Columbian Autocar to show some Soul at the 10th MIAS

Innovative, funky, one-of-a-kind. The Kia Soul is one of the more outstanding offerings from the Korean company, and not just because of its distinctive look. Kia calls the Soul its “urban hatchback,” with a compact footprint for easy parking and maneuverability, while its cube-like design allows for maximum interior space.

The second-generation Soul debuts with a stiffer chassis that is longer and wider. This allows for more passenger and cargo room, while Kia promises a quieter ride with reduced noise, vibration, and harshness levels. Matching its extroverted personality are optional new colors such as kale green, solar yellow and inferno red.

“The all-new Soul was one of the more difficult assignments we’ve taken on,” said Tom Kearns, Kia’s chief designer at its California studio. “Striking the right balance between the wonderful design of the current car with the audacious proportions and stance of the Track’ster was daunting. It proved to be a truly collaborative effort with guidance from Peter Schreyer in Frankfurt and assistance from our studio in Korea. In the end, we’ve kept the essence of Soul while infusing it with more presence inside and out.”

Soul features a longer wheelbase and increased width, while a reduced height helps make the car sleeker (for a box, that is). The new car features wraparound greenhouse, high-mounted taillights and available rear LED halo lamps. The car takes its cue from the Track’ster concept car. That car featured trapezoidal lower air intake, edge-mounted fog lamps, and the signature Kia grille, all elements that have made their way to the production car. The tailgate is wider as well, to allow for easier loading. Soul will feature 16-inch alloy wheels.

Soul continues Kia’s diesel juggernaut, with a common-rail turbodiesel powering the new car. With 127 HP and 260 Nm on tap, it should be plenty for the 1245 kg-car. A six-speed automatic channels drive to the front wheels. Driving the Soul can be hazardous to your license, as the car has plenty of speed on the highway, something we learned the hard way.

The Soul will be showcased by Columbian Autocar Corp. at the 10th Manila International Auto Show on April 3-6 at the World Trade Center.