By Mike Meredith
06 October 2008 18:00:21

Paris: Kia Soul crossover

Kia’s new crossover vehicle delivers bold new style in an efficient and functional package.
Kia Soul (Image © Microsoft/Magiccarpics.co.uk)
Kia Soul: click images to enlarge
Aimed at a group of young buyers who wish to make a statement with their vehicles, the all-new Kia Soul delivers unique styling and proportions with fuel-efficiency and safety in a five-door hatchback package. Kia will offer a variety of packages to allow buyers to personalise their vehicle with interior materials and colors, lighting and exterior body kits and accessories.
 
The world premiere of the production version of the Soul revealed that the design has remained true to the SOUL Concept that debuted at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and the three SOUL concepts created in Europe for the Geneva Motor Show in March 2008.
Kia Soul (Image © Microsoft/Magiccarpics.co.uk)
Kia Soul
Peter Schreyer, Kia Motors Corporation chief design officer who oversaw the transformation of the Soul from concept to production, described it as “new type of compact vehicle” that is all about emotions.
 
“The new Kia Soul will be a breakthrough vehicle for Kia on its journey to be seen as a design-led company and the maker of distinctive cars which consumers aspire to own,” said Schreyer.
Kia Soul (Image © Microsoft/Magiccarpics.co.uk)
“The visual themes and core proportions of the original Detroit Show concept car have been largely retained, while a range of subtle styling and innovative equipment choices have been skillfully created to enable Soul to be tailored to the specific requirements of consumers in different global markets – with cars sourced from a single factory.”
 
Interior access is easy thanks to tall doors and a high seating position, and the Soul features what Kia calls a ‘laid back’ dashboard with a three-dial instrument cluster and a ‘floating’ centre stack that slopes up and away for ideal access to the audio system. Soul owners will have multiple options to personalise the interior with different colors, fabrics, lighting and audio systems.
Kia
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Paris Motor Show 2008 - your vote

  1. Which car unveiled at the Paris Motor Show 2008 do you most want to own?

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  1. Which car unveiled at the Paris Motor Show 2008 do you most want to own?
    1. New BMW 7-Series
      12%
    2. Chevrolet Cruze
      1%
    3. Ferrari California
      23%
    4. New Ford Ka
      4%
    5. Lamborghini Estoque
      36%
    6. Lexus IS 250 Cabriolet
      4%
    7. New Renault Megane
      2%
    8. New Toyota Avensis
      4%
    9. Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer
      3%
    10. New VW Golf
      11%
28336 responses,