Filed under: Paris Motor Show, Hatchbacks, Kia
Paris Preview: More Kia Soul images, engine specs
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Kia Soul
In the lead up to the Kia Soul's production debut at the Paris Motor Show, we've seen dozens of images, a trio of concepts and a spy shot or two, but today we finally get a taste of what Kia's answer to the Scion xB will be packing underhood.
When the Soul goes on sale in Europe this February, Kia's targeted demographic of hip, urban youths will be able to choose from either a 1.6-liter inline-four putting out 124 hp and 115 lb.-ft. of torque or a 1.6-liter turbodiesel producing the same amount of horsepower and 188 lb.-ft. of torque. Those of us in the States will have only one engine to choose from -- a 140-hp, 2.0-liter four – when sales begin early next year. All three engines will be available with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.
Hit the jump for all the details.
Gallery: 2009 Kia Soul
[Source: Kia]
PRESS RELEASE
KIA GETS READY TO PUT SOUL IN THE CITY AT PARIS SHOW
Kia's sharply-stylish new segment-busting Soul is set to win over minds as well as hearts at the Paris Salon de l'Automobile in October with confirmation that the urban crossover will come to Europe next year with a choice of fuel-efficient petrol and diesel engines.
Kia Soul will go on sale in mainland Europe next February with a choice 126 ps diesel and petrol engines based on the DOHC engines already fitted to the hugely successful, European-built, Kia cee'd – with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions, depending on model. Right-hand drive production is due to start in March.
The diesel engine generates 126 ps at 4,000 rpm and maximum torque of 255 Nm at 2,000 rpm. The all-aluminium petrol engine also produces 126 ps at 6,300 rpm and 156 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm.
"The Kia Soul is a brand new urban crossover car packed with chic design, liberating ideas and cavernous passenger space for active people with busy lives," enthused Paul Philpott, Managing Director of Kia Motors (UK) Limited.
"And we can't wait to see it on UK roads in the Spring of 2009 where its unique modern looks and strong individual appeal will make it a 'must-have' for everyone from young singles and couples to more mature motorists who insist on putting fun into their driving," he added.
Soul is a five-door hatchback with front-wheel drive, a high roofline and an unusually long wheelbase. The key elements behind Soul's striking appearance are its vertical measurements. Overall height is 1,610 mm but the base of the windscreen is 135 mm higher than a typical compact car, the hip-points are 120 mm higher and the ground clearance is raised by 45 mm.
Access to the new Kia Soul's spacious interior is remarkably easy and the cabin will deliver head, leg and shoulder room that matches or beats many larger vehicles. Generous headroom (1020/1005 mm front/rear), legroom (1070/990 mm front/rear) and shoulder room (1403/1400 mm front/rear) will ensure Soul can easily adapt to the changing demands of its owner when pressed into giving friends or family a lift!
Looking ahead to the Paris Show debut, Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer, Kia Motors Europe, commented: "Soul is about surprise and style and the experience of sitting in the Soul is unique. First impressions will make a big impact. Tall doors and high-mounted seats make for easy access and an airy interior, yet the 'laid-back' dashboard design, triple dial instrument cluster and thick-rimmed steering wheel create an unusual combination of spaciousness for passengers and cosiness for the driver generating a very special ambience."
Soul will make its world premiere on the Kia stand (No 520, Hall 5) at the Paris International Motor Show at 16.45 hrs on 2 October 2008.
Soul will be manufactured at Kia's Gwangju facility in Korea from November 2008. In the USA and several non-European markets a 2-litre, 142 ps petrol engine will also be available.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Torrent 2:44PM (9/02/2008)
it's good they have a diesel. It should appeal to more people...
But for looks- hopefully they have less cartoonish colors and have an option to delete the plastic on the sides... I'm not digging the chrome handles and roof rails either... and I hope those aren't air extractors on the side?..... other than that, impressive job, kia.
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Xcountryflyer 2:51PM (9/02/2008)
Too bad we don't get more than one engine option in the States. It'd be great to have the diesel, but at least send us the 1.6L option that might eke out a few more miles per gallon for those looking for that.
Torrent 3:04PM (9/02/2008)
I agree. The diesel here in the states would be awesome.
iSpec 2:46PM (9/02/2008)
4 speed auto? Majorly missed the mark on that one in a day when fuel prices are an issue.
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BoneHeadOtto 3:53PM (9/02/2008)
yeah but Hurray for the manual. In times of high gas prices it doesnt make sense to drive an auto. I just wish all the autos and manuals were 6speed with the 6th geared for serious hwy cruising (meaning low rpm at 60-65).
PJ 9:07PM (9/02/2008)
Indeed, but the Elantra has a 4AT too, and IIRC, only the Civic and Corolla beat it significantly for mileage.
I'm pretty excited about this car. Nothing beats a box for space efficiency.
Kowell 2:58PM (9/02/2008)
Why are Kia and Hyundai still using their old 2.0L engine in North America..... Where is the 158HP 2.0L world engine developped by the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance???
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Juan 4:16PM (9/02/2008)
I was thinking the same thing. This 2.0L I4 has been around forever...
Lx 6:34PM (9/02/2008)
I think they decided to use this proven motor in order to keep the car's price as low as possible. It's been around a while.
Bob-omb 9:56PM (9/02/2008)
The "new" 2.0L engine didn't turn in very good test numbers the last I looked. I'm fairly certain the latest tweaking of the Beta II or whatever actually gives better gas mileage. And it's proven to be an extremely reliable engine.
Still, they've been promising a 5-speed auto with this thing forever. I'm not surprised it's a 4-speed, but ugh, come on.
styleguy 3:46PM (9/02/2008)
My only concern about this, and even the Forte for that matter is that we wont see the smaller engine make it to the states. It doesn't necessarily need to be the turbodiesel, but one that costs less for the consumer, and the fuel economy will be slightly better, two big things KIA has been mentioning in their ads.
The Scion xB gets a less than average 28 mpg. The Escape gets the same amount now, and will also give you more room inside, plus the ability of opting for a hybrid version, though it would cost more. Just one powwertrain in the Soul doesn't seem sufficient enough. Plus, the Scion has more horsepower.
But, I do believe that America will forgive the Soul if it has less horsepower if it can perform well economy wise. So please Kia, help us little people by letting us buy a cheaper, and more economical, Soul.
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styleguy 3:55PM (9/02/2008)
Oh, and a 5-speed auto would be a nice idea considering fuel economy.
tanooki2003 3:47PM (9/02/2008)
Hmmph
And according to the retarded hypocritical EPA regulations we will not be receiving the diesel.
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dewuser 4:32PM (9/02/2008)
Not a big fan of the Kia styling.
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dewuser 4:34PM (9/02/2008)
We'll have to see how this styling will fly with there targeted demographic of hip, urban youths.
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Justin 6:09PM (9/02/2008)
The goofy lift kit ruins it. This isn't a truck or off-roader, so what's the point? And by the way the wheel wells look, it probably wouldn't be practical to lower it.
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Lx 6:39PM (9/02/2008)
The sturdy, proven motor will make the most sense for expanses of urban suburban exurban North American roads. Will have to wait to meet one in person, but already this seems like just the sort of car that should be offered as a new Cavalier, Neon and Escort. What's the big secret?
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Sharone 11:37PM (9/02/2008)
This is acceptable automobile for inner city usage, but on the highway the aerodynamics are going to be a disaster.
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wef 11:54PM (9/02/2008)
lol.. aerodynamics? this car isn't meant to be driven at extreme speeds...and i assure you, this kia can't be any worse than my last car which happens to be the xb. my gen 1 xb which had almost vertical windshield ran pretty well on highways and i constantly got 30 mpgs.