UPGRADES are on the way for two of Kia's mid-range models including a sporty version of the Soul and an eco-oriented Carens MPV.

Both models are also getting some styling changes inside and out which in the case of the new souped-up Soul are significant.

The new Soul comes with Kia's hot 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine first seen in the cee'd GT which gives the compact SUV a 0 to 60 acceleration time of 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 122mph.

Developing 201bhp the engine makes it the quickest Soul to date yet still capable of an official fuel return of 47.9mpg with emissions of 156g/km.

The Soul 1.6 T-GDI will make its debut at the Paris Motor Show in October and will be available in the UK later in the year.

It's fitted with a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox and multi-mode drive selector which can be switched from normal to either an eco or sports setting.

Completing the sporty theme are twin exhausts, 18-inch alloys, uprated brakes and a new-look to the front air intake and bumpers which are highlighted in red.

Inside, the trim highlights change to orange and the car is fitted with a D-shaped steering wheel.

It also comes with new connectivity features compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay - a set up which is being introduced across the Soul range as is an additional charging point for rear seat passengers.

Blind spot monitors and rear traffic warning systems are other new features to the range.

Meanwhile the Carens MPV is getting a facelift with a more pronounced front grille in the Korean brand's trademark ‘tiger nose' design, new look bumpers and revisions to the lamp clusters and fog light nacelles.

The Android and Apple smartphone hook ups are also available in the new Carens as is a premium sound system from JBL and other interior trim changes including larger touchscreens.

The Carens line up will now feature an Eco Pack for the 114bhp 1.7-litre diesel models which comes with stop/start, low rolling resistance tyres and changes to the gear ratios reducing emissions to 109g/km which equates to 68.6mpg.

As with the new Soul it is due for release later this year and Kia says prices for both will be announced soon.