2009 Kia Soul: New Images and Details on Engine Range

Kia has released further details and new images of its new subcompact crossover prior to the vehicle’s global debut that’s set to take place in Paris on October 2, 2008. Scheduled to go on sale in Europe during February 2009, with the USA and remaining overseas markets following in April 2009, the Soul will be marketed with a choice of three engines, the most powerful being a 2.0-liter gasoline unit.

A smaller capacity 1.6-litre gasoline engine will be offered in most countries, alongside a 1.6-litre turbo diesel engine featuring a VGT (variable geometry turbocharger). Kia says that both 1.6-liter engines are based on the same units used in the European market Cee’d, meaning that the gasoline engine should deliver around 122Hp and the diesel approximately 115Hp. -Continued

The Soul that will be available exclusively as a five-door hatchback with front-wheel drive, has an overall length of 4,105 mm (161-in.), and a 2,550 mm (100.4-in.) wheelbase. Height is at 1,610 mm (64-in.) and width at 1,785mm (70.3-in.) (excluding door mirrors), meaning that overall, the Soul is a tad smaller than the Scion xB or for European buyers, its roughly the same size as the Nissan Note.