[CaymanS]

In my mailbox today were the official details and an image of the 2009 Kia Soul. Along with the British preliminary press release of the production car, Kia released the first official image of the automaker's answer to the Scion xB. The production car is the result of two concept cars that preceded it: Kia Soul Concept in 2006, and the near-production trio (Burner, Diva, and Searcher) last March...

More info and images at this link:

http://thecarblogger.blogspot.com/2008/05/kia-releases-image-details-on-2009-soul.html

 

[CaymanS]

By the way, this is slated to go on sale in the US.

 

[afireinside7710]

no thank you

 

[Ahmad]

I like it. It's like a funky micro-SUV.

 

[osiris]

If a catastrophe happened and KIA was the only automaker left, I'd have to get the Koup.

 

[2648562]

It looks like a poor man's Scion.

 

[HoosierRon]

Hey look -- the Koreans copied the last generation xB! Now all the pimply faced American geek boys and obese American girls wearing way-too-tight Abercrombie t-shirts can be kool.

 

[EldoFan]

Hey look -- the Koreans copied the last generation xB! Now all the pimply faced American geek boys and obese American girls wearing way-too-tight Abercrombie t-shirts can be kool.

Perfect comment! :clap: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

 

[AG3]

Hey look -- the Koreans copied the last generation xB!

The original Kia Soul concept had design input from Kia's California design studio.

The more recent Kia Soul showcar which previews the production Soul was done in Europe.

 

[GrandPrix08]

Actually, I like it quite a lot. So, it seems that the previous frontal pic that was out a little while ago was real afterall. I still prefer the concept version's front more since it was cleaner with smaller grille that is less round and the bigger plastic nose above it, but it DID retain it's original concept's shape. This is like the only concept from any Korean make I liked in years, and it will be interesting to see how it does. Also, It would be great if it keeps the swinging desk like feature inside to put the notebook on it as it did on the concept. Concept's suicide door was also the one I was hoping for, but oh well, they decided not to go with it due to the safety.

Still, I think this one looks a lot better than that rolling cardboard box called Scion xD. Although, I maybe the only one. Sure, it's derivative, more than the concept did, but I kinda like it.

Youtube vid I found:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNv-kOhvGBM

It saids it's the concept, but it has the same face as of the official pic.

 

[Quickening]

Hey look -- the Koreans copied the last generation xB! Now all the pimply faced American geek boys and obese American girls wearing way-too-tight Abercrombie t-shirts can be kool.

Lol we have a winner!:lmao:

 

[CaymanS]

Out of all, you refer to the last-generation Scion xB?

 

[hunterjus]

Wow another box why am I not surprised.

 

[red_rider]

This doesn't compete with the 1st gen xB IMO. The xB actually had a car-like sporty stance. This thing tries to be sporty but sits up like truck, which is the complete opposite of sporty. Not to mention it will handle worse and be less aerodynamic for no good reason.

 

[AG3]

This doesn't compete with the 1st gen xB IMO. The xB actually had a car-like sporty stance. This thing tries to be sporty but sits up like truck, which is the complete opposite of sporty. Not to mention it will handle worse and be less aerodynamic for no good reason.

I guess its more like a Toyota Urban Cruiser (euro market Scion xD with taller suspension).

 

[ata10]

It's about the same size as Toyota Urban Cruiser, but the Soul will not be avaliable with AWD, but FWD only!
It is expected to have pretty low fuel consumption. The 1.6 diesel engine will be consuming only about 4.5 L/100km

 

[jry]

The original Kia Soul concept had design input from Kia's California design studio.

The more recent Kia Soul showcar which previews the production Soul was done in Europe.

So, this came out after the big blood-letting out there or was this a product from the old team?
If its the latter, then Kia leadership made a mistake when they fired those folks.
This looks OK. If its priced right, then, yip! yip! yahoo!

 

[Bravada]

The Soul is leaps and bounds better than the Ist aka Scion xD aka Urban Cruiser. I am actually quite disappointed it isn't a GM vehicle, and expect it to sell very well.

 

[61BelAir]

We have one of these in our shop right now. It has pre-production interior without the texture. Its a 4 cyl. with Macpherson front suspension and twist beam rear axle. I haven't driven it yet, but as soon as we put it back together, I will.

 

[paul8488]

I like it! Love the wrap-around windshield and side glass. It could be a Saab!