Kia Releases First Official Pictures And Info About Soul
Hatch will have 3 engine options
July 16, 2008 2:00 PM by Gustavo Henrique Ruffo Filed Under: KiaParis Motor Show
Chrysler is not alone anymore in its tradition of bringing concept car to production with minor changes. Kia has adopted the same strategy with the new Soul, which will be presented at the next Paris Motor Show to compete with Honda Jazz, Nissan Note and other minivan-like hatchbacks.
The new Kia is 4.11 m long, 1.79 m wide, 1.61 m tall and has a wheelbase of 2.55 m, what will probably represent a good deal of internal space. There will be three engine options, a 2-litre and a 1.6-litre petrol powerplants and a 1.6-litre turbodiesel with VGT (variable geometry turbocharger). The 1.6-litre engines are based on the same ones used on cee’d,
According to the Korean carmaker, the new car will not replace any other vehicle in Kia’s range, but will help it enter new market segments. Kia Soul’s production in South Korea will commence in November. Sales will start in the USA in February 2009 and worldwide in April 2009.
New Kia Soul model to feature choice of three engines
- New Kia Soul to feature two gasoline engines and one diesel engine
- Kia Soul production model will appeal to the ‘young-at-heart’
- World premiere of new Kia Soul to be held at Paris Show on 2 October
(SEOUL) July 16, 2008 – Kia Motors Corporation has confirmed that its all-new production model, the Kia Soul, will be marketed globally with a choice of three highly efficient engines (depending on individual markets), when it goes on sale in early 2009.
The most powerful engine will be a 2-litre gasoline unit. A smaller capacity 1.6-litre gasoline engine will be offered in most countries, alongside a 1.6-litre diesel engine featuring a VGT (variable geometry turbocharger).
Both the 1.6-litre, four cylinder, 16-valve DOHC power units are based closely on engines fitted to the hugely successful, European-built, Kia cee’d.
Kia has also confirmed that the new 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.
To be manufactured in Korea from November 2008 for overseas markets, the Kia Soul will defy conventions and appeal especially to the young and the young-at-heart – whatever their age.
Kia Soul is not a replacement for an existing vehicle and is destined to play a unique role within Kia’s global product line-up. Kia Soul will provide a creative platform for buyers to individualise and match their car to their own personality.
The World Premiere of the Kia Soul will be celebrated on 2 October 2008 at the Paris Motor Show. The exciting new Kia model is scheduled to go on sale in Europe during February 2009, with sales in the USA and remaining overseas markets beginning in April 2009.
you might like it (i do, i have always liked boxy designs) or not, but it is undeniable that kia is producing cars that anybody without prejudices would buy.
being boxy is not a problem. there´s no car closer to a bread box on wheels than a G-class merc, and many car fans (me included) love it.
just a very small remark, please kia do something about that awful badge, looks so obsolete and plain that it only brings memories of those cheap looking cars from this car make´s early times.
i have heard that the heard that KIA's head of design is working on an update of the badge as we speak..... reckon this is gonna do great business for KIA.
Bread box meets wheels!!