STUDYING the Kia Soul EV in the golf club car park, my pal enthused: “I really like the look of that. I bet it’s fun to drive.”
And he was right, because the Korean marque’s urban crossover put a smile on my face every time I got behind the wheel.
It has contemporary, funky and distinctive looks, is richly equipped and superbly comfortable, and has a surprising turn of speed and agile handling.
This third-generation Soul retains the boxy styling of its predecessors but, to my mind, displays greater dynamism.
I particularly liked the slimline headlights integrated into an upper brow that contrasted with large, squared-off fog lamps.
The wrap-around rear LED light clusters were equally striking, as were the uniquely patterned, chunky, five-spoke 17in alloys.
A rising beltline and fin-shaped rear pillar, as well as a contrasting black roof and black and silver cladding around the base of the Soul add to its appeal.
This electric car is offered in just one high-end trim level, called First Edition. It is priced at £32,445 on the road (including the £2500 government plug-in car grant) – and it has Kia’s a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty.
It features a plush and hi-tech interior, with ample room for four adults or a family of five to stretch out and enjoy the perforated leather seats.
Meanwhile, the 315-litre boot will take the weekly shop, and folding the back seats gives up to 1339 litres of loadspace.
Returning to the cabin, I thought the music-inspired door inserts were particularly attractive, as were the tweeter speakers and air vents that bookend the dash.
Also grabbing attention is the 10.25in, multi-split, infotainment touchscreen with intelligent sat nav and a host of live data available, such as weather forecasts.
Crucially, the system also shows drivers charging station locations, charger availability and connection compatibility. I appreciated being able to see the map, music and battery information all at the same time.
Full smartphone integration includes Bluetooth for two devices, an app giving remote access to a range of features and a wireless charger.
Other tech goodies include a head-up display, seven-inch digital instrument cluster and 10-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system.
Aside from the very effective automatic air conditioning, there are also heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.
A raft of aids include auto lights and wipers, adaptive cruise control with stop/go function, forward collision avoidance assist, lane follow assist, reversing camera, blind spot and rear cross traffic warnings, and driver attention alert.
The Soul is engaging to drive, too, thanks to the suspension and powertrain set-ups, with the under-floor 64kWh battery pack helping to deliver greater stability.
I felt it certainly cornered better at speed than many crossover rivals – and that is just as well because the acceleration is lively.
The 150kW (201bhp) motor propels the Kia to 60mph in just 7.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 104mph, while the average range is 280 miles or as high as 402 miles around town.
A sports coupe driver who was annoyingly tailgating me on one trip looked positively astonished as I rapidly put some distance between us on an open country road.
Adding to the motoring enjoyment are different drive modes ranging from sport to eco+ and a regenerative braking system operated by steering wheel paddle shifters.
The sport mode really does enhance the potency of the acceleration, while setting the braking system to maximum energy recuperation means you rarely have to use the brake pedal.
And the one-speed automatic transmission – operated by a smart central rotary dial – ensures a smooth experience.
Owners have a variety of charging options, too, with a 100kW rapid charger taking just 54 minutes to go from zero to 80 per cent battery capacity. A 50kW fast charger will do the same job in an hour and 15 minutes.
Alternatively, a 7.2kW wallbox will rejuice the car from drained to full power in nine hours and 35 minutes, and you can even do it using a standard domestic socket in 31 hours.
The Kia Soul is an interesting package that will appeal to the eco-conscious and those who like to drive something that stands out from the crowd.
