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Kia’s edgy new EV Boardmasters Edition goes Soul-surfing

This one-off quirky custom crossover gets a lift to better its beach-cruising abilities

Jay Kana, Driving
Aug 18, 2021  •  August 18, 2021  •  1 minute read  •  Join the conversation
The one-off Kia Soul EV Boardmasters Special Edition
The one-off Kia Soul EV Boardmasters Special Edition Photo by Kia U.K.

From its launch accompanied by hip and cute hamsters to winning the “World Urban Car” award in 2020 via its EV model courtesy of the World Car Awards, Kia’s boxy Soul still rides a big wave of popularity. Across the pond, Kia’s U.K. arm just flipped an EV prototype into a custom car to pair with the 2021 Boardmasters surfing and music festival in England’s Cornish Coast.

Steady is the 64.0-kWh powertrain, while exterior changes include amended wheel arches to fit the eye-catching 265/75 R16 Maxxis Bighorn tires that frame the painted white steel rims.

The suspension is raised by three inches, along with a 4.3-inch wider track up front; and a 4.5-inch wider track in the rear.
It’s still a Soul EV in appearance, but with some major mods done to beef up its aesthetic. Interestingly, the Boardmasters model is nearly a foot taller than big brother Sorento. Think of a Wrangler, but in Soul shape.

Story continues below
  1. The one-off Kia Soul EV Boardmasters Special Edition
    The one-off Kia Soul EV Boardmasters Special Edition Photo by Kia U.K.
  2. The one-off Kia Soul EV Boardmasters Special Edition
    The one-off Kia Soul EV Boardmasters Special Edition Photo by Kia U.K.
  3. The one-off Kia Soul EV Boardmasters Special Edition
    The one-off Kia Soul EV Boardmasters Special Edition Photo by Kia U.K.
  4. The one-off Kia Soul EV Boardmasters Special Edition
    The one-off Kia Soul EV Boardmasters Special Edition Photo by Kia U.K.
  5. The one-off Kia Soul EV Boardmasters Special Edition
    The one-off Kia Soul EV Boardmasters Special Edition Photo by Kia U.K.
  6. The one-off Kia Soul EV Boardmasters Special Edition
    The one-off Kia Soul EV Boardmasters Special Edition Photo by Kia U.K.

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Best of all, the steel roof rack, made to carry two Tahe Bic Malibu surfboards, has a solar panel to help recharge the battery, along with LED spotlights. Yes, the added weight cuts the range, but the solar panel can help offset that when it’s sitting.

Inside, the wave of changes continue with the rear seats removed for more cargo space; white-stained spruce wood graces the trunk floor, and the rear door features a fold-out bench and a swing-out arm, perfect for air-drying wetsuits or towels.

The Soul EV Boardmasters Edition was proudly shown off and photographed at the festival, from August 11 to 15.

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