Spy Shots: See inside Kia's Soul
by Jonathon Ramsey on Aug 29th 2008 at 9:31AM 
A glimpse inside the Kia Soul has revealed a lot of black tape and some shiny knobs, but nothing that's any cause for alarm. In fact, if lit properly -- that is, lit cool enough to please the demographic the car is aiming at -- it should be pretty swish inside. The center pod looks to keep things quite simple, but we would like to know what the button-like appendage above the radio screen opens; just a cubby, or navigation? The tape on the top of the dash is hiding quite a few lumps -- we would expect the semicircle up top to be interesting, while the bands over the passenger area are anyone's guess. Also of note: the Soul appears to have an enormous key fob for just two buttons...[Source: Global Motors]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
carsteve 9:36AM (8/29/2008)
I bet coming up with that headline made you AB guys excited.
Reply
XJ 10:11AM (8/29/2008)
Yes, I peed my pants a little.
garlinski 9:47AM (8/29/2008)
Pretty, not earth shattering, ho-hum...
Reply
BoneHeadOtto 10:00AM (8/29/2008)
Im liking this car i just wish it looked better. Teh newest xB looks way way better IMO. This Soul looks too SUV like with its high ride height, front skid plate, and roof racks. Not what this demographic (whoever they really are 20s or 60s) thinks looks cool. It needs to be low to the ground and mean looking. I just wish Toyota made the new xB lighter and gave it the 1.8L. OR that they just put the 3.5L v6 in it an really give it some performance. teh current 2.4 is neither fast nor fuel efficient. it is almost as thirsty as their v6.
but people will buy this Soul. Teh Cube on the other hand no one will buy once they drive it.
Reply
Bluestreak 10:11AM (8/29/2008)
I'm liking it as well, particularly from the front and rear. The side profile is what doesn't click with me, but that could perhaps be improved with a black paint job. I don't mind the SUV cues (even though I would prefer it without), and after driving the original xB, I certainly wouldn't want the Soul to sit lower. I loved the old xB shape and size but despised the ground effects and low clearance. The new xB is too heavy and the engine too large-- I actually prefer the xD, which seems to be more in line with the original xB's mission.
Kotse 10:57AM (8/29/2008)
A mystery on Autoblog...somewhere else it isn't. Jonathan, please try to research a little bit more...
Though not that crystal clear, here's 3 pics of an unmasked Soul dash:
http://www.kia-world.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/kia-soul-interior-1.jpg
http://www.kia-world.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/kia-soul-interior-3.jpg
http://www.kia-world.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/kia-soul-interior-4.jpg
Reply
Bob-omb 4:10PM (8/29/2008)
Wow, thanks for linking to those!
That pretty much cinches it -- that center bump on the top of the dash IS a center speaker. Awesome!
raize221 11:35AM (8/29/2008)
The center console looks like it's sticking it tounge out at you...
Reply
Xcountryflyer 12:37PM (8/29/2008)
Contemporary standard looking. Too me it looks like a cubby but maybe on nav models the nav goes there. Could be a lot worse.
Reply
paul 1:29PM (8/29/2008)
I believe the bulge at the top will be for a subwoofer built into the dash - better have some damned good build quality if it is *rattle* *rattle*
Reply
Eakarach 5:01AM (8/30/2008)
Awesome! but the whole car are sooo ugly.
Reply
Crackberry Addict 2:48PM (8/30/2008)
any info about the restyled santa fe in the back?
Reply
some guy 11:21AM (8/31/2008)
that is a center channel, the sub is in the right rear side panel. 8 channel amp with a DVC 8-inch sub.
Bluetooth, 1/8-inch aux and USB input with steering wheel audio controls.
Reply