Kia Soul Fully Revealed – Equipped with 126 and 142PS engines

Kia has issued a new set of photos that include for the first time the interior along with more technical details of the Soul that’s scheduled to make its worldwide debut at the Paris Motor Show in a few weeks time. Set to go on sale in global markets early next year, the Korean subcompact car will be offered with a choice of two gasoline engines and one diesel engine with manual or automatic transmission (depending on individual markets).

The most powerful engine of the range will be a 2.0L gasoline unit producing 142 PS at 6,000 rpm and 186 Nm (137-lbs/ft) of torque at 4,600 rpm. This engine can be combined with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic. A smaller 1.6L gasoline engine generating 126 PS at 6,300 rpm and 156 Nm (115-lbs/ft) of torque at 4,200 rpm will be offered in most countries, while consumers in Europe and some other markets will also be able to order a 1.6L turbo diesel engine delivering 126 PS at 4,000 rpm and 255 Nm (188-lbs/ft) of torque at 2,000 rpm. Kia notes that some markets will get a 115 PS version of the diesel engine. -Continued

The Korean automaker describes its new model as an ‘urban crossover’ but leaving the marketing hype aside, the Soul is essentially a tall 5-door subcompact mini (or a supermini if you prefer) that manages to stand out thanks to its contemporary design that takes styling cues from crossover models.

The Soul’s overall length is 4,105 mm with a 2,550 mm wheelbase while the overall height is 1,610 mm. Kia says that the base of the windshield is 135 mm higher than a typical compact car while the ground clearance is raised by 45 mm. Despite its compact dimensions, the Korean automaker says that the Soul will ‘accommodate five large adults in genuine comfort’ thanks to its generous headroom (1020/1005 mm front/rear), legroom (1070/990 mm front/rear) and shoulder room (1403/1400 mm front/rear).

Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer, Kia Motors Europe, commented, “Drivers and passengers will be treated to a very unique experience when sitting inside the Soul for the first time. The tall doors and high-mounted seats make for easy access, while the ‘laid-back’ dashboard design, triple dial instrument cluster and thick-rimmed steering wheel create a combination of spaciousness for passengers and tailored fit for the driver, generating a very special ambience.”

The Kia Soul cars destined for the U.S., European and other markets will be manufactured at the Kia Gwangju facility in Korea starting in November 2008.