After hanging around the car industry for around 2 decades, the Korean manufacturer Kia Motors is finally gaining some respect by coming out with models that are actually very attractive, especially in terms of look. The Kia Soul 2009 is a production car that was first shown as a concept car at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show.
Kia Soul concept in the Autoshow
The design of Soul is very distinctive and quite unlike any other compact SUVs, the chief designer at Kia Motors Europe Gregory Guillaume was quoted saying “The all-new Kia production car will be a car that defies classification and encourages customers to build an emotional bond with their new purchase by providing a creative platform that they can customise to match their car to their own character. It will appeal especially to the young-at-heart – whatever their age”.
Kia Soul on the road
A 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine mated with a 5-speed automatic transmission would be driving the Soul. Although an SUV, this car is most likely to get only front wheel drive, there is no 4 wheel drive version as yet. You can call this a car-type SUV rather than something you would want to take off road.
To give you an idea on the power from this car, the current 2.0 liter engine used in Kia Spectra produces 138 bhp. Pretty tame for an SUV, hopefully they boost up the power output a little since the Spectra is certainly a lighter car.
This car is definitely going along the line of Mini Cooper and VW Beetle 2.0, with attractive styler that will likely to capture the younger crowd. Pricing should be around US $16-18k when it is launched this summer.
Finally, there is a car for Singaporeans……KIA SOUL (KIA SU)
chris,
Hahahahha
wow this car is so cool i want it
My parent just bought me a KIA Soul and I absolutely love it! I recommend parents who are buying teens a car, to pick this one! It has an unbelievable safety features, amazing sound system with SIRIUS radio, and a great warranty. All at a great price
Where i come from (Ecuador) we are unable to have a car, we have donkeys instead. I hope to have this car because i think it fits my personality. I have swagger!!!!!
muito bonito esse kia soul