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Kia Soul'ster
Kia has been on a roll over the past year or so. Despite the rapidly souring economy, Kia says it sold more cars in 2008 than it did in 2007. The company posted 9% sales gains on its Optima, Rio, and Rondo models. The company is now sponsoring the National Basketball Association, and it is building a new manufacturing plant in Georgia. And, according to Kia Vice President of U.S. Sales, Tom Loveless, by 2011, the company’s oldest model will be the Borrego, which was just introduced for 2009. The company’s latest model, the 2010 Soul, was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show last fall, and Kia has already used the Soul as the basis for a concept: The Kia Soul’ster.
Kia Soul’ster Concept
Kia’s Soul’ster Concept is a 2-door, open-top version of the Soul hatchback that has room for four passengers. Power comes from either a 120-horsepower 1.6-liter 4-cylinder or 140-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. The smaller four is paired to a 5-speed manual, while the larger engine mates to either the 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. A 124-horsepower 1.6-liter four or a 1.6-turbodiesel 4-cylinder could be available in other markets.
The Soul’ster differs from the standard Soul not just because of its open top and fold-flat rear seats (the front-passenger seat folds flat as well), but also because of its extra storage compartments below the rear seats and below the cargo floor.
The Examiner’s Take
The Soul’ster is attractive--it looks like it might be a fun little urban runabout with limited off-road competition (think beach combing). If the public shows enough interest and the economy picks up soon--the Soul’ster could be a viable option for those looking for a fun and attractive tall-body compact.
Buried in the Soul’ster news, was the base price for the Soul itself: $13,995, including destination. At that price, the Scion xB may have a serious competitor on its hands.
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