Spy Shots: Production Kia Soul

Approximately six months ago, we got news that Kia's Soul crossover concept would be entering production, and now we have the first spy shots taken in Korea. Designed in California and unveiled at the 2006 Detroit Auto Show, the Soul will be a strong competitor to the flood of new crossovers coming to market.

The design of the production model is very close to the concept. Basically, it loses the suicide doors, has smaller wheels and the roof isn't as chopped. The Soul will fit five occupants and be powered by a 2.0L four-cylinder engine mated to a five-speed auto. No AWD version is expected – to save costs Kia has stuck with FWD and will price the vehicle to reflect this. The Soul is also expected to go to Europe where it will most likely come with a diesel engine as an option.

As a cheap and fuel-efficient way to move five people, the Soul could be just the right thing.