The thing to remember the Citroen comes well equipped whilst VW follows the German trend if everything is extra. I love the idea of the comfortable Citroen I just wish they would improve on its range
The ID3 comes with loads of kit as standard, the only thing the base trim is lacking is keyless entry really, but it still has keyless start so not a huge deal
I have had my eSoul since Jan. 2020. Absolutely love it. Had a Leaf for 5 years before that, and Prius before that. Kia engineering is better, control layout is good. I like buttons and knobs more than touchscreens in a car. Soul's steering wheel has most of the controls you need. Road noise is a bit loud due to stiff suspension. The 64kWh battery has removed all range anxiety.
To me, the ID.3 looks like a child's toy, externally. The Kia is definitely function over form but the C4 has very flowing lines. I got my C4 two weeks ago and love it. The infotainment system is a bit naff and not very intuitive but I bought the car for comfort and it repays me every time I drive it!
I love my 21plate black / red Soul EV. It looks so cool. Drives so well & the interior is luxurious with full leather interior. The seats & height are so comfortable. I love it ❤️❤️
I bought an ex demo 2000 mile Soul a few weeks ago for 29k part exing my 40 kW Leaf. The thing is I heard the same thing about the Leaf having a dated interior, but when you’re coming from in my case a 2007 BMW, the interior is fresh and new and modern and Soul even better. Yes the boot is smaller but it suits us and you can get after market froot/frunk kits as there is space for it. The regen is amazing and I leave mine in auto and on 1, I love the auto function. Also I love the sound system with I don’t know how many speakers it has. I leave it in eco mode all the time as it gives a nice progressive throttle and is still quick if needed, today I drove about 80 odd miles in it and averaged 4.5 m/kWh with some spirited driving so efficiency is up there too. End of the days it’s the marmite exterior that’s the decider
The styling is what swung it for me. I decided I wanted a car that didn't look like all the other bland boxes. I nearly bought an e-Niro but the styling is so forgettable I knew I would tire of it within weeks.
@@Richard-io9xe You took the words right out of my mouth.. Mine is also white with a red roof, so in a packed car park I'm always going to find my car.
Great review! I would recommend you not to let the price be very important, because you are being watched internationally, and prices are very different. Top specced these would be 32k for the Citroen, 40k for the VW and 43k for the soul where I come from, and then I think the e C4 blows the other two away.
Same here in Portugal and I would go for the C4 anytime. Only problem with the C4 ..... The C4 coupé I have parked on my garage and that I still love. Also like the Id.3 quite a lot but the C4 is better overall
@@RomanRoman-xi3dv In 0 to -5 Celsius I get about 20% more range but of course I don’t need the maximum range every day. It reduces the energy consumption for climate control etc. and restricts power but you’ll still have all power available when you “floor it”.
@@RomanRoman-xi3dv I have to find out! Don’t know yet but I think the range will be optimal in 20 C because I think that is the WLTP testing temperature. If it is really hot in the summer I guess one would need to switch to Normal mode now and then to have enough cooling which I suppose is more limited in Eco mode, regardless that it uses the heat pump for the cooling?
Soul EV for me. In fact, I have one and love it. Mine is the ice cream with strawberry topping colour combo. Yes, the interior is slightly dated but it's all so much better quality than the ID.3 and, helpfully, it all just works. So many bugs with the ID.3 I would be hesitant to put my money on one.
Same... e-Soul 64kWh (e-Design trim, dunno what equivalent it is in the UK) black + red top... my third EV, totally love it... the Nexen tires are horrible though, and no heat-pump on my market, but loving every other bit of it, a bang for the buck
@@jaxxdotorg swapped my tyres for Goodyear Efficient Grips on the day I took delivery because I knew the Nexens were terrible and I had no faith in them. The GYs are much better.
@@Richard-io9xe I'm actually on the lookout for my next set, since I'm around 30k km on them and some to spare, within a good balance between wear/efficiency/grip (the classics)... TBH, the nexens seam efficient though, I just don't want to lose range, as we barely have anywhere to charge in France (like, seriously, it's a pain if you don't have a tesla here)... If you're happy with them, it'll get into my shortlist ;)
Good comparison video but there is one thing that most, if not all EV reviewers miss in my opinion : - Regen as we know works by putting energy back in the battery when you are driving along and take your foot off the accelerator pedal like when you are driving in urban areas; some cars have adjustable Regen so you can have more or less depending on your driving style; but some allow you to switch off Regen completely so why would you want to do this? As we all know you get the most Regen in towns and cities where you are on and off the throttle all the time, but not so much on long relatively flat motorways. If you switch off Regen completely - like you can on Kia, Hyundai and Tesla products - the car immediately feels like it rolls along more freely and if you are on cruise control at 70mph for example, you will use less energy from the battery, therefore get better range. And if, whilst on a motorway, you come to a long, downhill section where Regen would be beneficial, you just switch it on for that section.
My parents just bought an ID.3. With the recent grant changes the lower end models are comparatively good value. Life Pro Performance. It does everything they need and is pretty well featured for the money, interior plastic aside [Edit] I just saw VW have added £800 onto the price of the Life models as of today. Hmmm. That’s a £1300 increase in the past couple of weeks with the reduced grant. Things are going the wrong way.
that's because of the stuck container ship which caused a global shortage, they need to doubledown on offsetting through price optimisation which will be netted off on pcp deals
This is not fair. The Kia and ID.3 are equipped with lager batteries and much more power, than the Citroen and are therefor much more expensive. When you choose comparable prices and gear, the Kia has only a 40 kWh batterie, and the ID.3 has 45 kWh. The Citroen has 45 kWh (netto). Here in Germany the ID.3 with 58 kWh and 204 HP is 2000 Euros more expensive. And that without a heat pump, which costs 1200 Euros extra for the VW. So, you are comparing much more expensive cars with the Citroen.
Brits missed out on the ID.3 1st Max trim with the best seats (12 way adjustable with massage), AR HUD, and glass pano roof, some extra drive assistants and a few other bits and pieces above the plus trim. It’s more expensive of course but it takes it up a level.
You can now buy the Max trim in the UK with all those things: the First Edition, which they have here, was lesser-specced than the continental version. Oddly.
@@timaustin2000 There were 3 x 1st Edition models in other countries, each with different equipment levels and prices: Pro / Plus / Max (lowest to highest). The UK only got the Plus version.
Trunk/boot space in the Kia Soul EV can be increased by dropping the floor. The floor has two heights to choose from, and it was shown in the higher floor setting in the video. Drop it down for not only more litres of space, but better bracing of the things you put in it.
All three of you are great presenters with a great chemistry. Which might be why the top gear style, faux insults feel a bit forced. Still love the reviews 🙂
I'm having a demo of an ID3 next weekend, and will be trying an e-C4 in the near future too. It'll be interesting to see how my experience matches up with yours! (I have a BMW i3s at the moment).
A great, very informative 3-car comparison - thanks. Which car would I go for...? I love the 'stormtrooper' looks of the Soul and know that the drivetrain systems are absolutely top notch - but it's massively more expensive than the other 2 and the firm ride / small boot combo lets it down, for me. The eC4 looks quirkily different, which I like and, considering just how utterly dreadful the UK's potholed streets are, the ride comfort would be a big win for me - but I've read SO many times just how inefficient the drivetrain is and that your "deeply sub-200 in the real world" is bang on. In my opinion and from just over a year's worth / 17,000 miles of EV experience, a rock-solid, sunshine-or-snow 200 mile range, in my opinion, is a sweet-spot... that's pretty well 3 hours of motorway driving then a sensible 30 minute 'comfort break & coffee' whilst the car recharges. Then there's the iD3... I SOOOoooooo want to love it... The slightly bland looks don't faze me - it's probably quite colour-specific (obviously, your test car being in grey was just hilariously ironic...!) I love that it's rear-wheel drive, has pretty impressive performance for the money and, by all accounts, hits that sweet-spot 200 mile range come rain or shine. So, all good, so far... What I feel I would find unforgivable - and, consequently, unlivable with - is the dreadful cost-cutting lack of quality materials for one, plus the woefully user-UNfriendly touch-sensitive interface...! Non-illuminating temperature 'slider' controls in a circa.£30k car...? What were VW thinking...??? So, I guess I'm just going to have to wait it out until the Tesla Model 2 (?) comes out... Tesla technology and drivetrain supremacy, backed up by the near-faultless Supercharger network... Now THAT would be hard to ignore... :-)
If Wookie wore any more earthy colours he'd become soil. Don't go into the woods we'll lose you for ever. Thanks for the comparison video. These are real cars for really people so very useful.
Thing is the Soul EV was released in 2014 and competitors like VW and Citroen are only now just starting to catch up- some say they still haven't. Now Hyundai Motor Group are about to release the Ioniq 5 and Kia EV 6 based on their new dedicated EV platform E-GMP with 800V architecture (like the Porsche Taycan) and 350kW charging capability. These are the cars with which the ID 3 will have to compete and I don't think it will be even close.
Depends very much on the price. No doubt at all that the Hyundai and Kia duo will be by far the better cars but the value proposition on an ID.3 is tricky to get past. I'm having this conundrum myself (leaning heavily toward the Ioniq 5 or the Enyaq).
I don't mind any of those. As long as the car can take me from A to B and do 120-150 real world range. Happy days. I'm still driving 24kwh Leaf and it does the job however need more range. It going to be very difficult to find an upgrade. But probably it won't be any of those because of the price. So far thinking of Corsa E, Ioniq and Zoe. Sadly can't drive test yet because of Covid but all the big UA-cam channels testing some cars every day. Don't really understand this.
Norway experience from me. Kia Soul charges slooow when “fast charging even when using winter mode. And especially in winter it’s almost useless. Id3 and e-C4 charges much faster.
Hey that was one of the best videos you have made. Not easy to compare these three cars but you did an excellent job. Presentation nicely sectioned with good facts and observations and I liked the way you both came to your final conclusions.
Great comparison. The ID.3 is great value for money and that rear wheel drive :-) E Soul is just funky with great range. Such a pity that the e C4 has such a small battery, Citroen missed a trick here.
eSoul is 77kW charging. I would like to see a real world ride including a charge stop to see what is the best combination. The eC4 had had an upgrade in charge curve and with that a downgrade in kWh. It's down to 42.
Good to see Ginny still on it , good presenting from u both ...Warranty has value , Citreon 3 v Kia 7 years looking at buying used , less than 2 years old , nearly half price , 5 + years left
The ID.3 has so many options which are not even offered for the two others: True HUD, Matrix LED, extrem small turning radius and not to forget: an optional 77kwh battery. I would without doubt go for the ID.3.
It's 8 months later, but still valid: The premium problem (7:00) of VW is Audi and Porsche in the same company (group) and the ID4 even above the ID3. So VW feels, they must make the ID3 the least premium car of all the other ones in the company group... to sell the other cars too... That's my feeling at least. And it's not a good thing.
I like the outer shape of the ID3 but the available colours to me are really dull! Having driven a car with left hand drive wipers there was always a large chunk of un wiped screen in big strip right in your eye line which was annoying especially when it dries to leave a dirty strip that is hard to see through. How hard is it to reverse a wiper? I love the adjustable regen on Hyundai and Kia cars. I actually Don.'t mind buttons. I don' t really like the outside of the citroen but the inside looks nice. I never know what I think of the soul. Sometimes I think I like the shape but sometimes not depending on the angle, I think it is a bit marmite! I have to say considering ID4 was built as a ground up eV there are some significant omissions low regen, heat pump is optional extra? Not so on the soul! I almost feel the citroen and the ID3 are aimed towards getting people into ev's rather than being good a good eV?
I am easily getting 250 miles range from my Soul and its very liberating to have that much range (Ive actually done 270 in it with capacity left) and even dropping 20 would be a step back for me to go to the ID.3, depends on the journeys you do, it might not make any difference of course. I agree the Soul interior is dated, but you have a higher ride height in the Soul for better visibility. And also, the gear change on the ID.3 is in the same place as on BMW i3 and i found that very annoying having to bend your hand round the back of the steering wheel. Likely my next car will be the new Kia or Hyundai, or maybe the Tesla "model 2" if it comes with a higher ride height than the drawings that make it look like a squashed Zoe.
@@wermagst Possibly but whether it matters is another thing, i rarely charge at public chargers given the Souls range, so a handful of times a year a 20 minute saving on charging (maybe) wouldnt compensate for me. When i come to swap, maybe next year, there will be a lot of interesting cars to choose from. ID.3 wont be one though. If i had to choose right now and couldn't get a Soul, I'd probably go for the recently refreshed Kona. Indeed if i had to choose now and *could* get a Soul, it would be between Soul and Kona. This is looking at cars in the same price bracket. Polestar looks good also,a bit pricey though and IIRC range not up to either of these.
@@wermagst Unfortunately, the ID3 has been the most inefficient. Most reviewers have been getting around 2.8m/kwh. It has aggressive power usage to heat up the battery pack, not good on regular short journeys. Also, a heater pump is an optional extra, but is included with the Soul EV.
@@mrmarkdyde Exactly right, they want people to buy EV’s but discourage them by reducing grants and still don’t seem to be doing much to improve charging infrastructure. As soon as take up of EV’s increases they’ll very quickly find ways of extracting the revenue they lose from fuel duty so the motorist gets shafted again. Just like we were encouraged to buy diesels and then all of a sudden diesel is the work of the devil.
Price reduction has seen this to be no longer the case. The First Edition can be had for approx £32k (after grant) in Ashington, Northumberland can't see why it's more expensive anywhere else. Great value considering level of equipment and range.
Thanks, you two! Great comparisons. I just have to say: "Haptic controls - WHY?" I haven't seen any reviewer that actually likes them or, more importantly, finds them easier to use than normal buttons and knobs. The same goes to some extent for touch screens - I think they all detract from your concentration when driving and are a fashion that car companies need to move on from and get back to real controls that you feel and operate without taking your eyes off the road. Is it just me?
Saw Golf 8 tonight. Thought was an ID3. Also realised the (e)C4 the love child of a C4 Cactus and a C6. If there was a car to be driven about in, I'd say that's it. Also if Bjorn Nyland's experience of 125kw charger in real time, beyond amazing (1% every 2 seconds from virtually flat).
Why does Kia (and therefore every reviewer) quote just the boot size with the false floor in the raised position? There's a perfectly usable option to lower the false floor (losing the flat-ish layout when you lower the rear seats). The lowered position is probably gaining about 100 litres, so bringing the boot capacity to 415 litres - suddenly not the "noteworthy" small size that most reviews point out.
I didn't actually realise this, it didn't stop me from choosing the Soul EV but I did so thinking of lack of space as being a caveat and suffered boot envy of its competitors but knowing this and just reading that after market froot boxes exist I'm absolutely certain I made the right decision! 👍🏾😀
You also forgot to mention that id ID.3 is in it's lowest spec in this video. And that higher spec models get 125 kw charging, much nicer seats, much nicer headlights and nicer wheels.
That stormtrooper look of the Soul is just a killer, but the interior does not match up sadly :/ What a bummer. They should really do version which looks the same from the outside, but is build all electric and with a modern interior (plus the magic seats of the Jazz).
The 0-60 times are often overplayed for this category of car. Are buyers of this type of car looking for fast acceleration? The forthcoming Kia EV6 with 6 levels of regenerative braking could push other manufacturers for follow.
British weather....supermarket....trolley to car....which tailgate will keep you dry as you load the boot ?....there's only one right answer and it's the Soul....:-))
This is exactly what i was looking for. I want get my 1st electric car and these 3 are interesting to me. Also the 2008, niro and kona but if I'm not mistaken the c4 and soul have the same kind of tech.
The Soul EV looks to be the best all rounder. No-one has mentioned that looks wise it kinda looks like a Land Rover Evoque!! come on who wouldn't want something that looks like a pedigree brand like Land Rover. :D I'm looking for EV for my next car.... The Kia Brands seem to be way ahead of other brands so far. The Boot space is my only concern with the Soul... so it'll be a toss up between Boot Space or Spec for the Money between Soul EV or E-Niro 2 64kw
Kia soul ev for me in blue , love the quirky looks and nice inside too an quick enough too with decent range , hopefully my next car be a Kia soul ev 👌👍🏴
get an ID.3 in a bit higher spec than the base model, pick a nicer colour and it has plenty of "Soul". just google ID.3 images. You'll know what I mean.
Soul seems too expensive to be directlly comparable, or to be described as ‘around £30k’ when its closer to 40. And if you’re up there, include the e-niro. Or how about a revisit when the Enyaq (?) is out and sub £35k
@@The-Salty-Bager any decision yet, I had to make the same decision. I actually changed my mind I had been certain I would go with the ID.3 for years (currently drive a 40kHw Leaf and looking for replacement lease car) but as decision time approached I started to research the market again, last time I'd done so the Kona was the value proposition but rarer than hen's teeth being just about to launch. 3 years later I realised that the Soul EV had been introduced 1 year later than the Kona but had its drive train and all important range and I have always loved how the Soul looks (I also loved the the Nissan Cube and original Fiat Multipla!) So my decision was made as when I specced up the ID.3 to compare to my Leaf and the Soul EV First Edition it became more expensive than the Soul EV by about £10 a month but with a shorter range and that ultimately sealed the deal. The only things that the Soul EV lacks are front parking sensors and a 360⁰ top down camera view which I have come to love on the Nissan Leaf.
@@The-Salty-Bager Hmm it is true :-) Kia Soul has front-wheel drive, the ID3 the rear-wheel. So ID3 can be better in winter(if you have snow) and ID3 has better ride(front wheels are without engine). Soul has smaller trunk(can be important feature). But if you are older man the Soul is higher so it is better for often getting into car etc. What I prefer is better protection before corosion and it has VW.. But you can decide also according the price if both models are ok for you, why not :-)
@@robertanderson9584 no still not really decided but I think the soul is in the lead I think it’s a bit more fun to drive feels more planted on the road and interior seems better made.
Tricky choice. I really like the style of the eC4, and the emphasis on comfort. But the 150-200 mile range would put me off, especially when you can get the range the other two cars are offering for a similar price. Ultimately although I'd like to think I'd get the Soul, my brain would pick the ID3, for exactly the same reasons I've got a Golf.
With you: there's no getting over the value the ID.3 offers, here. It drives the best, has the most space and feels like it's built to be an EV. Good range, reasonable price for that range. By all accounts, they're selling as fast as VW can make them, and they deserve to. Just a shame about software and interior material.
Looked at them all and 2nd hand 2-3 year old not much difference in price. The ID3 a lot bigger inside than you would think. Kia Soul looks quirky, but fun. I went with the Ec4 as more comfortable. Funny the presenters did not.
Kia stopped selling the Soul in ICE form. The sold more Soul EVs than both petrol and diesel combined, when they used to be made. So they made a decision to scrap the ICE Soul, and just have the one EV model.
Prices should read ...net afyer grant (2,500) Cheapest model available Soul £37,545 First Edition ID3 £30,800 Life Performance eC4 £30,895 Sense Plus They lied about the price of the VW ...No surprise there then!
PSA need to wake up and introduce larger battery options and faster charging. 50 kWh with only 100 kW just doesn't lead to a proper road trip experience.
If a EV Vehicle dose not have the PADDLEs to adjust the REGENERATIVE BRAKING, then I'm not buying it. YOU HAVE TO HAVE THE PADDLES TO REGENERATIVE BRAKING!!!!!! So efficient!!!
Spec the ID3 up to Soul EV level and it's way more expensive (leather interior, alloy wheels, heated seats, rear camera, heated steering wheel, heat pump, electric drivers seat, heads up display, blind spot warning, collision/pedestrian avoidance, lane keep assist, flexible boot floor, a better sound system etc etc). The Kia also has 7 years warranty, way better real word efficiency, much better regen control including automatic, everything works out of the box (pun intended), real switches, also 7 years free mobile data included, cheaper servicing, better dealership experience, better reliability. For info, we've previously owned 7 VW group cars (6 new inc Passat, Touran, Golf) and the Soul is way better put together. Hope that answers your question !
@@DJKav You definitely pay extra for the Heads Up Display in the UK. Not sure about the current base spec including the heated seats and steering wheel as the VW ID3 site is absolute rubbish to navigate. I don't dislike the ID3, it just touches a raw nerve when people's comments are based solely on outdated brand loyalty, and certainly not on facts, figures and hard research.
"All around 30,000 pounds" and one of them shows price of £37,000. Fair game? Not quite 😂 ID.4 would be much closer to that price point. P.S. the 2020 e-Soul I test drove had a nice head-up display. I wonder why it's not in the U.K. version
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
E-c4 puts to shame the others. What a car
The thing to remember the Citroen comes well equipped whilst VW follows the German trend if everything is extra. I love the idea of the comfortable Citroen I just wish they would improve on its range
The ID3 comes with loads of kit as standard, the only thing the base trim is lacking is keyless entry really, but it still has keyless start so not a huge deal
Build quality and material quality in the citroen is not enough
@@Adam-lx4et You talk a load of crap
@@clivecrossley1750 ha that's rude, do elaborate
@@Adam-lx4et That, and alloy wheels. VW reeeaalllly cheaped out on that for some reason
I would definitely choose the Citroën
Vive la France vive la Citroën. The C4 voiture is just as elegant as madame Ginny Buckley. Superb test !
Citroen c4 is the best
Eh? 😂
Reliability is not even mentioned.
e-C4 all the way.. 🤩🤩
I have had my eSoul since Jan. 2020. Absolutely love it. Had a Leaf for 5 years before that, and Prius before that. Kia engineering is better, control layout is good. I like buttons and knobs more than touchscreens in a car. Soul's steering wheel has most of the controls you need. Road noise is a bit loud due to stiff suspension. The 64kWh battery has removed all range anxiety.
Good warranty too , any issues ?
Soul is great. A proven reliable car. No glitches, no bugs. Easy to operate. Comfortable.
Great material! ...again! You guys rock!
Kia Soul has plenty of bugs and annoying issues. All cars do.
And now the faulty motors just like its cousin e-niro/kona, search the wheel of fortune noise
To me, the ID.3 looks like a child's toy, externally. The Kia is definitely function over form but the C4 has very flowing lines. I got my C4 two weeks ago and love it. The infotainment system is a bit naff and not very intuitive but I bought the car for comfort and it repays me every time I drive it!
I love my 21plate black / red Soul EV. It looks so cool. Drives so well & the interior is luxurious with full leather interior. The seats & height are so comfortable. I love it ❤️❤️
I bought an ex demo 2000 mile Soul a few weeks ago for 29k part exing my 40 kW Leaf. The thing is I heard the same thing about the Leaf having a dated interior, but when you’re coming from in my case a 2007 BMW, the interior is fresh and new and modern and Soul even better. Yes the boot is smaller but it suits us and you can get after market froot/frunk kits as there is space for it. The regen is amazing and I leave mine in auto and on 1, I love the auto function. Also I love the sound system with I don’t know how many speakers it has. I leave it in eco mode all the time as it gives a nice progressive throttle and is still quick if needed, today I drove about 80 odd miles in it and averaged 4.5 m/kWh with some spirited driving so efficiency is up there too. End of the days it’s the marmite exterior that’s the decider
The styling is what swung it for me. I decided I wanted a car that didn't look like all the other bland boxes. I nearly bought an e-Niro but the styling is so forgettable I knew I would tire of it within weeks.
@@Richard-io9xe You took the words right out of my mouth.. Mine is also white with a red roof, so in a packed car park I'm always going to find my car.
Great review! I would recommend you not to let the price be very important, because you are being watched internationally, and prices are very different. Top specced these would be 32k for the Citroen, 40k for the VW and 43k for the soul where I come from, and then I think the e C4 blows the other two away.
Same here in Germany. Thats why I bought the eC4 🙂👍
Same here in Portugal and I would go for the C4 anytime. Only problem with the C4 ..... The C4 coupé I have parked on my garage and that I still love.
Also like the Id.3 quite a lot but the C4 is better overall
Build quality inside the ID3....yeeeesh.....I have eaten yoghurt in plastic cups with better build quality 🤣 What a logo can do to people eh?
As a family car buyer I would like to see the safety ratings of the cars as a part of the reviews, I enjoy the show, thank you for your good work
The ë-C4 for the win! 😍
It’s Eco-mode really works for long journeys!
Can you share more info obout Citroen ECO mode?
@@RomanRoman-xi3dv In 0 to -5 Celsius I get about 20% more range but of course I don’t need the maximum range every day. It reduces the energy consumption for climate control etc. and restricts power but you’ll still have all power available when you “floor it”.
@@Sherukka whould it be the same at 20 deegrees temperatures? Or this ECO mode will have less impact on higher temp?
@@RomanRoman-xi3dv I have to find out! Don’t know yet but I think the range will be optimal in 20 C because I think that is the WLTP testing temperature. If it is really hot in the summer I guess one would need to switch to Normal mode now and then to have enough cooling which I suppose is more limited in Eco mode, regardless that it uses the heat pump for the cooling?
@@Sherukka i can not find info on line if E C4 has heat pump?
The citroen is really cool looking and the one I like best when it comes to looks👍
Soul EV for me. In fact, I have one and love it. Mine is the ice cream with strawberry topping colour combo. Yes, the interior is slightly dated but it's all so much better quality than the ID.3 and, helpfully, it all just works. So many bugs with the ID.3 I would be hesitant to put my money on one.
Same... e-Soul 64kWh (e-Design trim, dunno what equivalent it is in the UK) black + red top... my third EV, totally love it... the Nexen tires are horrible though, and no heat-pump on my market, but loving every other bit of it, a bang for the buck
@@jaxxdotorg swapped my tyres for Goodyear Efficient Grips on the day I took delivery because I knew the Nexens were terrible and I had no faith in them. The GYs are much better.
@@Richard-io9xe I'm actually on the lookout for my next set, since I'm around 30k km on them and some to spare, within a good balance between wear/efficiency/grip (the classics)... TBH, the nexens seam efficient though, I just don't want to lose range, as we barely have anywhere to charge in France (like, seriously, it's a pain if you don't have a tesla here)... If you're happy with them, it'll get into my shortlist ;)
This is as good as car reviews can get nowadays! Loved the banter these two which just made the technicalities more interesting
The E-soul is my 2nd EV I fell in love because of the range and I quite like the exterior, it's cute .
Good comparison video but there is one thing that most, if not all EV reviewers miss in my opinion : - Regen as we know works by putting energy back in the battery when you are driving along and take your foot off the accelerator pedal like when you are driving in urban areas; some cars have adjustable Regen so you can have more or less depending on your driving style; but some allow you to switch off Regen completely so why would you want to do this?
As we all know you get the most Regen in towns and cities where you are on and off the throttle all the time, but not so much on long relatively flat motorways. If you switch off Regen completely - like you can on Kia, Hyundai and Tesla products - the car immediately feels like it rolls along more freely and if you are on cruise control at 70mph for example, you will use less energy from the battery, therefore get better range. And if, whilst on a motorway, you come to a long, downhill section where Regen would be beneficial, you just switch it on for that section.
My parents just bought an ID.3. With the recent grant changes the lower end models are comparatively good value. Life Pro Performance. It does everything they need and is pretty well featured for the money, interior plastic aside
[Edit] I just saw VW have added £800 onto the price of the Life models as of today. Hmmm. That’s a £1300 increase in the past couple of weeks with the reduced grant. Things are going the wrong way.
that's because of the stuck container ship which caused a global shortage, they need to doubledown on offsetting through price optimisation which will be netted off on pcp deals
The Kia Soul for me, I own a 2018 model Soul EV, and prefer the lighter interior, it is a lovely car to drive. Thanks for your reviews.
This is not fair. The Kia and ID.3 are equipped with lager batteries and much more power, than the Citroen and are therefor much more expensive.
When you choose comparable prices and gear, the Kia has only a 40 kWh batterie, and the ID.3 has 45 kWh. The Citroen has 45 kWh (netto).
Here in Germany the ID.3 with 58 kWh and 204 HP is 2000 Euros more expensive. And that without a heat pump, which costs 1200 Euros extra for the VW.
So, you are comparing much more expensive cars with the Citroen.
i like the C4 as u can watch a movie while charging !
Brits missed out on the ID.3 1st Max trim with the best seats (12 way adjustable with massage), AR HUD, and glass pano roof, some extra drive assistants and a few other bits and pieces above the plus trim. It’s more expensive of course but it takes it up a level.
But you can get those bits on so of the other UK specs now available, just not the 1st Plus (the UK model)
You can now buy the Max trim in the UK with all those things: the First Edition, which they have here, was lesser-specced than the continental version. Oddly.
@@timaustin2000 There were 3 x 1st Edition models in other countries, each with different equipment levels and prices: Pro / Plus / Max (lowest to highest). The UK only got the Plus version.
Just ordered my Citroen e-C4... Roll on May 😂
Did you get the e-c4? I’m considering one and as I’m retired I don’t need the full 217 mile range, what real world range do you get ?
Trunk/boot space in the Kia Soul EV can be increased by dropping the floor. The floor has two heights to choose from, and it was shown in the higher floor setting in the video. Drop it down for not only more litres of space, but better bracing of the things you put in it.
Same with the Citroën.
All three of you are great presenters with a great chemistry. Which might be why the top gear style, faux insults feel a bit forced. Still love the reviews 🙂
I'm having a demo of an ID3 next weekend, and will be trying an e-C4 in the near future too. It'll be interesting to see how my experience matches up with yours! (I have a BMW i3s at the moment).
I'm waiting for more info about Tesla hatchback and how the Cupra will perform compared to the ID.3 (driving i3 2017 with midsized battery)
Is it true that the ID.3 with the large battery is only a 4 seater ?
Yes. The ID. 4 with the largest battery is a five seater, though.
Not any more, there is a 5 seater version of the ID.3 with the large battery available now.
A great, very informative 3-car comparison - thanks.
Which car would I go for...?
I love the 'stormtrooper' looks of the Soul and know that the drivetrain systems are absolutely top notch - but it's massively more expensive than the other 2 and the firm ride / small boot combo lets it down, for me.
The eC4 looks quirkily different, which I like and, considering just how utterly dreadful the UK's potholed streets are, the ride comfort would be a big win for me - but I've read SO many times just how inefficient the drivetrain is and that your "deeply sub-200 in the real world" is bang on.
In my opinion and from just over a year's worth / 17,000 miles of EV experience, a rock-solid, sunshine-or-snow 200 mile range, in my opinion, is a sweet-spot... that's pretty well 3 hours of motorway driving then a sensible 30 minute 'comfort break & coffee' whilst the car recharges.
Then there's the iD3... I SOOOoooooo want to love it... The slightly bland looks don't faze me - it's probably quite colour-specific (obviously, your test car being in grey was just hilariously ironic...!) I love that it's rear-wheel drive, has pretty impressive performance for the money and, by all accounts, hits that sweet-spot 200 mile range come rain or shine. So, all good, so far...
What I feel I would find unforgivable - and, consequently, unlivable with - is the dreadful cost-cutting lack of quality materials for one, plus the woefully user-UNfriendly touch-sensitive interface...! Non-illuminating temperature 'slider' controls in a circa.£30k car...? What were VW thinking...???
So, I guess I'm just going to have to wait it out until the Tesla Model 2 (?) comes out... Tesla technology and drivetrain supremacy, backed up by the near-faultless Supercharger network... Now THAT would be hard to ignore... :-)
If Wookie wore any more earthy colours he'd become soil. Don't go into the woods we'll lose you for ever. Thanks for the comparison video. These are real cars for really people so very useful.
Thing is the Soul EV was released in 2014 and competitors like VW and Citroen are only now just starting to catch up- some say they still haven't. Now Hyundai Motor Group are about to release the Ioniq 5 and Kia EV 6 based on their new dedicated EV platform E-GMP with 800V architecture (like the Porsche Taycan) and 350kW charging capability. These are the cars with which the ID 3 will have to compete and I don't think it will be even close.
Depends very much on the price. No doubt at all that the Hyundai and Kia duo will be by far the better cars but the value proposition on an ID.3 is tricky to get past.
I'm having this conundrum myself (leaning heavily toward the Ioniq 5 or the Enyaq).
As they drove off you could see a little tear in the e-C4's head lamp.
The Kia is great but getting old now, for me the Citreon they are back to wonderful quirky cars, fabulous.
Soul everytime, lower the boot floor and it's actually 400 litres.
Also fold the back seats down and the high roof area means lots of space
I don't know why this isn't made known!
I don't mind any of those. As long as the car can take me from A to B and do 120-150 real world range. Happy days. I'm still driving 24kwh Leaf and it does the job however need more range. It going to be very difficult to find an upgrade. But probably it won't be any of those because of the price. So far thinking of Corsa E, Ioniq and Zoe. Sadly can't drive test yet because of Covid but all the big UA-cam channels testing some cars every day. Don't really understand this.
Norway experience from me. Kia Soul charges slooow when “fast charging even when using winter mode. And especially in winter it’s almost useless. Id3 and e-C4 charges much faster.
Ginny suits this channel very well, better than the mainstream car channels
Soul every day.
Hey that was one of the best videos you have made. Not easy to compare these three cars but you did an excellent job. Presentation nicely sectioned with good facts and observations and I liked the way you both came to your final conclusions.
Great comparison. The ID.3 is great value for money and that rear wheel drive :-) E Soul is just funky with great range. Such a pity that the e C4 has such a small battery, Citroen missed a trick here.
Half expected Ginny to start line dancing 🤣 Really classy as always
eSoul is 77kW charging.
I would like to see a real world ride including a charge stop to see what is the best combination.
The eC4 had had an upgrade in charge curve and with that a downgrade in kWh. It's down to 42.
I would have chosen the e-C4 if it would have had the range of the SoulEV
Not sure I'd say that the Kia Soul is around £30,000 ... It's nearer £40,000
Plenty of dealer demos on Autotrader for around 30k
@@Richard-io9xe thats not new price is it ? Apples and apples please.
Soul is now £32.5k
@@sam-kelly absolutely, that's what I've seen in my local dealer. They need to differentiate it from The new EV6.
I seem to remember tom driving the soul when it first came out way back on 5th gear
Good to see Ginny still on it , good presenting from u both ...Warranty has value , Citreon 3 v Kia 7 years looking at buying used , less than 2 years old , nearly half price , 5 + years left
You guys are just too nice to make videos about EV's
Eh?!
The ID.3 has so many options which are not even offered for the two others: True HUD, Matrix LED, extrem small turning radius and not to forget: an optional 77kwh battery.
I would without doubt go for the ID.3.
It's 8 months later, but still valid: The premium problem (7:00) of VW is Audi and Porsche in the same company (group) and the ID4 even above the ID3.
So VW feels, they must make the ID3 the least premium car of all the other ones in the company group... to sell the other cars too...
That's my feeling at least.
And it's not a good thing.
Is the entry level Kona not a better car to compare the id3 and ec4 with? The soul is a fair price/range difference.
Good video but you didn't mention the pop up display or that the id3 controlles for lights are on wrong side for UK drivers
If the light panel was on the other side it would be behind the drive selector. And I’ve literally touched that light panel once in 5 months on mine.
Never used the light selector in our car
I like the outer shape of the ID3 but the available colours to me are really dull! Having driven a car with left hand drive wipers there was always a large chunk of un wiped screen in big strip right in your eye line which was annoying especially when it dries to leave a dirty strip that is hard to see through. How hard is it to reverse a wiper? I love the adjustable regen on Hyundai and Kia cars. I actually Don.'t mind buttons. I don' t really like the outside of the citroen but the inside looks nice. I never know what I think of the soul. Sometimes I think I like the shape but sometimes not depending on the angle, I think it is a bit marmite! I have to say considering ID4 was built as a ground up eV there are some significant omissions low regen, heat pump is optional extra? Not so on the soul! I almost feel the citroen and the ID3 are aimed towards getting people into ev's rather than being good a good eV?
I am easily getting 250 miles range from my Soul and its very liberating to have that much range (Ive actually done 270 in it with capacity left) and even dropping 20 would be a step back for me to go to the ID.3, depends on the journeys you do, it might not make any difference of course.
I agree the Soul interior is dated, but you have a higher ride height in the Soul for better visibility. And also, the gear change on the ID.3 is in the same place as on BMW i3 and i found that very annoying having to bend your hand round the back of the steering wheel.
Likely my next car will be the new Kia or Hyundai, or maybe the Tesla "model 2" if it comes with a higher ride height than the drawings that make it look like a squashed Zoe.
The ID.3 has a considerably better charging curve though.
@@wermagst Possibly but whether it matters is another thing, i rarely charge at public chargers given the Souls range, so a handful of times a year a 20 minute saving on charging (maybe) wouldnt compensate for me. When i come to swap, maybe next year, there will be a lot of interesting cars to choose from. ID.3 wont be one though. If i had to choose right now and couldn't get a Soul, I'd probably go for the recently refreshed Kona. Indeed if i had to choose now and *could* get a Soul, it would be between Soul and Kona.
This is looking at cars in the same price bracket. Polestar looks good also,a bit pricey though and IIRC range not up to either of these.
@@wermagst Unfortunately, the ID3 has been the most inefficient. Most reviewers have been getting around 2.8m/kwh. It has aggressive power usage to heat up the battery pack, not good on regular short journeys. Also, a heater pump is an optional extra, but is included with the Soul EV.
I take the ID.3 without hestitate. Good review !!!
Things no one asked for: passenger watches a film while I drive.
My choice will be the Soul, shame it lost the £3000 grant recently though.
Which has now gone down to £2,500 🙁
@@robw6755 great to see the government support EV uptake... NOT!
@@mrmarkdyde Exactly right, they want people to buy EV’s but discourage them by reducing grants and still don’t seem to be doing much to improve charging infrastructure. As soon as take up of EV’s increases they’ll very quickly find ways of extracting the revenue they lose from fuel duty so the motorist gets shafted again. Just like we were encouraged to buy diesels and then all of a sudden diesel is the work of the devil.
@@ianashton886 right now they are printing money so that everyone can sit at home, when you sit at home you don't need a car, EV or not.
Price reduction has seen this to be no longer the case. The First Edition can be had for approx £32k (after grant) in Ashington, Northumberland can't see why it's more expensive anywhere else. Great value considering level of equipment and range.
Thanks, you two! Great comparisons. I just have to say: "Haptic controls - WHY?"
I haven't seen any reviewer that actually likes them or, more importantly, finds them easier to use than normal buttons and knobs. The same goes to some extent for touch screens - I think they all detract from your concentration when driving and are a fashion that car companies need to move on from and get back to real controls that you feel and operate without taking your eyes off the road.
Is it just me?
Saw Golf 8 tonight. Thought was an ID3. Also realised the (e)C4 the love child of a C4 Cactus and a C6. If there was a car to be driven about in, I'd say that's it. Also if Bjorn Nyland's experience of 125kw charger in real time, beyond amazing (1% every 2 seconds from virtually flat).
Except the Golf 8 looks nothing like an ID.3.
And it won't charge in just over 3 minutes as your saying.
@@Jamesprycefly Suspected as much....
What about the Hyundai Kona!?
I’ll take the eC4?
Why does Kia (and therefore every reviewer) quote just the boot size with the false floor in the raised position?
There's a perfectly usable option to lower the false floor (losing the flat-ish layout when you lower the rear seats). The lowered position is probably gaining about 100 litres, so bringing the boot capacity to 415 litres - suddenly not the "noteworthy" small size that most reviews point out.
I didn't actually realise this, it didn't stop me from choosing the Soul EV but I did so thinking of lack of space as being a caveat and suffered boot envy of its competitors but knowing this and just reading that after market froot boxes exist I'm absolutely certain I made the right decision! 👍🏾😀
You also forgot to mention that id ID.3 is in it's lowest spec in this video. And that higher spec models get 125 kw charging, much nicer seats, much nicer headlights and nicer wheels.
It's now £32,500 (after grant)
Hopefully, you will do a VW ID.4, KIA EV6, Hyundai Ionic 5, Nissan Ariya, and Tesla Model Y video.
I have the Soul. It maxes out at 74kW charging, not 100kW!
True.
The final decision should be also including what they cost Per Month... As some deals can be substantially different.
Kia soul in my opinion is the best one for me
That stormtrooper look of the Soul is just a killer, but the interior does not match up sadly :/ What a bummer. They should really do version which looks the same from the outside, but is build all electric and with a modern interior (plus the magic seats of the Jazz).
When i compared insurance the e-c4 was cheaper than the cupra born/vw id3 by about 15%.
The margins appears to be the same with the kia.
Kia Soul looks like Marvin the Paranoid Android form The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
😕
Review quotes price of ID.3 pure but power and range of ID.3 Pro come on guys get it right ! the pro comes in around £35,500.
The 0-60 times are often overplayed for this category of car. Are buyers of this type of car looking for fast acceleration? The forthcoming Kia EV6 with 6 levels of regenerative braking could push other manufacturers for follow.
British weather....supermarket....trolley to car....which tailgate will keep you dry as you load the boot ?....there's only one right answer and it's the Soul....:-))
This is exactly what i was looking for.
I want get my 1st electric car and these 3 are interesting to me.
Also the 2008, niro and kona but if I'm not mistaken the c4 and soul have the same kind of tech.
The Soul EV looks to be the best all rounder. No-one has mentioned that looks wise it kinda looks like a Land Rover Evoque!! come on who wouldn't want something that looks like a pedigree brand like Land Rover. :D I'm looking for EV for my next car.... The Kia Brands seem to be way ahead of other brands so far. The Boot space is my only concern with the Soul... so it'll be a toss up between Boot Space or Spec for the Money between Soul EV or E-Niro 2 64kw
Kia soul ev for me in blue , love the quirky looks and nice inside too an quick enough too with decent range , hopefully my next car be a Kia soul ev 👌👍🏴
I was surprised that I managed to do from Eindhoven to Sardinia (Italy) in 4/5 charges
Kia Soul looks like it has some, unlike the Golf! Er... ID 3.
And Faux by 4 👏
get an ID.3 in a bit higher spec than the base model, pick a nicer colour and it has plenty of "Soul". just google ID.3 images. You'll know what I mean.
comming from an Citroën ICE car, I have chosen and bought an ID.3.
Just one real answer : the Kia e soul
Soul seems too expensive to be directlly comparable, or to be described as ‘around £30k’ when its closer to 40. And if you’re up there, include the e-niro. Or how about a revisit when the Enyaq (?) is out and sub £35k
I am really undecided between the soul and the ID3
Try to drive both you will see.. ;-)
@@palusisko I have driven both and both are good but different
@@The-Salty-Bager any decision yet, I had to make the same decision. I actually changed my mind I had been certain I would go with the ID.3 for years (currently drive a 40kHw Leaf and looking for replacement lease car) but as decision time approached I started to research the market again, last time I'd done so the Kona was the value proposition but rarer than hen's teeth being just about to launch. 3 years later I realised that the Soul EV had been introduced 1 year later than the Kona but had its drive train and all important range and I have always loved how the Soul looks (I also loved the the Nissan Cube and original Fiat Multipla!) So my decision was made as when I specced up the ID.3 to compare to my Leaf and the Soul EV First Edition it became more expensive than the Soul EV by about £10 a month but with a shorter range and that ultimately sealed the deal. The only things that the Soul EV lacks are front parking sensors and a 360⁰ top down camera view which I have come to love on the Nissan Leaf.
@@The-Salty-Bager Hmm it is true :-) Kia Soul has front-wheel drive, the ID3 the rear-wheel. So ID3 can be better in winter(if you have snow) and ID3 has better ride(front wheels are without engine). Soul has smaller trunk(can be important feature). But if you are older man the Soul is higher so it is better for often getting into car etc. What I prefer is better protection before corosion and it has VW.. But you can decide also according the price if both models are ok for you, why not :-)
@@robertanderson9584 no still not really decided but I think the soul is in the lead I think it’s a bit more fun to drive feels more planted on the road and interior seems better made.
Citroen c4.❤️
Tricky choice. I really like the style of the eC4, and the emphasis on comfort. But the 150-200 mile range would put me off, especially when you can get the range the other two cars are offering for a similar price. Ultimately although I'd like to think I'd get the Soul, my brain would pick the ID3, for exactly the same reasons I've got a Golf.
With you: there's no getting over the value the ID.3 offers, here. It drives the best, has the most space and feels like it's built to be an EV. Good range, reasonable price for that range.
By all accounts, they're selling as fast as VW can make them, and they deserve to. Just a shame about software and interior material.
Looked at them all and 2nd hand 2-3 year old not much difference in price.
The ID3 a lot bigger inside than you would think.
Kia Soul looks quirky, but fun.
I went with the Ec4 as more comfortable.
Funny the presenters did not.
Kia stopped selling the Soul in ICE form. The sold more Soul EVs than both petrol and diesel combined, when they used to be made. So they made a decision to scrap the ICE Soul, and just have the one EV model.
VW looks cheap. And equipped with extras costs more than the rivals. Hate the interior.
those iD.3 seats should be in a 1994 Vauxhall Nova
Prices should read ...net afyer grant (2,500)
Cheapest model available
Soul £37,545 First Edition
ID3 £30,800 Life Performance
eC4 £30,895 Sense Plus
They lied about the price of the VW ...No surprise there then!
ID3 looks brilliant.
Soul for the win
Stick with it. He calms down eventually.
PSA need to wake up and introduce larger battery options and faster charging. 50 kWh with only 100 kW just doesn't lead to a proper road trip experience.
If you are buying electric car for it's environmental qualities then the smaller the battery the better for planet.
If a EV Vehicle dose not have the PADDLEs to adjust the REGENERATIVE BRAKING, then I'm not buying it. YOU HAVE TO HAVE THE PADDLES TO REGENERATIVE BRAKING!!!!!! So efficient!!!
Why on earth is Kia more expensive than VW??
Spec the ID3 up to Soul EV level and it's way more expensive (leather interior, alloy wheels, heated seats, rear camera, heated steering wheel, heat pump, electric drivers seat, heads up display, blind spot warning, collision/pedestrian avoidance, lane keep assist, flexible boot floor, a better sound system etc etc). The Kia also has 7 years warranty, way better real word efficiency, much better regen control including automatic, everything works out of the box (pun intended), real switches, also 7 years free mobile data included, cheaper servicing, better dealership experience, better reliability. For info, we've previously owned 7 VW group cars (6 new inc Passat, Touran, Golf) and the Soul is way better put together. Hope that answers your question !
@@stvutelvc ...yes well said ...lots of VW fans on here with rose tinted specs ...excuse the pun!
@@stvutelvc I don't like the ID3, but I think every model has heated seats, steering wheel and a HUD.
@@DJKav You definitely pay extra for the Heads Up Display in the UK. Not sure about the current base spec including the heated seats and steering wheel as the VW ID3 site is absolute rubbish to navigate. I don't dislike the ID3, it just touches a raw nerve when people's comments are based solely on outdated brand loyalty, and certainly not on facts, figures and hard research.
"All around 30,000 pounds" and one of them shows price of £37,000. Fair game? Not quite 😂
ID.4 would be much closer to that price point.
P.S. the 2020 e-Soul I test drove had a nice head-up display. I wonder why it's not in the U.K. version
I would have the EV6 GT 😉
ID3 is by far the best looking and is nice to drive. I bought mine last week after having test driven an e-niro and Kona.
I think, the ID.3 looks boring. Like all the cars from VW.
@@rolandibanez2509 it's good we all have different opinions, otherwise everybody would be driving the same car. And that would be boring!
If the ID3 was Korean or Chinese they would rip it to pieces for the sheer cheapness of the cost-cutting plastic interior.
"Back seat!" That's what she said.