WHEN it comes to providing the right features for a crossover the secret is in the Soul Mixx at the Kia stable.

The Mixx is one of two high range models that have breathed new life into the Soul line-up.

The Soul had been with us for some time and is one of the true pioneers of the evolved definitive Crossover, a meld of hatchback and SUV styling.

This rather quirky design is one of the models that started the design-led revolution that rocketed Kia in the UK's estimation.

There is now an all-new second-generation Soul with even more dramatic styling, greater space, and a much improved cabin.

On the road it features sharper driving dynamics, thanks to a chassis shared with the successful cee'd model.

In appearance, it has a more emphatic SUV look with overtones of Kia's Track'ster concept car of 2012 and it takes front-wheel-drive five-door motoring to a new dimension.

With the Mixx you get 18-inch alloys, contrasting colour roof and door mirror casings, high-gloss black-bumpers, chrome exterior door handles, LED combination lamps, privacy and solar glass, a cooled glovebox, heated front seats and a luggage floor undertray.

It is also fitted with an urban styling pack consisting of front and side rear skirts and wheel arch trim which increases the width by 31mm.

The Kia Soul is a car aimed squarely at those who want something a little different and distinctive, and is well-priced.

It certainly provoked comment with its round-cornered square looks. One person I know stated that it was the coolest thing on wheels and another asked for two ice-cream cornets.

No accounting for opinion but the thing is that the Soul Mixx does attract second glances.

And it is the same inside with some very unusual features including speaker mood lights which flash with the beat of the music. You can turn off this feature if listening to a Bach Requiem but you have to keep it on because it is such a different experience.

There are petrol and diesel options and my test car, a 1.6 CRDi diesel delivered 126bhp with 112mph on tap. Zero to 60mph acceleration is 10.81 seconds and combined economy 56.5mpg.