Originally debuted as a concept vehicle at Detroit’s NAIAS in 2006, the production version will come in four different trim levels - Soul, Soul+, Soul! (exclaim) and Soul sport – and a single five-door body.
Built on a platform with a wheelbase of 100.4in, an overall length of 161.6in, an overall width of 70.3in and overall height of 63.4in, the Soul offers enough space for five adults with some space left for storage.
The car rides on a fully independent front and twist-beam rear suspension system, with front MacPherson struts and coil springs. In the rear, the Soul suspension is sub-frame-mounted with a transverse torsion beam axle with trailing arms. To maximize space, the rear anti-roll stabilizer bar is mounted inside the torsion beam.
The engine lineup will consist of a 120hp 1.6L unit and a 140hp 2.0L option. Fuel economy for both engines is estimated at 30mpg.
The Soul includes black door handles and side mirrors, body-colored bumpers, a rear wiper washer and 15in steel wheels fitted with 195mm tires. Upgrading slightly to the Soul+ offers keyless remote entry, solar glass, privacy glass on the rear side and rear windows, body-color handles and power side mirrors along with 16in alloy wheels with 205mm tires. Enhancing to the Soul! adds a power moonroof, fog lights, 18in alloy wheels furnished with 225mm tires, while the Soul sport features side sills, a rear spoiler, 18in alloy wheels, and unique sports bumpers both front and rear.
Inside, there’s a three-dial instrument cluster, a floating center stack design, MP3 CD stereo, and 60/40 split-folding rear seats.
Kia is hoping to double its sales in global markets by 2010 with the introduction of several new and updated models. The first of these will be a facelifted Sportage SUV in July, followed by the Soul and two new sedan models next year. The carmaker is also scheduled to open its first U.S. plant next year and is planning to build up to 300,000 vehicles per year at the Georgia site.
Reader Comments
Thu May 22 2008 12:03 PM
Roy says
I know there aren't many fans of the Scion xB, but this has definitely inherited the mantle. The latest Scion xB threw the baby out with the bath water and became little more than a poor man's Honda Element. This Kia model doesn't make that mistake. I'm not saying I'd buy one, but I am saying that this is the car Scion should have built, given what a sales success the original xB was.
Wed Jul 16 2008 7:49 AM
Kumonga says
My ... diesels are everywhere.
Wed Aug 27 2008 7:51 PM
NoNameDenton says
The interior is nice and more toned down and, I guess mature then concept one.
Thu Aug 28 2008 8:43 AM
Laz says
I'm with Roy, my wife and I own both generations of the Scion xB's and see styling cues in this Kia.
Fri Nov 7 2008 1:36 PM
NoNameDenton says
The rear end is so ugly
Mon Nov 10 2008 4:13 PM
NaBUru38 says
2.0 liters is too much for a mini MPV. I know that the same happens with the US-market Scions and Suzuki SX4, but anyway these models deserve forced-induction units.
Yesterday, 2:53 PM
NoNameDenton says
Well, the flagship version of the Spectra gets a 2 liter turbo in its next version, we sorta like a Kia version of the VW GTI
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