First Look: Kia's New Soul

Kia has released the first image of its production Soul. The compact hatchback will battle the Scion xB and Nissan Cube – which is also supposed to come to the U.S. next year. The Soul will be officially unveiled at the Paris auto show in October, but we finally got official confirmation that Kia is going to put it on sale.

This is a big deal for Kia. The company has been known as a value option for some time, but has offered little in terms of design or style to set it apart. Even if the Soul is just an average performer in the segment, its looks will still draw people into showrooms. There’s no word on when the Soul will go on sale in the U.S., or how much it will cost.

What do you think? Will Kia’s xB-fighter do well or fall flat? For more scrutiny check out a larger image of the production Soul in red below.

Comments

I read on one site that production starts in September and priced around $15k - no AWD option but FWD with traction control. I wonder what size engine and mpg. This will be the biggest factor in generating sales.

You know why the name is funny?

Becuase Korea's got Seoul...

Look out for this company. If it can make cars like this, success will follow. It's making cars for todays high gas prices. North America is years behind Europe, but maybe starting to catch up a little. It's a risky move to be first, but companies that do this wil be the trend setters.

I think its a great design, much better looking than the current xB. Add in the great warrany and very competive pricing and they should have something to draw folks into the showroom.

Ziggy,
That's all unofficial speculation. But it sounds about right. I'd guess between $15-$17 though to be right in line with the xB

$15k for a base model and up to $17k when you add the options. If the mpg is around 35 they'll have a hot seller...at lease until the cube comes out.

I truly feel that Kia will have a hit with the new Soul. This car is much better looking than the current Scion XB and comes with a much better warranty. Kia has come along way with build quality and in many ways is better than Toyota for quality. I am anxious for the Soul to hit the dealer showrooms.

I haven't seen this here in Korea yet...strange, I usually see cars on the road here for a year or so before they hit the streets in the U.S.