What blew me away most about my week-long test drive of the all-electric 2015 Kia Soul EV was despite the boxy exterior, booming sound system and man-size hamster ads that scream BOOMPF-BOOMPF-BOOMPF, DOOIT-DOOIT-DOOIT, what stood out most was the quiet, ultra-smooth ride.

Surely those young ‘uns stopped alongside me at red lights thinking to themselves “mid-life crisis … sad” had no idea that my blue-and-white charmer drove like grandma’s Buick LaCrosse.

Indeed, at around 35 grand with all the bells and whistles and mad beats on my test model, this Kia Soul EV had me re-thinking my looming personal strategy of going as cheaply as possible just to get into an electric, and then trade up as time (and main battery life) march on.

Besides the smooth ride, it delivers impressive power when you need it, like getting on the freeway or passing grandma in her Buick LaCrosse. Being winter in Southern California, there was no need to deploy the heat for the heated front seats, but with their leather trim they were quite comfortable. Rear-view mirror visibility, which has been an issue for me with other EVs and tiny cars, was no problem in this Korean version.

Then there were those aforementioned bells, whistles and yes, mad beats, yo. The electronically powered air conditioner had the cabin cool in a snap, something vital since it was winter in SoCal. (Pass the sunscreen.) What really had me styling was the smart key you keep in your pocket and the power-folding outside side mirrors. There’s a setting that allows the mirrors to fold inward when the car is off and then they electronically fold out when you unlock it. (The mirrors are also said to be heated and have turn-signal indicators, but I didn’t feel/see to confirm.)

The car makes a little blip sound as you (and only you) approach with the key in your pocket, purse or murse. You can take the key fob out and press unlock or simply push a little black button on the door handle to do the same. With the key still in pocket, you (and only you) can then press the car start button inside the cabin. The engine barely makes a noise; it’s better to check the gauge behind the steering wheel to see that it’s indeed running.

A large screen in the center console allows for viewing the navigation system, SIRIUSXM satellite radio settings or a split screen of both. Of course, when you shift your EV into reverse, the same screen is filled with the rear-camera image. This came in especially handy on a dark side street off PCH in Laguna Beach, where a mom and dad carrying little ones decided to walk right into my reverse path as I started to back up. I was able to watch them amble off to safety.

You’ll notice little holes around the front and back bumpers, which provide another safety feature: little sensors to alert you with a noise inside if you are getting too close to an object or vice versa. This got a little annoying while backing out of my car lot of a driveway but was welcome when a lane-changer on the freeway forgot to signal. All things considered, I’d rather put up with the annoyance.

Read more: OC Weekly

What is a Green Vehicle?
It is a vehicle which, for its size and purpose, provides the Canadian consumer with environmentally-friendly returns that compare favourably with other vehicles in its class.

VANCOUVER, March 24, 2015 /CNW/ – In an early afternoon press conference at the opening ceremonies of the Vancouver International Auto Show, the Kia Soul EV claimed top honours when the car was declared the 2015 Canadian Green Car of the Year by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC).

The Canadian Green Car of the Year award, in its preliminary season, was presented by Kevin Corrigan, Chair of the Canadian Green Car Committee at the Vancouver International Auto Show from a finalist list of four (4) vehicles. The top four (4) finalists, the Honda Fit, the Kia Soul EV, the Subaru Legacy and the Toyota Camry Hybrid, were announced at the opening ceremonies of the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto back in February. The 4 finalists were “crowned’ with green car toppers for the duration of the Toronto show – and will subsequently wear these same crowns in Vancouver – which showcase their place in the running for the Canadian Green Car of the Year Award.

“Kia Canada is thrilled that the all-new 2015 Kia Soul EV has been recognized by AJAC as the Canadian Green Car of the Year “,

said Maria Soklis, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Kia Canada Inc.

“This acknowledgement is testimony to Kia’s ongoing commitment to deliver environmentally friendly automotive solutions and diverse powertrains to consumers without compromising on design or comfort.”

7 vehicles became eligible for this top honour after being tested in the annual “TestFest” event that AJAC’s Canadian Car of the Year Awards program hosts annually in October. These four (4) finalists represent the back to back, same day testing and vote results compiled by the largest group of Canada’s best-known automotive journalists, who gather every year for a 5 day testing program, in late fall. KPMG, the accounting firm, tabulates all vote results and presents AJAC with the top 3 – or in this case, the top 4 due to a tie – in 15 different categories. Acura, Cadillac and Mercedes-Benz (smart), were also in the running.

Mr. Corrigan explains,

“While an electrically-propelled sub-compact, thought of as green, may well suit those living within the city limits, is it not also true to view a fuel-efficient 6 cyl luxury hybrid product likewise, when compared to a V8 gas-powered vehicle in its relative segment of the market? Yes, the Canadian consumer requires environmentally-friendly transportation which meets their needs, whether it be a small city runaround, or a fuel-efficient luxury product for their airport limousine business. So when it comes to vehicle transportation, any & every vehicle which offers both fuel-efficiency and addresses environmental concerns is worthy of our attention, and praise, where due”.

Source: Automobile Journalists Association of Canada

• Kia Soul EV claims Motoring TV 2013 ‘Best Electric Car’
• Soul EV wins second Canadian award to date

MISSISSAUGA, ON, March 2, 2015 /CNW/ – Kia’s first all-electric vehicle launched in Canada has been awarded Motoring TV’s 2015 ‘Best Electric Car’. The 2015 Soul EV secured this win by finishing ahead of challengers like the Nissan Leaf and the Smart Fortwo Electric DriveElectric respectively.

“Receiving this prestigious award from such a distinguished group of automotive journalists at Motoring TV reaffirms how well this vehicle has been received by Canadians”

said Maria Soklis, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO), Kia Canada Inc.

“Class leading range and complete utility without compromise similar to its gasoline sibling is an advantage that the Soul EV has to offer to Canadians in an urban environment.”

“The Kia Soul EV redefines what is to be expected of the next-gen electric car. It has more than acceptable range and does not sacrifice flexibility to be green” said Graeme Fletcher, “Unlike so many electric cars the Soul EV’s range is real and not something based on theory. I drove a Soul EV for 162 kilometres and it still had 25% left in the battery at the end of the drive.”

This is the second Canadian award that the Soul EV has won since its launch late last year. In December, Kia Canada was presented an Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) Car of the Year category award winner of the “Best New City Car” award by AJAC. This award from Motoring TV marks the 9th award that Kia has received over the last five years to include back to back wins with Motoring Car of the Year in 2011 and 2012 with the Kia Sportage SUV and the Kia Optima mid-size sedan winning respectively.

SOURCE KIA Canada Inc.

Kia Motors brought home another prestigious award, with the Kia Soul EV winning the Car of the Year title in Norway. The largest consumer information service providing organization in Norway, Dinside, has named the Kia Soul EV the best car for 2015 based on its price, space, handling, technology, and environmental friendliness.

Soul EV gained the highest marks among 10 eligible candidates, thanks to its excellent design, spacious interior, and the best range (212km) on a single charge among the available electric vehicle (EV) models. Unlike some other eco-friendly cars with limited cargo space, Soul EV has been able to maximize the passenger and cargo room thanks to its boxy shape, adding practicality for all consumers.

Read more: Kia Buzz

A 350 mile test drive in the all new Kia Soul EV.

Kia claim that their battery density of 200 watt hours per kilogram is the highest of any electric car on the road.

It has an 81.4 kilowatt motor producing 285 Newton meters of torque. Oh yes, and it’s very nice to drive.