Filed under: LA Auto Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Kia, Canada
Official U.S.-spec Kia Soul images pop up on web
Click above for more official images of the U.S. Kia Soul
Official images of the new Kia Soul have just begun making their first rounds on the interwebs. The boxy little crossover will see its first U.S. unveiling at the LA Auto Show later this month and we'll be on hand to capture the event in all its glory. Until then, take a look at these early shots of the U.S.-spec version to whet your appetite. The U.S. market Soul will get a 142-horsepower, 2.0-liter gasoline-fed four-cylinder engine that can be mated to either a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual gearbox.
Kia is set to take on the Scion brand with the new Soul and is hoping to compete on level footing by offering a slew of factory customization options right from the dealer. Our second gallery shows some of those options that are being made available in Canada and should be a decent preview of what U.S. buyers are likely to choose from. Expect the new mini 'ute to go on sale in the Spring of next year.
Gallery: Official U.S. Kia Soul Shots
Gallery: Canadian Kia Soul Accessories
[Source: Kia-World]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Menice 11:05AM (11/07/2008)
way more appealing then the redesigned, butt ugly scion.
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John P. 11:08AM (11/07/2008)
It's kinda cool in an ugly duckling rebellion against good taste kinda way. It could be a big hit or could flop.
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Torrent 11:10AM (11/07/2008)
Looks good, and I know I'm the minority, but I like the xB better.
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Red 11:25AM (11/07/2008)
I hope you're referring to the first gen. xB, because the second gen. is awful. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'll take the Kia.
Torrent 11:33AM (11/07/2008)
nope. I think the 2nd gen is quite good.
Arumage 11:50AM (11/07/2008)
If dropping 6 mpg, gaining 700 lbs, and getting a foot longer but gaining nearly no extra space makes the 2nd gen xB good, then why don't I see any 2nd gen xB's on the road.
Torrent 11:58AM (11/07/2008)
well I've never ridden in a 1st gen, but my friend owns a 2nd gen, and he got a loaded one for like 23K. it's roomy inside, but doesn't feel huge. and fuel economy is good for such a boxy shape. It gives you a pretty good bang for your buck, imo. I do have to wait to see the soul, though.
Arumage 12:11PM (11/07/2008)
I've ridden in both. While the 2nd one is more refined and better on the highway, the 1st gen is just as roomy, gets great fuel economy, and just looks better IMO. Toyota just sucked the soul out of the car (pun intended).
Bluestreak 3:56PM (11/07/2008)
I think the Soul will appeal to those that prefer the first-gen xB (such as myself). The xB-II is certainly more refined and can be considered an improvement in many ways, but some folks like simple, spartan, thrifty vehicles, and Toyota deviated from that formula for the revised xB. The Soul has potential for those who feel less is better.
Also, if you miss your old VW Thing or Jeep CJ5 you might want to check out this Kia.
hahaha 11:11AM (11/07/2008)
Soul Really Nice Looking car!
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hyundaifans.com 11:47AM (11/07/2008)
+1
TJ 11:15AM (11/07/2008)
I am waiting for US pricing info...
FAR better than the xB, Vibe, Matrix, Caliber, Element, etc.
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Kotse 12:05PM (11/07/2008)
Ditto. Priced it right and this cuv would definitely have potential...Kudos to Kia!
Level 11:25AM (11/07/2008)
not bad not bad at all, KIA might be on to something here...looks like there was effort made into the style of the car, I like it....
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Red 11:28AM (11/07/2008)
Inside Line HAD a review posted this morning, in which they liked it. I'm assuming they took it down though because I can't find it now.
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Red 11:51AM (11/07/2008)
Oop, my mistake. It was Motor Trend:
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/hatchbacks/112_0811_2010_kia_soul_drive/index.html
Ash Wadiwala 11:31AM (11/07/2008)
Looks some one from KIA took inspiration from SAAB Concept.
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Foose1397 11:52AM (11/07/2008)
This is a winner....as far as design goes everything works well and i think it will catch on fast.
Its got the fresh factor...doesn't look like anything else, its mean, fun looking, and even if it has a lot of plastic in it, its put together well enough it won't fail like others (cough...caliber...cough)
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Red 11:53AM (11/07/2008)
Yeah....you're definitely in the minority then. lol
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chrisdavis 12:03PM (11/07/2008)
If Domo could drive, this would be his car.
http://technabob.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/domo_kun.jpg
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