Curtis
Director: Eli Roth
Rating: 0/5