With deliveries starting in Q4 2022, the 2023 model year Kia Soul EV gains a pair of powertrain options for the first time in the UK. The previous powertrain option, comprising a 64kWh battery and as reviewed by us when the car was launched in 2020, remains available, but Kia has now added a ‘medium-range’ 39.2kWh battery option.

The two battery options bring with them a new two-grade structure, with ‘Urban’ badged cars getting the smaller battery and ‘Explore’ grade cars retaining the larger battery.

In ‘Urban’ format, the Kia Soul EV’s 39.2kWh battery gives it a WLTP range of 171 miles with up to 252 miles possible in lower speed, urban settings. A lower powered motor is fitted alongside the smaller battery with 134bhp on tap, but it still packs a meaty 291lb-ft of torque meaning 0-62mph takes 9.9 seconds.

Charging can be undertaken at up to 80kW for a full charge in 54 minutes, or just over six hours from a 7.2kW wall box. We reckon the Soul EV ‘Urban’ will make a great commuter or run-around with the ability to strike out on the odd longer journey.

Kia reckons that the ‘Explore’ grade car will remain the best-seller of the range and with up to 280 miles of mixed driving and a 201bhp, 291lb-ft motor, it certainly ticks more boxes when it comes to family car duties.

In terms of equipment, the Urban grade car still has plenty to boast about, including: 17 inch alloys, LED auto headlamps, an 8 inch infotainment and 7 inch driver display, automatic air con, reversing camera, forward collision avoidance, adaptive smart cruise control and much more besides. It starts from £32,795.

The Explore grade car starts at £38,995 in a large part thanks to the larger battery. It is also very well equipped over the Urban grade, including: 10.25 inch infotainment screen, rear parking sensors, leather upholstery, heated front seats and steering wheel, privacy glass, rain sensing wipers, blind-spot collision warning, safe exit warning, rear-cross traffic avoidance to name a few.