I have Soul....
Discussion
A Kia Soul EV to be exact. It's a fleet demo vehicle that I'm using for a couple of days. Quite good fun. Drives well, although I don't like whatever they've made the steering wheel out of. It's very tacky and my hands stick to it.
Quite well equipped with sat nav and reversing camera.
Quite well equipped with sat nav and reversing camera.
Good video here
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
They preferred it to their Leaf but ended up with a Tesla
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
They preferred it to their Leaf but ended up with a Tesla
Aaaand bump!
Currently have a 2015 24kw Leaf that we've been chuffed to bits with, but it goes back later in the year.
The Soul EV seems a seriously good deal at the moment, probably because it's behind the curve a bit tech-wise.
Drivelectric have them at £165+vat business contract 6+35 and 6k miles pa - seriously good value!
30kw battery, seems well built, nice to drive with a slightly harder/sportier ride than the 16"-wheeled Leaf, loads of spec - heated seats and wheel, rear camera and parking sensors all round, and looks funky in blue with white roof. Bigger in the metal than it looks in pics. Boot's a bit smaller and interior is greeey but other than that I can't see a downside.
There's very few of them around - anyone on here using one?
Currently have a 2015 24kw Leaf that we've been chuffed to bits with, but it goes back later in the year.
The Soul EV seems a seriously good deal at the moment, probably because it's behind the curve a bit tech-wise.
Drivelectric have them at £165+vat business contract 6+35 and 6k miles pa - seriously good value!
30kw battery, seems well built, nice to drive with a slightly harder/sportier ride than the 16"-wheeled Leaf, loads of spec - heated seats and wheel, rear camera and parking sensors all round, and looks funky in blue with white roof. Bigger in the metal than it looks in pics. Boot's a bit smaller and interior is greeey but other than that I can't see a downside.
There's very few of them around - anyone on here using one?
The Mrs has one (30Kw) and I reckon it's great. I think you've captured the main points, only other thing to add is that it doesn't have any kind of connected apps, so no remote control of heating/cooling. You have to rely on a basic timer instead. Other than that it's all good, built in 6.6Kwh charger is a bonus so you can pick up a useful charge of a fast-charge post over a few hours shopping. Carplay/Android auto included as well, so the basic built in nav is less of an issue, good sized clear 8" display, and audio is OK, oh and the speakers have LED disco lights!
In general it's pretty efficient if you keep the speed down, not really made for 70mph plus motorway runs, but then only the Ioniq is efficient at those speeds ( Tesla excluded ). Heat pump ensures efficiency doesn't nose-dive in winter. Range for me runs from 90 miles in the depth of winter to about 130 miles in summer based in rural Scotland without much traffic congestion. If you are mainly town running, or in 50mph jams I'd expect range to be even higher.
In general it's pretty efficient if you keep the speed down, not really made for 70mph plus motorway runs, but then only the Ioniq is efficient at those speeds ( Tesla excluded ). Heat pump ensures efficiency doesn't nose-dive in winter. Range for me runs from 90 miles in the depth of winter to about 130 miles in summer based in rural Scotland without much traffic congestion. If you are mainly town running, or in 50mph jams I'd expect range to be even higher.
Many thanks for that! Doesn't seem to be a down side to it other than it perhaps not having the latest greatest cutting edge tech - plus your reported range is way up on what we're used to with 24kw. Not had range anxiety more than a handful of times but that extra 30-odd mile range is a big step up. I could never get the iPad app for Leaf preheating working properly anyway - a simple timer will do just fine 
A timely update. My firm has an order for two. Unfortunately the delivery date has been put back twice. As our current Citroen Belingo is due to be returned Kia supplied us with a Niro plug in hybrid while we awaiting the Soul's arrival. We took delivery of the Niro yesterday, it's quite good.
It has all the toys you could want. Using electric only, the range is about 33 miles! So is used in conjuction with the engine.
I've just discovered that it has sports mode.. lol
It has all the toys you could want. Using electric only, the range is about 33 miles! So is used in conjuction with the engine.
I've just discovered that it has sports mode.. lol
minky monkey said:
A timely update. My firm has an order for two. Unfortunately the delivery date has been put back twice. As our current Citroen Belingo is due to be returned Kia supplied us with a Niro plug in hybrid while we awaiting the Soul's arrival. We took delivery of the Niro yesterday, it's quite good.
It has all the toys you could want. Using electric only, the range is about 33 miles! So is used in conjuction with the engine.
I've just discovered that it has sports mode.. lol
We have now ordered one, well my wife has, for November delivery as that's when the Leaf goes back. It has all the toys you could want. Using electric only, the range is about 33 miles! So is used in conjuction with the engine.
I've just discovered that it has sports mode.. lol
Soul supply does seem to be a bit limited - current Uk stock was only 8 physical cars about a week ago, so I'm hoping the very early preordering will work.
We've taken delivery of the Soul...
https://photos.app.goo.gl/2DpWTNUD68P3TzPh6
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipP2TnBQmvV2Fa...
https://photos.app.goo.gl/rjGb8FvzQF66mpo59
https://photos.app.goo.gl/YJggioxTcnsZPtNa6
https://photos.app.goo.gl/qrhwyjnees7o4rei6
Drive quite well. And it's got to be built better than the Berlingo it replaces!!!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/2DpWTNUD68P3TzPh6
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipP2TnBQmvV2Fa...
https://photos.app.goo.gl/rjGb8FvzQF66mpo59
https://photos.app.goo.gl/YJggioxTcnsZPtNa6
https://photos.app.goo.gl/qrhwyjnees7o4rei6
Drive quite well. And it's got to be built better than the Berlingo it replaces!!!
Edited by minky monkey on Sunday 8th July 12:34
And the out going courtesy Niro plug in hybrid
https://photos.app.goo.gl/f6FZZoycfrDcB8d5A
https://photos.app.goo.gl/VXvhcXrwWkGFuhZt5
https://photos.app.goo.gl/FFZz1wEXZz5gGHJNA
I enjoyed, it drives well and has enough go for town use. Pottered at 55mph on the A3 with minimal effort.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/f6FZZoycfrDcB8d5A
https://photos.app.goo.gl/VXvhcXrwWkGFuhZt5
https://photos.app.goo.gl/FFZz1wEXZz5gGHJNA
I enjoyed, it drives well and has enough go for town use. Pottered at 55mph on the A3 with minimal effort.
andy43 said:
Aaaand bump!
Currently have a 2015 24kw Leaf that we've been chuffed to bits with, but it goes back later in the year.
The Soul EV seems a seriously good deal at the moment, probably because it's behind the curve a bit tech-wise.
Drivelectric have them at £165+vat business contract 6+35 and 6k miles pa - seriously good value!
30kw battery, seems well built, nice to drive with a slightly harder/sportier ride than the 16"-wheeled Leaf, loads of spec - heated seats and wheel, rear camera and parking sensors all round, and looks funky in blue with white roof. Bigger in the metal than it looks in pics. Boot's a bit smaller and interior is greeey but other than that I can't see a downside.
There's very few of them around - anyone on here using one?
I considered getting this deal, albeit at higher mileage allowance but I just can't bring myself round to keeping an EV for 3 years when the tech is changing so quick. The 2 year deal is more expensiveCurrently have a 2015 24kw Leaf that we've been chuffed to bits with, but it goes back later in the year.
The Soul EV seems a seriously good deal at the moment, probably because it's behind the curve a bit tech-wise.
Drivelectric have them at £165+vat business contract 6+35 and 6k miles pa - seriously good value!
30kw battery, seems well built, nice to drive with a slightly harder/sportier ride than the 16"-wheeled Leaf, loads of spec - heated seats and wheel, rear camera and parking sensors all round, and looks funky in blue with white roof. Bigger in the metal than it looks in pics. Boot's a bit smaller and interior is greeey but other than that I can't see a downside.
There's very few of them around - anyone on here using one?
Ouch ! I did similar to mine though I had the decency to wait 3 months before bending the wing mirror back and crumpling the door. Wing mirror survived needed a new door though.
FWIW regards to an earlier post the Soul doesn't have "sports mode" as such, it has a setting for the steering wheel "feel" of comfort/normal/sports.
You can switch "eco" setting off which as near to sports setting as you'd find, and it is noticeably more responsive. However eco is on by default every time you start and there's no way to make eco off the default, though lets face it if you wanted a "sports" feel a Soul wouldnt be top of your list.
Anyway I'm loving it. Lease expires next year, will either get the Niro or the new Soul, the form factor works well for me, just would like the much longer range, and the extra performance of these cars would be a bonus.
FWIW regards to an earlier post the Soul doesn't have "sports mode" as such, it has a setting for the steering wheel "feel" of comfort/normal/sports.
You can switch "eco" setting off which as near to sports setting as you'd find, and it is noticeably more responsive. However eco is on by default every time you start and there's no way to make eco off the default, though lets face it if you wanted a "sports" feel a Soul wouldnt be top of your list.
Anyway I'm loving it. Lease expires next year, will either get the Niro or the new Soul, the form factor works well for me, just would like the much longer range, and the extra performance of these cars would be a bonus.
We now have Soul /jamesbrown
24kw Leaf gone, after 17,000 miles and three years with zero faults other than two tyres, wiper blades and a slight on-off-power clonk from underneath.
Differences noticed so far are it feels sportier, despite leaving it in eco the 'throttle' response is way livelier than the Leaf was in eco. Harder riding and more hot hatch feeling (stop laughing...) with more direct steering. Steering has three PAS settings - gimmicky. Door speaker disco lights are plain silly. Boot seems half the size of the Leaf but adequate for what we need. My first electric handbrake - quite like it (it won't be us paying for repairs..). Higher quality feel inside, a better attempt than the Leaf. Grey cloth colour is naff.
Parking sensors F&R AND a camera. Fingers crossed dear...
Just as quick off the line, but not as super-instant as the Leaf - slight split second delay on 'foot-down' from rest which is odd.
Heater takes a good minute to really blast the heat out - seems slower - but I like the simple timer - if car is left plugged in the timer can preset temp for a specific time and/or day(s). We had given up with the Leaf app - poor phone network coverage where we are meant it wasn't reliable.
Noticeable increase in range going 24 to 30kw. Gear selector is a more conventional 'autobox' lever and has D and also B for full regen which is all we use - it is very obviously regenerating more than the Leaf ever did, with much more of a braking effect when you lift off. Seems to regen even at 100% battery too - Leaf had to drop a couple % capacity before any regen effect was felt. Plugging in with the supplied 13A brick charger is the same, except it locks the plug into the socket when the car is locked, and obviously takes longer to charge - still charging this morning after being plugged in roughly 10 hours ago. Quick charging cable is included this time - Leaf came with brick only.
One big sensible plus I have spotted - the brake lights come on on regen - in the Leaf they didn't, which was always in the back of my mind in traffic.
And we're behind the tech curve again with battery capacity of 'only' 30kw, but as with the Leaf it's overall a very cheap rental option. Enjoying it so far...
24kw Leaf gone, after 17,000 miles and three years with zero faults other than two tyres, wiper blades and a slight on-off-power clonk from underneath.
Differences noticed so far are it feels sportier, despite leaving it in eco the 'throttle' response is way livelier than the Leaf was in eco. Harder riding and more hot hatch feeling (stop laughing...) with more direct steering. Steering has three PAS settings - gimmicky. Door speaker disco lights are plain silly. Boot seems half the size of the Leaf but adequate for what we need. My first electric handbrake - quite like it (it won't be us paying for repairs..). Higher quality feel inside, a better attempt than the Leaf. Grey cloth colour is naff.
Parking sensors F&R AND a camera. Fingers crossed dear...
Just as quick off the line, but not as super-instant as the Leaf - slight split second delay on 'foot-down' from rest which is odd.
Heater takes a good minute to really blast the heat out - seems slower - but I like the simple timer - if car is left plugged in the timer can preset temp for a specific time and/or day(s). We had given up with the Leaf app - poor phone network coverage where we are meant it wasn't reliable.
Noticeable increase in range going 24 to 30kw. Gear selector is a more conventional 'autobox' lever and has D and also B for full regen which is all we use - it is very obviously regenerating more than the Leaf ever did, with much more of a braking effect when you lift off. Seems to regen even at 100% battery too - Leaf had to drop a couple % capacity before any regen effect was felt. Plugging in with the supplied 13A brick charger is the same, except it locks the plug into the socket when the car is locked, and obviously takes longer to charge - still charging this morning after being plugged in roughly 10 hours ago. Quick charging cable is included this time - Leaf came with brick only.
One big sensible plus I have spotted - the brake lights come on on regen - in the Leaf they didn't, which was always in the back of my mind in traffic.
And we're behind the tech curve again with battery capacity of 'only' 30kw, but as with the Leaf it's overall a very cheap rental option. Enjoying it so far...
Had mine for a few days now. Having never even driven an electric car before I didn't really know what to expect. The 0-60mph time of 11 seconds didn't fill me with much confidence that it would be fun to drive but actually it feels way quicker than I thought it would.
It's an incredibly easy car to drive. It's responsive and just seems to waft silently on a wave of torque. Haven't had chance to try any motorway driving yet, which might be where the car starts to feel a little out of its comfort zone.
Since I received the car the temperature hasn't been above 5 degrees, but even so i've seen a range of 115 miles. This can only improve as the weather warms up.
An impressive little car for £200pm.
It's an incredibly easy car to drive. It's responsive and just seems to waft silently on a wave of torque. Haven't had chance to try any motorway driving yet, which might be where the car starts to feel a little out of its comfort zone.
Since I received the car the temperature hasn't been above 5 degrees, but even so i've seen a range of 115 miles. This can only improve as the weather warms up.
An impressive little car for £200pm.
And the Kia replacement has arrived. Overall, it was good to drive, sufferered no end of headlamp bulbs blowing and bizarrely, loads of punctures?
Dealer service left alot to be desired which is why we've changed manafacturers.
Welcome to the Mokka E. Or as it's been christened, the mockery..
Dealer service left alot to be desired which is why we've changed manafacturers.
Welcome to the Mokka E. Or as it's been christened, the mockery..
minky monkey said:
And the Kia replacement has arrived. Overall, it was good to drive, sufferered no end of headlamp bulbs blowing and bizarrely, loads of punctures?
Dealer service left alot to be desired which is why we've changed manafacturers.
Welcome to the Mokka E. Or as it's been christened, the mockery..
I like those. Very large flap! Confused me as to what it was for a bit there. If i had one of these...it would have to be called Colin......Dealer service left alot to be desired which is why we've changed manafacturers.
Welcome to the Mokka E. Or as it's been christened, the mockery..
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