What's all this about?
The Kia Soul has two new high-specification trim lines, given suitably 'funky' names: Mixx and Maxx.
What's wrong with calling them something like 'GL' and 'GLX'?
Ah, this is the 2010s, my friend, not 1993. So Mixx and Maxx it is. They join Start, Connect and Connect Plus in the Soul line-up.
How will I spot these fancy new Souls?
Both come with 18-inch alloys, something called the 'urban styling pack' (front, rear and side skirts, plus those wheelarch extensions) and LED daytime running lights. They both also come with contrasting body and roof colours, roof-coloured door mirrors and a reversing camera.
What else is loaded into the package?
Both get a premium Infinity sound system, eight-inch touchscreen satnav, leather upholstery, heated front seats and automatic air conditioning.
So why bother with the Maxx?
Because it adds keyless entry with an engine start/stop button, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, parking sensors front and rear and a panoramic sunroof too. This is the ultimate in Soul.
How much?
The Mixx comes with either the 1.6 GDi petrol engine with a manual gearbox, or with the better 1.6 CRDi diesel engine in either six-speed manual or automatic guises, starting from £18,150. The Maxx starts from £19,950 and is available in six-speed manual 1.6 GDi and 1.6 CRDi guises.
Matt Robinson - 16 Sep 2014