While it could be argued that Volkswagen was really the company that started the box-that-it-came-in styling trend with its old vans, vehicles like the Honda Element and Scion xB made it popular again. Besides being a rolling fashion statement, this shape of vehicle also happens to be extremely practical and allows for much more interior space than more streamlined bodywork, so we're happy to hear that Kia is planning on offering its upcoming Soul small car in the U.S. in addition to the Chinese market. We have seen what appears to be production-ready pictures of the vehicle already, and the production Soul should retain most of what we've seen in the concepts, minus the crazy paint jobs. The Soul is certainly a bold step for Kia, which has so far erred on the safe side when it comes to vehicle styling. Automotive News reports that the front-wheel-drive Soul will be equipped with a 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine and should arrive in both China and the States next March. Hopefully a production version of the KOUP Concept will be right on its tail.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd.]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Allan @ May 12th 2008 10:37AM
It'll be interesting to see if they're tardy to the party or it's actually a hit. Though I think with the generation change of xB to xBigger-and-less-square, this should do OK and fill the void a few people are looking into.
Justin @ May 12th 2008 10:38AM
What up with the lift kit? I don't get why, in order to get some interior space, you have to sit way up in the air, hurting handling, aerodynamics, and the looks IMO.
Eric77TA @ May 12th 2008 10:44AM
Could it minimize wheel-well intrusion into the cargo area?
Or are they just trying to create that "SUV height" seating everyone loves so much...
If it's the former, makes some sense. If it's the latter, I agree with you totally.
Hank @ May 12th 2008 10:56AM
I'm not sure it's really has high up as it looks in that picture. Other pictures make it look quite comparable to the xB, which I think on looks, the Kia bests (and I actually like both generations of the xB).
Torrent @ May 12th 2008 10:56AM
Along with this, America should get the Kee, Pro-Ceed, and the KOUP. Don't they have the Boreggo, and the 09 Optima coming out also? If KIA brought in these cars, they'd sell well, and rake in the cash, and I'd consider the Kee. That's scary, me considering a Kia and all, but it could happen.
iSpec @ May 12th 2008 11:01AM
If the weight is decent and the mileage is good, and considering its a 2 liter, Im guessing the fuel mileage will be better than the Honda and the Toyo, anyway, this has a chance to be everything the XB shoulda been the @nd go-around. The XB is thirsty, heavy and just a botched assignment for product redesign. Toyota is looking like the GM of old.
Philip @ May 12th 2008 11:05AM
Come on Toyota revamp the XB, Give us a basic and loaded version of the Corolla Rumion, with the 1.8 litre seven speed transmission, and the Diahatsu Materia, dont let Kia and Nissan walk away with a market you created.
I like the look of this Kia but Im not a Kia fan, I doubt I could actually lay down money for a Kia, they just feel cheap.
Bob-omb @ May 12th 2008 11:59AM
We've been hearing this car has been coming here for YEARS now. God, just sell the damned thing already, Kia! I'll buy one!
Gstill @ May 12th 2008 12:19PM
Amen. I liked this car when I saw the concept photos some three years ago or so. Get it in the showrooms before Nissan gets the Cube out first or Toyota realizes they need to fix the xB. This will sell!
Dinger @ May 12th 2008 12:26PM
If I where in the market for a box I'd take a long look at this one. I think it's got more style than the xB
iSpec @ May 12th 2008 1:10PM
'lay down money for a Kia, they just feel cheap'
What Kia's have you driven. Not one of their new models feels 'cheap'. Cheap compared to who. The Optima I had the other day and the Sportage a few weeks ago felt very substantial and well-built.
Rocketboy @ May 12th 2008 1:55PM
"vehicles like the Honda Element and Scion xB made it popular again"
ya, MINIs had nothing to do with the boxy look. Just Elements and xB's.
thefultonhow @ May 12th 2008 4:56PM
Actually, the xB (well, technically, the JDM bB) gained its styling inspiration from the Chevy Astro, which is a very popular tuner car (tuner van?) in Japan. So the Astro arguably started this trend, not the VW vans.
BowserUSC @ May 12th 2008 5:20PM
No matter how Kia improves the look of their cars, they'll always have that negative stigma attached to their cars in my mind. I just remember being in the passenger seat of a Kia, scarred to death, as my mother tried to get the car up a steep freeway entrance. I literally was afraid for my life, the awful sound the engine made as it over extended itself and the shaking. Man, from that day forth I decided never to get back in a Kia. Why risk my life to get there faster, i'd rather walk.
Bob-omb @ May 12th 2008 5:37PM
One of the dumbest comments I've ever read. Nice work!
BowserUSC @ May 12th 2008 5:39PM
thank you
MajorGeek @ May 12th 2008 8:34PM
One could say that about Hyundai, remember the Hyundai from the 90's? Getting over 60k was a miracle. The Malibu getting car of the year awards? Reputations can be changed, Americans have short memories.
Myself, I got an 08 Honda Civic recently, so I can park my gas guzzlers and mainly considered only Toyota and Honda for their long term reliability and resale. Next time around I will be considering a Scion or a Volt if available. Funny to watch how people stare at you in a Hummer and look down on you in a Civic, damn I hate humans.