These are the first pictures of Kia Soul undergoing testing in U.S. Kia Soul mule was spotted recently testing in Nevada desert.

This is the production car of the concept unveiled at the 2006 Detroit Auto show. Concept Soul was a great success for Kia. It drew a lot of public attention at that time and Kia officials decided to turn a green light for production.

With it’s boxy exteior design it is built to appeal to younger buyers just like Scion xD, which starts at $14 500. Expect the Soul to have a slightly lower price than it’s main competitor.

First spy pictures reveal that the car has been toned down for production and lost some of concept Soul attraction. It lost rear suicide doors and made way for smaller sized tires.

It is belived to be equiped with 2.0 liter four cylinder gasoline engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability.

Kia has announced that the Soul will be introduced in 2008 as a 2009 model. Till then we will get more spy pics and details about upcoming Soul from South Korea.    

Click image to enlarge!

[Photo source: Auto.cz]