Kia Soul safety systems were tested in 2009 under Euro NCAP’s more stringent criteria. This is one overall rating (from one to five stars) that covers adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, pedestrian protection and a new area of assessment – safety assist.

It scored the maximum five stars and was particularly impressive in terms of child safety. All cars come with six airbags as standard as well as an electronic stability programme.

The Soul offers as much boot space as the Kia Ceed with the rear seats in place, plus luggage space can be increased with split/folding rear seats fitted to all models. An additional luggage tray can be specified for the boot to keep items separate and the front door bins are large enough to accommodate a drinks bottle.

The glove compartment is large and there is a small storage compartment in the centre of the dashboard, although it has a fiddly opening mechanism.