[TouringPleb]

We looked at one when Mr TP was considered changing the X6. We really liked it but too big for just us two.

[Watsey]

Originally Posted by TurboWeasel

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and all that, but my eye says - fugly.

I remember when people used to buy those poo brown Mercedes 190Es back in the day, but I look at them now and think, hmmmmm.....that colour is kinda cool Maybe these modern ugly cars will grow on us.

For that money I'd rather have the Ioniq 5 N if exploring far eastern options.

I like what they’ve done with the 5N but really it’s not in the same size class as the EV9.

[Scoobyd]

Ugly as sin and too big for our roads and car parks etc. That aside...

[KRS_SN]

https://youtu.be/J66Pe-HaQpk?si=9XsSMZd3FWUECxBd

Jayemm..I like his videos.

[TimMcC]

We need 7 seats in our next car, and this is a definite contender. How did you find it?

[KRS_SN]

Originally Posted by TimMcC

We need 7 seats in our next car, and this is a definite contender. How did you find it?

Test drive next Thursday. I fear that utility aside the driver involvement and joy that ix does provide to a good extent (ipace too I'd imagine)may be missing. I'll keep us posted.

[MashinBenzin]

Looks great as a package, would have one in a flash. Not test driving one as I don’t want another car change.

If you think Kia Souls look nondescript, probably been staring too long at the bucktoothed iX KRS_SN

The price, like pretty much all Kias, is a bargain as said.

[KRS_SN]

Originally Posted by MashinBenzin

Looks great as a package, would have one in a flash. Not test driving one as I don’t want another car change.

If you think Kia Souls look nondescript, probably been staring too long at the bucktoothed iX KRS_SN

The price, like pretty much all Kias, is a bargain as said.

Box on wheels v buck tooth. Devil or the deep sea perhaps the polarity keeps sales on each side alive.

[Watsey]

Originally Posted by KRS_SN

Disaster..
Saw a kia soul parked today...
It was nondescript l. I fear the EV9 eventually heads towards the same destiny..

You think a Soul is nondescript ?

If you want a nondescript reference point just use the Tesla Model 3 or Model Y. Could there be anything less characterful or interesting about those body shapes ? They are literally devoid of design.

[1 AKY]

I’ve seen one regularly round my neck of the woods and it has grown on me. Looks much better in the darker colours.

[KRS_SN]

Originally Posted by Watsey

You think a Soul is nondescript ?

If you want a nondescript reference point just use the Tesla Model 3 or Model Y. Literally, could there be anything less characterful or interesting about those body shapes ? They are literally devoid of design.

The ioniq 9 looks interesting too..maybe waiting till its out would be a good ploy.

[KRS_SN]

I drove the top of the line fully optioned GT lineS
Cons

Black plastic everywhere Including the centre console and arm rest.
Idrive type screen is rather monochromatic
Does not display brilliant colours like the IX.
Head up display isn't as sharp or display enough information.
The seat padding comfort for sitting is say 20% worse than the IX. The castanea feels plush the ev9 leatherette is rather basic.
The HK in IX is completely on a different league than the stereo system with the same settings and music source when played through android auto in the ev9. Bass and clarity and theatrcal effect compared to IX was a real let down.
The acceleration was mature and not visceral like the bmw.
Being an ev and despite being in sports mode I could feel a throttle lag But this is nowhere near as compared to an ice vehicle It felt mature in the way delivered power and not like a sporty vehicle

Pros
The seat massage is much better
The headrest is fabulously comfortable
Android auto connects instantly
The 3rd row is for proper adults at 6ft I fit in easily.
3 click in settings for 2nd row. In the mid setting I had few inces of legroom and 2nd row had ample legroom too. Major plus
Luggage space with 7 seats up better than X7
Rearview mirror can switch to camera view so loading up the boot isn't an issue.
Turning on indicators brings on the camera view relating to the side indicated on drivers display. Such a good safety feature.
Spirited driving for 15 miles motorway and b roads sport mode 2.8mi per kwh. It was by the end of the drive showing 43%soc and 143 miles left 14 degrees Celsius. That was fine by me.
Regenerative function can be turned down to minimal and the car coasts. I love this option.
Lots of buttons on steering wheel for volume/autodrive/regen/terrain(snow mud sand etc)/drive modes(comfort,sport,eco).buttons on dash for home.
3 trims, Plenty of options as standard. No need to be an expert to spec it.


The surprise
When you are sat in the driver seat , it doesn't feel like a large car and you can see beyond the hood.
The sound insulation on the motorway is brilliant. Is it absorbed un even road surfaces very well.
It drove much smaller than I expected for a car of that seems to have beaten bmw in its own game in this regard.
When it came to twisted roads and roundabouts and corners the body lean was very limited. In this regard it felt as though it had beaten bmw at its own game.

The dealership experience
No nonsense. Straight away gave me a figure on how much discount was available. Right away told me the lowest apr. The original salesman who is supposed to take me on the test drive was off sick.But the guy who greeted me initially just got on with the job and said OK.I'll deal with it and took me for the drive.And he was well informed and a young person and knew everything about the technology.

Summary
Bags of practicality and a peach to drive and 7 proper seats too. If you disregard the interior and sound system it's a bomb for a 75k price. And yes I would choose it over an X7. Better driving than my X7 on DHP.