Following a teaser photo of the Soul's side profile, Kia has released more information and pictures of its new creation. The new Kia is 4.11 m long, 1.79 m wide, 1.61 m tall and has a wheelbase of 2.55 m, and should offer a spacious interior.
There will be 3 engine available; a 2 litre and a 1.6 litre petrol variants and a 1.6 litre turbo-diesel with VGT (variable geometry turbocharger). The 1.6-litre engines are based on the same ones used on the Cee’d.
According to the Korean car firm, 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.
Press Release:
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.