I was invited to take out for a simulated driving test a
group of journalists and some Kia employees. It was designed as a great way to
inspire some excellent driving from experienced drivers who had passed their driving
tests years ago.
Half of those
that failed did so because of a ‘serious driving’ offence, which results in
instant failure during the DSA driving test.
One narrowly
avoided hitting a pedestrian who stepped into the street between parked cars.
The rest failed
due to poor observation and a series of ‘minor’ faults.
A driver is
allowed up to 15 such faults during the test, if they make 16 or more then they
fail.
Driving
Instructor Damien Burke, of Blue School of Motoring Ltd, said the most frequent
faults were drivers failing to check mirrors and not looking over their
shoulder to check blind spots.
After the event I had the joy to test drive the Kia Soul
Shaker. A car that handles very well ,
with all round good visibility. I was
impressed by the height you drive at for a car of it’s size. Great views when
approaching junctions, whether they be roundabouts or closed T junctions, so a
safe car for general driving. The space inside
for the passengers and drivers is only matched the boot space, so this would
ideally suit a family of 4/5 easily.
The console layout is easy to read, and the interior
design is quite funky, including a great little rear view camera that helps
when reversing, this appears in the centre mirror.
The Soul Shaker draws its inspiration from the timeless
aesthetic of American Shaker design,
uniting traditional and contemporary styles in a bold
fusion of ideas. Elegant vanilla paintwork
is complemented by a retro-inspired chrome rear bumper
garnish. The vanilla colour theme is
reiterated on the interior with distinctive houndstooth
cloth upholstery
Technical
Specification
Key Equipment
1.6 Litre Petrol
1.6 Litre CRDi Diesel
Driver’s Seat Height Adjust
Tilt Adjustable Steering Wheel
Leather Steering Wheel & Gearshift
Air Conditioning
Power Steering
6 Airbags
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) including Traction
Control with BAS
RDS Radio & CD Player with MP3 Capability
USB & AUX Ports
iPod Cable
18” Alloy Wheels
Privacy Glass (Rear Windows & Tailgate)
Electrically Adjustable & Heated Door Mirrors
Metallic Centre Fascia
Metallic Interior Door Handles
Luggage Underfl oor Tray
Electric Sunroof
Electrochromic Rearview Mirror
Cream Dash Interior (Colour Feature Panels on Dash &
Doors)
Advanced Reversing Camera System in Rearview Mirror
Chrome Rear Garnish
Cream & Black Houndstooth Upholstery
Engine
Emissions Standard Euro IV Euro
Type 1.6 CVVT 16 VALVE
Displacement cc 1,591
0-62 mph (in seconds) 11.0
Top Speed mph (kph) 110
Fuel Consumption
Official Government Test Figures) mpg (l/100km)
Urban 15” & 16” wheels / 18” wheels 35.8 (7.9)
Extra Urban 15” & 16” wheels / 18” wheels 49.6 (5.7)
Combined 15” & 16” wheels / 18” wheels 43.5 (6.5)
|
Model |
Basic |
VAT |
Retail |
OTR * |
|
1.6 |
£8,473.92 |
£1,271.08 |
£9,745.00 |
£10,495.00 |
|
1.6 |
£9,343.48 |
£1,401.52 |
£10,745.00 |
£11,495.00 |
|
1.6 |
£10,234.78 |
£1,535.22 |
£11,770.00 |
£12,495.00 |
|
1.6 |
£11,082.61 |
£1,662.39 |
£12,745.00 |
£13,495.00 |
|
1.6 |
£10,213.04 |
£1,531.96 |
£11,745.00 |
£12,495.00 |
|
1.6 |
£11,104.35 |
£1,665.65 |
£12,770.00 |
£13,495.00 |
|
1.6 |
£12,408.70 |
£1,861.30 |
£14,270.00 |
£14,995.00 |
Basic VAT Retail Metallic / Mica Paint £326.09
£48.91 £3
