2014 Kia Soul

Ah, the 2014 Kia Soul. Now, this is a car that understands the very essence of what a small city runabout should be. It’s quirky, it’s cheerful, and it’s entirely unapologetic about it. Just look at it. The boxy design is a delightful nod to functionality over form, but in a way that’s somehow… charming. It’s a bit like that comfortable armchair you’ve had for years. Maybe not the most stylish thing in the room, but you’d never part with it because it simply works. Slide behind the wheel and you’ll notice an elevated driving position, which gives you excellent visibility – rather like being perched in a greenhouse, except without the worry of the heating bill. Everything inside is wonderfully intuitive. The controls are exactly where you expect them to be, and it’s all laid out in that no-nonsense Korean way that puts ease of use first. Even the materials, though not particularly lavish, feel robust and well-suited to daily use. Now, the engine. It’s not going to set the world on fire, but then again, it’s not trying to. The Soul is powered by a 1.6-litre petrol or diesel engine – perfectly adequate for pottering around town, doing the school run, or nipping to the shops. It’s smooth, quiet, and unpretentious. If you’re looking for blistering performance, you’re in the wrong place. But if you value reliability, simplicity, and a rather endearing sense of charm, then this car ticks all the boxes. And then, of course, there’s the space. The beauty of that boxy shape is that it’s brilliantly practical. You can actually fit people in the back – real people, not just children or luggage – and the boot is ample enough for the weekly shop or even the odd flat-pack piece of furniture. It’s versatile, adaptable, and everything you need for modern city life. In short, the 2014 Kia Soul is a little slice of cheerful, dependable motoring. It doesn’t try to be something it’s not. It’s comfortable, sensible, and, above all, easy to live with. It may not set your pulse racing, but it will get you where you need to go with a smile on your face – and sometimes, that’s all you really need in a car. Price excludes $399 processing fees