First U.S. Spec Kia Soul Pics Leak Ahead of L.A. Debut

i like it! some might say it looks a little like a scion, okay, but it still shows a lot of personality - more than most cars made in korea. looks funky, youthful and somewhat sporty, all in a rather clever small package. just a shame americans won't be able to buy it with a smaller displacement engine... it's really nice to see kia paving their way on the right direction anyway... when the korean folks decided to go upmarket with their two brands (hyundai also), i must admit, i was quite skeptical... now they're playing basically on the same league as the japanese brands, being hyundai the vanilla-flavored copycat of toyota, and kia the sporty korean honda. just rebadge a genesis as a lexus, a forte/cerato as a honda or the future portico as a toyota and it is not at all hard to see it. i really dig the high mounted tail lights, the strong wheel arches, the kinda mini-ish roof treatment, the stylish and almost rugged headlights, the new kia family face on the grille... well, looks like a winner to me. kudos to kia!

im confused... is this like a cross over or just a normal hatch??

nice design! but not enough power...

Is there any reason that GM, with all their divisions, couldn't have come up with something like this for the US market? Or that Chrysler couldn't have given us this instead of the nasty Dodge Caliber? This boxcar looks cool and right for the times, and surprisingly masculine. Wish they'd bring the diesel to the US, but maybe it won't pass emissions. Scion blew it with the heavier, less fuel-efficient 2nd-gen xB. Enter the South Koreans to out-Japan Japan. Meanwhile the US mfrs flounder as they worry focus more on how big they can make the grille on yet another 4-door sedan.

I think this a very great design also. Usually I am no fan of such "boxcars," or "minicars" at all. This however, is fantastic and I really like it. Also, you may think that 142HP isn't a lot, but a car like this tends not to weigh very much so there probably is quite a bit of power. That being said I don't think this car is intended for any sort of racing anyway.