Kia Motors has released new images of its upcoming Soul crossover, revealing us the first good look at the full front view of the production car. Along with these exclusive images, Kia also released details on powertrain options that the Soul range will include when it goes on sale next year.
The 2009 Kia Soul will be released in three different powertrain configurations. The entry level 1.6L gasoline engine (124hp) will be available, as well as more powerful 2.0L gasoline unit. European buyers will also have a choice of 1.6L turbodiesel engine with variable geometry turbocharger. All three engines are similar to the engines currently in use in the European built Kia cee’d. Manual and automatic transmissions will be available.
Kia Soul sits on a modified Rio platform and will be the front wheel drive vehicle only. At 4,105 mm (161-in) in length and 1,785 mm (70,3-in) in width it has grown in size compared to Rio hatch. Although it has compact overall dimensions, the Soul features an exceptionally long (for its size) wheelbase of 2550 mm. The up to 18-inch wheels are placed at the body corners to ensure smooth and sporty driving.
The world premiere is scheduled for the Paris Auto Show and will happen on the 2 nd of October. Sales will commence in February next year after Soul arrives to Kia dealers in Europe. The US launch date has also been announced and it was set for April 2009! More details will soon be released, so stay with us.
Aslo check: Kia Soul Forum
UPDATE: Hit the jump to see more images.
UPDATE2: Exclusive image of the rear-end design!
UPDATE3: First drive, Soul fully exposed
Click image to enlarge!
Kia Soul gallery:
Loading ...
July 16th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
OMG! Now I KNOW I’m gonna buy this car! If it drives half as good as it looks, Scion is screwed! Shame they didn’t use the grille tho~
July 16th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
OMG what happened to those flashy ‘n sexy designs??? I want the Proto’s back!!!
Rio Platform??!!! The Rio holds the road like a Plymouth Roadrunner on an Ice skating ring!
July 17th, 2008 at 8:10 am
where is the ragtop that was on the searcher?
July 17th, 2008 at 11:30 am
Prototype was built on Rio platform too.
July 18th, 2008 at 2:04 am
This new Soul looks great. It trumps the CRV, RAV-4, Patriot, Tucson, whatever you want to throw against it…BMW Mini-Cooper? I’lll take this Kia Soul over all of them…great new body design and I already have learned that Kia powertrain designs hold up well in the Long-Haul.
July 18th, 2008 at 5:51 am
i like it. but i wanna see more. the interiors, color choices, etc. before i make my mind on the Koup or Soul. i love them both so far.
July 18th, 2008 at 5:57 am
Bornlooser, My God, man! You have no idea how much fun I could have with a Roadrunner on ice! At least it’s better than a Yarris……………………….
August 12th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
I have been waiting for this prototype to hit the streets. I am somewhat dissapointed that the original door structure was eliminated, and I will need to look at the engine specs and economy, but I am REALLY excited about this new car. I do wish Kia would post an “in dealer showroom” date. It may be my first Kia product since my 1977 Ford Festiva.
August 13th, 2008 at 7:30 am
87?