Kia Soul EV

Introduction

Kia Soul EV, a hybrid manufactured by Kia motors, the South Korean brand of automobile manufacturing is an all-electric compact car which went into production in May 2014. Soul EV is equipped with a chargeable battery and is Eco dynamic in its nature. The car is designed to provide a balanced performance with greener and efficient driving by its ultra-reliable, refined engines. The features that differ Soul EV from standard Soul are its unique lights, subtle aerodynamic tweaks, low-rolling-resistance in tyres and the revised grille and bonnet. The grille is comprised of the charging plug-ins for the car, taking about five standard hours to charge the vehicle.

Engine, Mileage and Variants

Kia Soul EV is powered by a Battery and an Electric motor. The battery is made of capacity 27 kWh Lithium-ion polymer that is incorporated to deliver a decent output performance with endurance and churns out a power of 122 PS. The permanent magnetized electric motor is standardized with an electric speed and versatility and is designed to generate a maximum power of 151 PS and maximum torque of 285 Nm. Kia Soul EV is designed to attain a top speed of 145 kmph storming from halt to 100 kmph within 11.2 seconds time duration. The mileage count measures a very impressive 28 kmpl.

Exteriors

Kia Soul EV has got a sporty shaped body with a unique style. The body colored bumpers provides a streamlined, modern look to the car. The front fog light with a projector beam adds a complement to Soul's front end styling whereas the LED positioning lights which are of jewel type adds another refined touch to its exterior looks. It has got a front grille charge port door of body color, rear combination LED lamps and an ORVM with LED turn signal indicators. The exterior dimensions of this hybrid Kia Soul EV are 4140 mm X 1800 mm X 1593 mm with a long wheelbase of 2570 mm (L X W X H).

Interiors

Kia Soul EV has got a lavish interior inside with a styling look outside. The dashboard is comprised with a stereo system that facilitates AM/FM/MP3/CD player in it reflected through the 6 speakers coupled with dash mounted tweeters. It also incorporates a Bluetooth,USB,Aux connectivity in it. The steering wheel is mounted with cruise control and audio control buttons in it. The supervision meter cluster has got a 3.5-inches organic LED color display enhancing its interior look. The integrated air vents and tweeters ensures a cool surrounding all over the vehicle. Te push button start for the engine start/stop placed at the front console adds a sporty touch to the car with convenience. The leather seats provide a comforting environment and the 60:40 split folding rear seats enhances the cargo space and provides maximum capacity.

Safety,Braking and Miscellaneous

Safety feature in Kia Soul EV is assisted by 6 air bag system provided in its front, side and curtain offering maximum protection during accidental collisions. The Vehicle stability management (VSM) system ensures stability of car during instant braking and on slippery,wet and rough roads. Hill-start assist control (HAC) is designed to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards standing on a standstill. The Brake assist system (BAS) helps in applying maximum brake force when required. Electronic Stability control helps in maintaining control over the vehicle during sudden braking. The additional advanced feature engineered in Kia Soul EV is a Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS) that generates a finely tuned warning sound for the pedestrians, Electric Parking brake, Tyre-pressure monitoring system and a rear view camera in it.

Verdict

Electric Kia Soul is embraced with a well finished interior and composed driving dynamics that make it a stand out car amongst the hybrid cars available on the planet. But the question still remains on the feasibility and practicality of electric drives, especially in Bangladesh.