Preview: 2009 Kia Soul

2009 Kia Soul

Kia Motors Corporation has confirmed that its all-new production model, the Kia Soul, will be marketed in Europe with a choice of two highly efficient 1.6-litre engines when it goes on sale in February 2009.

Both the four cylinder petrol and diesel powerunits are based closely on the 16-valve DOHC engines fitted to the hugely successful, European-built, Kia cee´d.

Kia has also confirmed that the new Kia Soul model, which will be available exclusively as a five-door hatchback with front-wheel drive, will have an overall length of 4,105 mm, and a 2,550 mm wheelbase. Height will be 1,610 mm and width 1,785mm - excluding door mirrors.

Looking ahead to the British International Motor Show which opens next week, Peter Schreyer, Kia´s Chief Design Officer, commented, "Reaction from the media and public to the three Kia Soul concept cars first unveiled at the Geneva Show in March and soon to be shown in London, has been overwhelmingly positive.

"The Kia Soul concept cars are so closely related to the new Kia Soul production car, that everyone can see this new model will defy conventions and appeal especially to the young and young-at-heart - whatever their age," added Schreyer.

The three concept cars to be displayed in London - Kia Soul Burner, Kia Soul Diva and Kia Soul Searcher - were created by Kia´s European design team, led by Gregory Guillaume, under the guidance of Peter Schreyer. They were developed from the original Kia Soul concept car designed jointly by Kia´s California and Korea design studios and unveiled in 2006 at the Detroit Motor Show.

Anticipating the World Premiere of the Kia Soul production model on 2 October at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, Gregory Guillaume observed, "Because the all-new Kia Soul is not a replacement for an existing vehicle and is destined to play a unique role within the Kia global product line-up, it can be a bit of a rebel! The Kia Soul defies classification, and its design will encourage customers to form an emotional bond with this exciting new car."

To be manufactured in Korea from November 2008, the Kia Soul will provide a creative platform for buyers to individualise and match their car to their own personality. In the USA and several non-European markets, a third engine - a 2-litre gasoline unit - will also be available.

2009 Kia Soul

2009 Kia Soul - Front

2009 Kia Soul - Side

Source: Kia