Kia Soul EV review

It’s an easy choice when it comes to deciding which Soul EV to go for – there are just the two trims with on-the-nose names, considering that Urban is the entry-level, short-range option and Explore will travel a hundred miles further with its bigger battery. 

The Urban model costs £32,845 and the Explore version costs £39,045. That’s against a Niro EV range that spans £37k-43k or the MG4 that costs £27k-32k. 

What are the trims like? 

The Urban model comes with a reasonable spec as standard: you get Apple/Android connectivity, USB and USB-C plugs, 8.0in touchscreen infotainment, keyless entry, adaptive cruise control and a reversing camera as standard.

You just need to remember that the reversing camera on the Urban car doesn’t have any parking sensors as you cheerfully reverse into a nicely framed lamppost. Both versions of the car also come with a speed limit alert system that’s so annoying to listen to (and such a pain to turn off) that we’d be tempted to try and find the fuse for it. Or something.

The Explore model feels much swankier inside, with leather trim, heated front seats and steering wheel, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, auto wipers and lights, a 10.25in touchscreen infotainment and rear parking sensors.

Which version should I go for? 

We would definitely recommend you go for the 64kWh car if budget allows. It’s a different experience, both in terms of owning an electric vehicle, but also in terms of enjoying the Soul EV. The cabin is nicer, and having 280 miles of range to play with all but eliminates range anxiety.

Charging the 64kWh car on a home charging point will take just over nine hours, while rapid charging on a 100kW plug will get you from 10 to 80 per cent of charge in around 45 minutes. Conversely, the 39kWh takes six hours to charge on a home plug, and around 45 minutes on a rapid charger (it has fewer cells to fill, but does it at a slightly slower rate). Either way, you get a handy seven-year/100,000-mile warranty for peace of mind.