Kia Soul'ster considered for production
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Kia Soul'ster
According to Automotive News, the Kia Soul'ster concept garnered a fair amount of praise at the Detroit Auto Show. So much so, that the automaker is considering producing the two-door pickup variant of Kia's new xB competitor.
Kia Motors America spokesperson, Alex Fedorak, said, "the response was so overwhelming" that production is a possibility. Although the Soul'ster was strictly a design study, the Soulamino was created "in a fashion that was production-capable."
At this point, Kia execs haven't given the Soul pickup the green-light, but if the boxy five-door version does well after it goes on sale March 1st, we may see the front-wheel-drive pseudo-'ute make it to market in a few years.
Gallery: Kia Soul'ster Concept
[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Flashpoint 9:08AM (2/09/2009)
If its less than $18,000, I'd take one over a SMARTfortwo anyday.
This thing actually has some use as a work car for plumbers, carpenters or repairmen
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RamblinReck89 9:11AM (2/09/2009)
I saw the Soul at the Atlanta airport yesterday. I'd never buy one, but it didn't look bad. It looked odd, but not bad. I bet it will do pretty well. As for the Soulsteramino, I just don't really see that selling. It's cool but way too much of a niche product for Kia.
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G-Meister 9:11AM (2/09/2009)
If they can make it pass muster for safety w/o making it cost/weigh too much, they'd be fools not to sell this. Offer an accessory hard top, and you're set.
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Adam 9:15AM (2/09/2009)
How about an AWD option? Sure, it's no hard-core off-roader, but AWD in this type of vehicle would make it a great year-round ride for those of us who live in the snow belt.
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TKE 9:35AM (2/09/2009)
Looks cool, might be cool. These are the vehicles that everybody says they love but then don't even consider buying.
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Phil 9:40AM (2/09/2009)
did we learn nothing from the subaru baja or isuzu vehicross?
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Adam 9:58AM (2/09/2009)
Or the Suzuki X-90...
The Luigiian 10:26AM (2/09/2009)
...Or the Pontiac G8 ST...
G-Meister 11:37AM (2/09/2009)
Or the Tracker/Sidekick??? That is still in production in its original form?
The problem with all those listed here except the X-90, is that they were pricey. If you price this for fledgling drivers, it could work.
Rocketboy 9:55AM (2/09/2009)
I could so see myself driving this when it's finally time to give up my MINI.. (not like that's going to happen any time soon). I think Kia has a nice Jeep replacement in the works here.
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The Luigiian 10:25AM (2/09/2009)
Just judging by this and the A-BAT concept truck, it looks like our new compact trucks are going to have small pickup beds, four-cylinder engines and front-wheel-drive.
Am I the only one here who thinks this looks a little like the A-BAT? "a little" obviously taken literally. I never thought I'd see the day when they'd build a truck smaller than that ugly little duckling, but somehow Kia managed to out-tiny the A-BAT.
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Cellien 10:34AM (2/09/2009)
It'd be the first Kia I've ever considered for purchase if they do make it. If they can make that rear double as a 'truck bed' with a bed extender, I'm sold. Totally sold.
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imoore 10:40AM (2/09/2009)
This looks similar in spirit to the Subaru Brat, which is what Subaru should have offered instead of the Baja.
So, I was partially right. Not a true truck, but Close enough for Kia to get its foot in the market. Personally I prefer this much better than the Ridgeline.
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Jei 10:55AM (2/09/2009)
Chrysler would be smart in using one of their tough(er) small platforms to make a "mini" Jeep Wrangler. I remember the Suzuki Sidekick, Geo Tracker, the Isuzu Amigo....and those were cute little semi-off-roader-thingies that were so much fun to drive around in.
Jeep could capitalize on that. Make a small(er) version of the Wrangler, maybe use the Patriot as the initial basis. But make the exterior less rugged-looking and more urban-oriented in intended use.
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UltimoDragon 11:01AM (2/09/2009)
@ Adam: I don't think your comparison to the X-90 works. As a two seater, the X-90 was basically a street legal ATV with a trunk. For that matter, it's probably a stretch to compare the Soulster to any of the old Suzuki mini-utes, even with back seats. The Soul is front-wheel drive, and the Soulster will probably be FWD too.
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DP 11:06AM (2/09/2009)
HALLE - (frickin') - LUJAH!
Finally, and small and efficient pickup. Not one with needless AWD, V-6 or V-8 power, seats for 6 and towing for a double-wide.
A simple vehicle for meeting many daily needs (not all) that don't require a Sherman Tank.
Build it Kia!!
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P.V. 6:54PM (2/09/2009)
I couldn't have said it better myself. +1 -> infinity
ASEVENSEE4 12:45PM (2/09/2009)
If you all haven't been inside the KIA Soul you should get in, the doors have a hard plastic on them but everything is nice. Even the door handles have a nice thunk to them. You would never guess it costs so little (starts at 13K). I would rock one.
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Phil 6:55PM (2/09/2009)
have to disagree with DP. if, IF, it were to be produced, AWD would be a necessary option. who wants an off-roadster that can't go where it looks like it should. and after that problem is solved, it really is all about price, like Gmeister said. if they can make it work, more power to them. love what the koreans have been doing lately. Honda and Toyota, watch out.
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