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(Tue 03 Nov 09) November is proving to be quite a busy month for Kia, with several new limited-edition cars and changes to the specifications of existing models.
The most dramatic of the new cars is the Soul Tempest, one of the three Original models in the Soul line-up and a replacement for the now discontinued Samba. The Tempest is painted in metallic Titanium Silver and has black bumper inserts, door mirrors and 18" alloy wheels. The same colour scheme is followed inside, with black seat trim, a metallic centre fascia and various chrome accents. Standard equipment also includes a reversing camera with a monitor in the rear-view mirror (first seen in the Soul Shaker) and an upgraded audio system. As with other Souls, there's a choice of 1.6-litre petrol and turbo diesel engines, and Kia is also offering a diesel with four-speed automatic transmission for the first time on any Original model. Prices start at £12,845. With the removal of the Samba from the price list, that car's Tornado Red paintwork is now available on the Soul 2, though the Cocktail Orange colour scheme (as found on our test car) has now been deleted. The 2 also has brighter metallic inserts in the interior and a redesigned upper-dash storage tray, while the entry-level Soul 1 now has height adjustment for the driver's seat as standard. Elsewhere in the Kia range, there are Graphite special edition versions of the Picanto and Rio. The Picanto Graphite costs £8495 and has metallic titanium silver paint, 14" alloy wheels, a leather steering wheel, a rear spoiler, driver's seat height adjustment and air-conditioning. The Rio Graphite gets side indicators in the door mirrors, 15" alloy wheels, black bezel headlights, front foglights, air-conditioning, alloy pedals and leather steering wheel and gearknob. There are two versions, a 1.4-litre petrol costing £9395 and a 1.5 CRDi turbo diesel at £10,395. Comment on this story on Facebook or Twitter. Previous: Citroen Revises C3 Picasso Next: VAT-Free Vauxhalls |
