Kia to Bring new Soul Based Concept to Detroit

Kia will bring their new concept to the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month.  Based on the Kia Soul, this is an all-new take on the company's upcoming urban crossover car.

At first glance, the question that comes to mind is, "Why is the Korean company coming out with a new Soul Concept?"  After all the first-generation Kia Soul, which was just unveiled last year and has not yet shown up on dealer floors, itself was based on a concept that debuted almost three years ago.

Kia World's "insider" has an answer to that: "this is not just a re-packaging treatment."  Mysteriously, the leaker says, "The new concept will demonstrate the flexibility of the original Soul design first shown at the 2006 NAIAS."

We are a bit sceptical, but we'll give Kia the benefit of the doubt.  Early speculation has fans wondering if this will be a three-door, a small SUV, or some kind of El Camino-esque pick-up.  No official details, and no pics of the all-new Kia Soul concept rear section have been released.

Kia Motors will unveil the concept of a not yet released production vehicle based on a concept at their 2009 NAIAS press conference, scheduled for Sunday, January 11, 2009, at 2:20 pm Detroit time.

Press Release

Kia Motors will unveil a new take on the Soul at the 2009 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit in January.

The all-new concept based on the recently revealed and eagerly anticipated Soul urban crossover passenger car is more than just a re-packaging treatment, as it will demonstrate the flexibility of the original Soul design first shown at the 2006 NAIAS.

Soul is due to go on sale in the UK from March 1 2009. Full range details, specification and prices are yet to be revealed but Soul will be available to UK customers with fuel-efficient 1.6 litre petrol and 1.6 litre diesel engines and with a wide range of personalisation options.

The Kia Motors press conference for the 2009 NAIAS is scheduled to take place on Sunday, January 11, 2009 from 2:20-2:45 pm.