2017 Kia Soul gets slightly updated exterior with minor changes to the interior and features; features a new diesel engine as well
Kia introduced the 2017 Soul crossover at the Paris Motor Show a while ago and now it has made its way into the South African market. Since the debut at France last September, the South Korean auto manufacturer has received good response for the Soul around the world and now it has entered this lucrative African country.
The 2017 Kia Soul is basically a facelift with cosmetic changes and a new powertrain alongside revise features. On the outside, the new Soul comes equipped with restyled bumpers up front and rear. For the emphasised crossover character, metallic skid plates have been given.
The signature tiger nose grille design has been tweaked to look sportier now while the headlamps and rear fog lamps are also updated with styling modifications. Higher up the trim level, the 2017 Kia Soul is treated with a new set of alloy wheels and repositioned LED Daytime Running Lights below the headlights.
In a similar fashion to the exterior, the interior of the new Soul also sees some subtle updates. The entry-level START variant comes with revised upholstery while the mid and top spec grades get the cabin stitched in black leather with sporty contrast work. The sub-brand of Hyundai has also adorned the interior with glossy black and metallic touches.
There is a new engine addition to the 2017 Kia Soul lineup. The 1.6-litre U2 CRDi diesel engine is turbocharged to produce a maximum power output of 126 hp at 4,000 rpm and 260 Nm of peak torque delivered from 1,900 rpm to 2,750 rpm. A six speed manual gearbox does the power transmitting duties.
The regular motors carried over are the naturally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol and 2.0-litre petrol along with a 1.6-litre diesel engine. The smaller petrol delivers 122 hp and 152 Nm of torque while the 2.0-litre unit pumps out 155.5 hp and 192 Nm torque. The turbocharged diesel is good enough to squeeze out 134 hp and 300 Nm torque.
India-Bound 2017 Kia Soul Crossover Images
