Photo: Stefan Baldauf / Robert Kah
Kia is definitely trying to reposition itself on all markets, looking up to companies with more pedigree and longer tradition. Their recent moves in the US include launching a new premium contender in the premium full-size sedan segment and signs show that the South Koreans will just keep on going.
With recent developments on the economical and financial markets in the world, their expansion is completely understandable. Whereas people could afford BMW and Mercedes vehicles before today they find it hard to afford even a ‘cheap’ Asian car.
The pricing strategy and improvement in general design, finishing and collaborations with other manufacturers made Kia a dangerous company for bigger companies.
Their latest challenge is to enter the EV market and set a foothold in it. The Soul EV model that just made its European Debut at Geneva is part of this master plan, becoming the first globally-sold electric-vehicle the South Koreans ever made and put in production. We’re facing a bit of history making here, then.
Technical specs are not as impressive as on other cars that cost considerably more, but they do serve to a purpose, within a very thin price range.
The car is front-wheel drive and uses a 109 HP and 285 Nm (210 lb-ft) of torque electric motor powered by a 27 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery that is class-leading with 200 Wh/kg energy density, according to the company’s official press release. The estimated range could, therefore, span up to 200 km (124 miles) on a single charge.
Of course, just like all the other ‘EVs’ on the market, the driving and handling characteristics have been taken to a ‘high level of refinement’ with a revised platform and chassis, thanks to usage of new materials, even though they don’t specify exactly which ones.
Since this is an electric vehicle, part of the focus was on saving energy wherever possible. Therefore, the engineers fitted the Soul EV with a new heating ventilation system and air-conditioning technologies, including the first ‘driver-only’ ventilation system that will, presumably, warm up just the driver’s seat when there are no passengers around.
Staying true to their 7-year, 150,000 km warranty plan, the South Koreans are offering the same options for the electric Soul when it goes on sale in Europe, later this year. No word on pricing yet.
The pricing strategy and improvement in general design, finishing and collaborations with other manufacturers made Kia a dangerous company for bigger companies.
Their latest challenge is to enter the EV market and set a foothold in it. The Soul EV model that just made its European Debut at Geneva is part of this master plan, becoming the first globally-sold electric-vehicle the South Koreans ever made and put in production. We’re facing a bit of history making here, then.
Technical specs are not as impressive as on other cars that cost considerably more, but they do serve to a purpose, within a very thin price range.
The car is front-wheel drive and uses a 109 HP and 285 Nm (210 lb-ft) of torque electric motor powered by a 27 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery that is class-leading with 200 Wh/kg energy density, according to the company’s official press release. The estimated range could, therefore, span up to 200 km (124 miles) on a single charge.
Of course, just like all the other ‘EVs’ on the market, the driving and handling characteristics have been taken to a ‘high level of refinement’ with a revised platform and chassis, thanks to usage of new materials, even though they don’t specify exactly which ones.
Since this is an electric vehicle, part of the focus was on saving energy wherever possible. Therefore, the engineers fitted the Soul EV with a new heating ventilation system and air-conditioning technologies, including the first ‘driver-only’ ventilation system that will, presumably, warm up just the driver’s seat when there are no passengers around.
Staying true to their 7-year, 150,000 km warranty plan, the South Koreans are offering the same options for the electric Soul when it goes on sale in Europe, later this year. No word on pricing yet.
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