The product leakage continues as we're packing our bags for Geneva. This time, Autoweek.nl has released images of the Kia SOUL Burner Concept, one of three concepts that the Korean automaker will be unveiling in southern Switzerland.
The SOUL is obviously taking aim at the Scion xB, which took the two-box design to literal levels. This new image gives us the full-frontal treatment of the new Kia people-mover, with a fascia that mixes sportiness with an upright demeanor. It's not bad, although the pseudo-tribal graphics are so 1996. But the raked windshield and shortened D-pillar make it stand out a bit more than the xB from which it finds inspiration.
[Source: Autoweek.nl via WCF]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Seoultrain @ Feb 29th 2008 3:40PM
impressive. Finally an indication that Kia is serious about being Hyundai's sporty and interesting division.
Chase @ Feb 29th 2008 3:46PM
The treatment is really nice for a show car, but I think the underlying vehicle is relatively uninspired... :( I'm rooting for Kia though!
Allan @ Feb 29th 2008 3:51PM
I would normally say this is a little late to the party... but given the new generation xB's not-so-boxy approach, this might have some potential for those that would like a compromise between the first and second gen xBs. The first being TOO boxy, and the second being not enough and big and thirsty.
geo.stewart @ Feb 29th 2008 4:15PM
am I the only one thinking this is more xA/xD than xB?
Allan @ Feb 29th 2008 5:49PM
I definitely see the xD in it... but my guess is they're going after the xB since it seemed to do so much better than the xA/xD.
meshies @ Feb 29th 2008 3:54PM
It looks good but WHAT A RIP.
AlexP @ Feb 29th 2008 5:06PM
And every modern car is a rip of the Taurus, hurrrrrr.
calebe @ Feb 29th 2008 4:12PM
SSchweeet
Ahmad @ Feb 29th 2008 4:29PM
I wish the roof was a little lower to give it a nice chopped look. Can't wait to see the production version at the Frankfurt Auto Show.
Torrent @ Feb 29th 2008 5:21PM
The KIA Kee, Pro_ceed, Eco_ceed, Ex_ceed and SOUL Burner is what KIA needs right now in production.
sdcarnut @ Feb 29th 2008 6:19PM
Did someone say_______
http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/9587/proceeduu4.jpg
dave @ Mar 1st 2008 2:01PM
Uh, the pro_cee'd is already in production...
The Luigiian @ Feb 29th 2008 5:27PM
I like it. At least when compared to the xB it looks a bit rounded and cute. I also like the lack of overhang in the front and rear. I don't really know why, but it makes the car look a bit smaller. The only thing I don't like are the graphics and maybe the red color highlighting.
Adam @ Feb 29th 2008 7:12PM
Someone put a KIA badge on a Scion xB!
Liam @ Feb 29th 2008 7:24PM
Looks cool. If I'm not mistaken, they had this concept on display at the Canadian International Autoshow in Toronto just two weeks ago.
Todd in Sonoma @ Feb 29th 2008 9:13PM
Nice headline.
Fordman @ Mar 1st 2008 8:55AM
Nice try, looks too much like a Scion rip off though.
Travis @ Mar 1st 2008 3:11PM
Ya, b/c of course Scion invented the small boxy vehicle... lol.
jsjs @ Mar 2nd 2008 12:35AM
And the Scion xB (introduced in 2004), as well as the Honda Element (2003), are a "rip-off" of the Nissan Cube (1998).
And I guess VW's boxy up concept is a "rip-off" as well.
And you people are all blind if you think these models look the same simply b/c they have a boxy shape.
barry warner @ Mar 1st 2008 9:03PM
I looked at this and thought it was a mini concept. Is it only me?