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TheCarConnection Team
Kia rolled out an oddly styled pickup concept based on its new 2010 Soul compact car back at January’s Detroit Auto Show as way to drum up excitement for the standard hatchback model that went on sale in March. The concept, dubbed the Soul’ster, was never intended to be produced but strong positive responses from attendees at the Detroit event reportedly has Kia’s management now thinking about production.
With young-at-heart buyers’ budgets in mind, the Soul'ster is an economic FWD vehicle that shows the flexibility of the new Soul platform. Along with a brightly colored “Soul’r yellow” paint finish, and a shortened windshield, the concept has a tough but refined character and could easily be marketed as an open-air urban crossover.
U.S. versions of the Soul offer a 140-hp 2.0-liter four, while engine options in other markets include a 124-hp turbodiesel and a smaller four-cylinder engine.
Kia spokesman Alex Fedorak has previously revealed that the response to the concept was so overwhelming that the company decided to reconsider building a production version. Now, reports coming out of South Korea, suggest that the vehicle could be on sale in the U.S. by the first half of next year if given the green light, though there remains no official confirmation from Kia.
Enlarge Photo Kia rolled out an oddly styled pickup concept based on its new 2010 Soul compact car back at January’s Detroit Auto Show as way to drum up excitement for the standard hatchback model that went on sale in March. The concept, dubbed the Soul’ster, was never intended to be produced but strong positive responses from attendees at the Detroit event reportedly has Kia’s management now thinking about production. With young-at-heart buyers’ budgets in mind, the Soul'ster is an economic FWD vehicle that shows the flexibility of the new Soul platform. Along with a brightly colored “Soul’r yellow” paint finish, and a shortened windshield, the concept has a tough but refined character and could easily be marketed as an open-air urban crossover. U.S. versions of the Soul offer a 140-hp 2.0-liter four, while engine options in other markets include a 124-hp turbodiesel and a smaller four-cylinder engine. Kia spokesman Alex Fedorak has previously revealed that the response to the concept was so overwhelming that the company decided to reconsider building a production version. Now, reports coming out of South Korea, suggest that the vehicle could be on sale in the U.S. by the first half of next year if given the green light, though there remains no official confirmation from Kia. [AutoTelegraaf]
Responses (5 total)
By R2dad #1, Posted: 6/1/2009
I suspect, but cannot prove, that they are overestimating actual demand UNLESS Kia makes a 4WD version as well. People want the off-road image, but if the thing can't actually go off-road they neuter the concept.
By kia sioux city #2, Posted: 6/1/2009
I think the Kia Soul is pretty cool and will bring younger buyers to the brand.
By karl #3, Posted: 6/13/2009
i want a kia soulster, i am in the uk, so send me one please thankyou !
By compfused #4, Posted: 6/21/2009
Hey man if want 4x4 go buy a Jeep Wrangler and don't bother the rest of us who finally find a cool affordable car without 4x4 in this wicked cool concept car Kia, make it without any changes and it will rock and people want, affordable
By j flowers #5, Posted: 8/10/2009
My Soul is great around town, but I need a 4X4--snowy mountains in winter...put me on the list for Soulster.
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