Let’s get the issue of its looks out of the way immediately. To enthusiasts, the new Kia Soul looks squat, sporty and purposeful – to others it is just a box on wheels.

But anyone who writes off the Soul purely on its appearance is making a big mistake.

Not only is it bigger and roomier than the previous model, the brilliantly practical Korean-built Soul outperforms it in every way – it is better built, quieter and, crucially, a much classier drive.

Priced from about £12,600, all versions of the high-riding Soul, despite the 4x4 looks, are five-seaters with front-wheel-drive.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Designed for practical but classy driving

Available with a choice of two 1.6-litre engines, the much-improved ride quality and sharper handling is largely thanks to a new chassis based on that of the Kia cee’d.

Designed and engineered in Germany, the Slovakian-built, 126 horsepower turbodiesel engine offers the prospect of better than 50mpg in day-to-day use, combined with superbly eager performance.

Longer, wider and lower than the previous model, both the step-in point and hip points are lower, making it easier to get in and out. Once inside there is more space for both passengers and luggage and the interior feels altogether more upmarket.

The instrument panel, centre console and door panels have soft-touch facings, the steering wheel rim and gearlever knob are leather-covered and the fascia panel, door armrests and upper console cover have high-gloss black finishings.

Kia says the cabin has been made quieter thanks to liberal use of expansion foam, replacing the previous block foam, in the body cavities.

Standard features on every Soul, which is available in five trim levels, range from a DAB radio, a tyre pressure monitoring system, keyless entry, air conditioning and six airbags.

The test model added the likes of Bluetooth and cruise control, satellite navigation and a reversing camera. One extra I could have done without were the pair of illuminated speakers in the front doors that glow in time with music played loud through the hi-fi system.

Much more use are the electronic systems, which are designed to keep everyone safe, that range from anti-lock brakes and brake assist, to electronic stability control, and hill assist to prevent the car from rolling backwards when setting off on steep hills.

Another nice touch is the power steering system, that has a choice of three settings, varying from normal to ‘comfort’, with increased assistance to help with city parking, and a ‘sport’ mode that cuts the amount of assistance to improve feedback and stability at higher speeds.

And for a car with such square styling, the Soul offers an impressively well-rounded warranty, ranging from seven-year/100,000-mile cover to five-year paint and 12-year anti-rust.

At a glance

  • Cost £17,500
  • Insurance group: 10 
  • Fuel consumption (Combined): 56.6mpg 
  • Top speed: 112mph 
  • Length: 414cm/163in 
  • Width: 180cm/71in 
  • Luggage capacity: 12.5 cu ft 
  • Fuel tank capacity: 11.9 gallons/54 litres 
  • CO2 emissions: 132g/km 
  • Warranty: Seven years/100,000 miles