New 201bhp Kia Soul arrives in Paris 2016
New warm Kia Soul with punchy turbo and DCT gearbox makes its public debut, plus updates to the Carens MPV
The Kia Soul and Carens MPV have been updated, and will go on sale later in 2016. The new cars have both made their public debuts at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. The highlight is the Kia Soul's new 201bhp engine mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
The 1.6 T-GDI comes from the Kia Cee'd and Pro_Cee'd GT models, and means the Soul will go from 0 to 60mph in 7.5 seconds and up to a top speed of 122mph. CO2 emissions of 156 g/km are claimed, too, with the car using the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox able to change between Normal, Eco and Sport modes. These different modes also change the steering weight, while the faster Soul gets bigger brakes as standard.
A new front bumper and grille marks out the hot Kia Soul model from the rest of the range. In addition there are twin exhaust pipes, some red detailing and 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside there's leather upholstery with orange stitching and some other orange highlights around the cabin.
The entire Soul range has been updated too, with new front and rear bumpers and an updated 'Tiger Nose' grille, plus new fog lamps and reflectors. Gloss black switchgear brings up the interior, as well as some exterior black trim to match.
New 5.0-, 7.0- or 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment systems are available on the car, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There's also a parking camera, a new USB port and eight-way power adjustment for the front passenger seat. Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are also available on the new Soul.
Kia Carens updates
The Kia Carens MPV has also been updated with a new look and some extra kit. Like on the Soul there are some new bumpers and fog lamps, as well as an updated ‘tiger nose’ grille. There are some new rear lights, a new paint colour and fresh designs for the alloy wheel choices.
New seats can be specced with a cloth or leather pattern, and there's also some new carbon-effect dashboard trim. The latest infotainment system adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and there's a new JBL sound system with six speakers.
An Eco Pack for the 114 bhp 1.7-litre diesel engine adds stop-start, low rolling resistance tyres and updated gear ratios to improve economy and emissions. That means it emits 109 g/km with a six-speed manual gearbox.
The updated Kia Carens will launch at the end of 2016, with pricing details due to be revealed closer to launch.
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