Kia has decided to offer the all-electric Soul EV in the UK. Recognisable by a blanked-off grille and unique 16” alloy wheels, its specification closely matches that of the rival Nissan Leaf.
Powering the five-door Soul EV is a 109 bhp (81 kW / 110 PS) motor which sits beneath the bonnet. Energy is supplied by an under-floor 192-cell lithium-ion polymer battery pack that features a dedicated heating and cooling system.
Unsurprisingly, numerous measures have been taken to maximise range. These include the fitment of low-rolling-resistance tyres, regenerative braking, various aerodynamic aids and a more efficient air conditioner.
So how does the Soul EV measure up against the Leaf? Looking at the stats below, it seems that in terms of performance and range Kia’s engineers have made sure that their car just beats the Nissan (even if for some measures the advantage is negligible).
Conversely, the Leaf appears to be marginally quicker overall when it comes to battery replenishment, however an onboard 6.6 kW charger isn’t standard.
Unfortunately buyers of the Kia won’t have any choice as far as equipment levels and pricing are concerned. Yes, the Soul EV has a decent level of kit, but only one version is available. Four trim grades and the option to separately lease the battery should mean that Nissan’s electric hatchback continues to appeal to a broader budget spectrum.
Kia’s UK sales expectations for the Soul EV are modest, though. Thanks to production constraints, 200 units at most will be retailed during the model’s first year via a network of just thirteen selected dealers.
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Powering the five-door Soul EV is a 109 bhp (81 kW / 110 PS) motor which sits beneath the bonnet. Energy is supplied by an under-floor 192-cell lithium-ion polymer battery pack that features a dedicated heating and cooling system.
Unsurprisingly, numerous measures have been taken to maximise range. These include the fitment of low-rolling-resistance tyres, regenerative braking, various aerodynamic aids and a more efficient air conditioner.
So how does the Soul EV measure up against the Leaf? Looking at the stats below, it seems that in terms of performance and range Kia’s engineers have made sure that their car just beats the Nissan (even if for some measures the advantage is negligible).
Conversely, the Leaf appears to be marginally quicker overall when it comes to battery replenishment, however an onboard 6.6 kW charger isn’t standard.
Unfortunately buyers of the Kia won’t have any choice as far as equipment levels and pricing are concerned. Yes, the Soul EV has a decent level of kit, but only one version is available. Four trim grades and the option to separately lease the battery should mean that Nissan’s electric hatchback continues to appeal to a broader budget spectrum.
Kia’s UK sales expectations for the Soul EV are modest, though. Thanks to production constraints, 200 units at most will be retailed during the model’s first year via a network of just thirteen selected dealers.
Model | Soul EV | Leaf Visia^ | Leaf Tekna^ |
---|---|---|---|
OTR price | £29,995 | £26,490 | £30,590 |
Price net of Plug-in Car Grant | £24,995 | £21,490 | £25,590 |
Technical specifications | |||
Power | 109 bhp (81 kW / 110 PS) | 107 bhp (80 kW / 109 PS) | |
Torque | 285 Nm (210 lb/ft) | 254 Nm (187 lb/ft) | |
0-62 mph (100 km/h) | 11.2 secs | 11.5 secs | |
Top speed | 90 mph (145 km/h) | 87 mph (140 km/h) | 89 mph (143 km/h) |
Battery capacity | 27 kWh | 24 kWh | |
Maximum range | 132 miles (212 km) | 124 miles (199 km) | |
Recharge time (domestic socket) | 11 - 14 hours | 12 hours | |
Recharge time (dedicated wallbox) | 4 - 5 hours | 4 hours | |
Recharge time (public rapid charger to 80% capacity) | 33 minutes | 30 minutes | |
Standard equipment | |||
Onboard 6.6 kW charger | Yes | Optional* | |
Rapid charge socket | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Satellite navigation | Yes | No | Yes |
Bluetooth | Yes | Yes | Yes |
DAB radio | Yes | No | No |
Cruise control | Yes | No | Yes |
Reversing camera | Yes | No | Yes |
Front parking sensors | Yes | No | Yes** |
Rear parking sensors | Yes | No | Yes** |
LED headlights | No | No | Yes |
Leather upholstery | No | No | Yes |
Heated front seats | Yes | No | Yes |
Heated steering wheel | Yes | No | Yes |
Air conditioning | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Climate control | Yes | No | Yes |
Power folding / heated door mirrors | Yes | No | Yes |
Rear privacy glass | Yes | No | Yes |
Keyless entry | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Metallic paint | Yes | Optional*** | |
Alloy wheels | Yes | No | Yes |
Tyre pressure monitoring | Yes | Yes | Yes |
^ Nissan Leaf trim grades: Visia (£21,490), Visia+ (£22,590), Acenta (£23,590), Tekna (£25,590). Purchase prices reduce by a further £5,000 under the Flex scheme, but then the battery pack must be leased separately for between £70 and £129 per month (actual payment depends on term and annual mileage). | |||
* £1,150 option. | |||
** 360° Around View Monitor. | |||
*** £525 option. |
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