Preview: First Official Photos of U.S.-Spec Kia Soul Leak Onto Web
The first official images of the upcoming U.S.-spec Kia Soul crossover have hit the web. Set to make its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show next month, the Soul should battle head-to-head with the Scion xB, though we much prefer the Kia's edgier looks and more aggressive styling than that of the Scion.
Although the Soul is engineered to accommodate an array of engine choices, the U.S.-spec model will only be available with a 142-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmision.
The Soul is expected to hit the American market in April of 2009. Of the 136,000 Souls that Kia intends to produce, 50,000 of those will be shipped Stateside. We'll be sure to give you the full details when the car is officially revealed in Los Angeles next month.
Comments
Mark in Maine
Now THAT I like - I succeeds where the 2nd-gen xB fails somehow - amazing how much difference several degrees of rake in a windshield can make in the appearance of a boxy vehicle - This thing will sell very briskly, I think.  The styling is a bit radical, maybe it'll even be fun to drive . . .
Mena
I agree. I'm liking this car too.
Dan
I have to be the first voice of dissent on this one. Personally, I do not like the radically jacked up windshield look. To me, it makes a car look like it has a receding hairline. Remember Kelsey Grammer when he was on Cheers and still had the party in the back? The Nissan GT-R has this to a lesser degree. Too much windshield.
Ducati Minor
I like it. It has flavor...something the current xB is lacking in. The xB is still a good a hatch--I'd even say more enjoyable than the much-slower original--but it's lost the originality in its design.
David J Corcoran
I wouldn't buy one but unlike the xB I can see where it has appeal
Scratch
I'm with Corcoran. I wouldn't buy one, not my style, but I can appreciate the boldness of the design. It's a breath of fresh air from an automaker known for bland, boring, and otherwise uninspired thinking. It definitely has, well... soul.
mysdak
Too bad it's a KIA. I wouldn't buy one.
billyuille
Hurrah! had a Kia Rio in 2000 and was so dissapointed in the subsequent model. It was lower and shorter and was no use for me. This looks like my next purchase. I had seen the Scion on holiday in Florida last year but they are not available UK. I hope this car will be my SOULMATE soon.
billyuillescotland.
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