The Kia Soul has had a very favourable development process from concept to production with the original design making it past the cost cutters that usually try to tone it down. It will make its debut at the Paris Motor Show in October as previously announced when the first official images where released, now as the precious event draws ever closer, the Korean manufacturer has released a few new images along with a few technical details many Kia fans will be wanting to hear.
The production Kia Soul will be available with a choice of three engines: two gasoline powerplants along with a diesel option. The latter option will be a 1.6-litre turbodiesel power unit with VGT (variable geometry turbocharger), power output will stand at 126hp and 255Nm of torque. The gasoline engines start with a 1.6-liter option which generates 126hp and 156Nm of torque, as well as a 2.0-liter unit that boasts 142hp although this last option will only be available in the US and some non-European markets.
It is billed by Kia as a compact hatchback, but factors such as the long wheelbase, a tall overall height of 1610mm and a ground clearance of 45mm puts the model closer to the crossover sector.
The Kia Soul will go on sale in mainland Europe next February whilst the UK will have to wait a little longer with production of a right-hand-drive version sue to start in March.
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Formula 1