The electric models are now indispensable from the Kia range. In addition to the popular (e-) Niro, the South Koreans also offer the more frivolous e-Soul. It is a lot more affordable because of its smaller battery pack, but what luxury does Kia provide it for that money?
Kia e-Soul Comfortline€ 33,995
With its basic price of less than € 34,000, the e-Soul is almost € 11,000 cheaper than the cheapest Kia e-Niro. That while the cars are of a comparable size and share a lot of technology. Of course, there is a catch: the entry-level e-Soul will have a less powerful electric motor to which a smaller battery pack is also linked. The e-Soul on this page has to do with an electric motor that is ‘only’ good for 100 kW (136 hp). The battery pack offers 39 kWh. The e-Niro is only available with a 150 kW (204 hp) electric motor with a 64 kWh battery pack. This combination is also available in the e-Soul, but the basic price also shoots up to € 41,995.
The e-Soul with the basic motorization is available in three flavors: from the ComfortLine to the DynamicPlusLine. The price difference between these two extremes is € 3,000. Remarkably, this difference is hardly visible from the outside. Each e-Soul can count on a set of 17-inch alloy wheels and LED lighting all around is also available without exception. The ‘Sparkling silver’ metallic paint color is sprayed on the e-Soul at no extra cost. For a different color, Kia asks between € 595 and € 990 extra. Anyone who sees an e-Soul with a trained eye can recognize the ComfortLine by a few small details. The biggest detail missing is the roof rails. Kia only adds that from the DynamicLine. Do not be tempted by the parking sensors of the pictures from the configurator: they are not present. Parking sensors in the rear bumper (from DynamicLine) and in the front bumper (DynamicLinePlus) require a step up the equipment ladder. By default, images from the reversing camera are displayed on the 7-inch screen in the center console.
Speaking of that screen: it is a size smaller than its more luxurious brothers. They can count on a 3.25-inch larger touch screen. They also immediately have access to built-in navigation, but with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a ComfortLine driver must also be able to manage easily. In addition to these connection options, DAB + radio can also be listened to. The e-Soul is also equipped with many conveniences such as adaptive cruise control, climate control, an electrically operated handbrake and electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors as standard. The ignition key can remain in the pocket at all times, because Kia provides the EV with keyless start and go. The steering wheel is always covered with leather, but the seats are further provided with a fabric cover.
In addition to the aforementioned luxury that the ComfortLine does not get, there is a small list of things that require further savings. Take electric folding exterior mirrors, an automatically dimming interior mirror, steering wheel heating and seat heating: options that the DynamicLinePlus does get. Is that worth saving?