Spy Shots: Production Kia Soul
Approximately six months ago, we got news that Kia's Soul crossover concept would be entering production, and now we have the first spy shots taken in Korea. Designed in California and unveiled at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show, the Soul will be a strong competitor to the flood of new crossovers coming to market.
The design of the production model is very close to the concept. Basically, it loses the suicide doors, has smaller wheels and the roof isn't as chopped. The Soul will fit five occupants and be powered by a 2.0L four-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed auto. No AWD version is expected – to save costs Kia has stuck with FWD and will price the vehicle to reflect this. The Soul is also expected to go to Europe where it will most likely come with a diesel engine as an option.
As a cheap and fuel-efficient way to move five people, the Soul could be just the right thing.
[Source: Kia World]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
epp_b 11:33AM (7/14/2007)
Well, that's a bit ironic. A soulless car named 'Soul'.
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MrMorix 12:06PM (7/14/2007)
How are the driving dynamics of this "soulless" wonder? I am assuming you know much more about this car because you have driven it.
epp_b 2:11PM (7/14/2007)
No, I know it has no soul because it's a pacific rimmer.
Barney 1:16AM (7/15/2007)
"because it's a pacific rimmer"
You do know what is referred to as the "Pacific Rim", don't you?
Jon 12:43PM (7/14/2007)
It is a play on words, as Seoul is the Capital of South Korea.
If they named it Seoul no American could pronounce it properly, so the used Soul, so we could all figure it out.
After all "Korea is the land of the not quite right!"
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James 10:00PM (7/14/2007)
That's a mighty cute lookin' car!
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Barney 1:32AM (7/15/2007)
I did like the suicide door. It makes the interior more usable. Still, it would be a handy car and capable.
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Nellydesign 8:09AM (7/16/2007)
Again, suicide doors are crap. They do NOT make the car interior more useable. Try getting 4 people into a 4 door car in a tight parking space with the rear doors opening reversed. It's not possible.
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