While change is perceived to be a good thing in the automotive industry, there are some cars that have retained their overall profile and thus, their character. One good example is the Porsche 911, which debuted its eighth iteration yesterday. Then there is the Kia Soul, which now has three gnerations to its credit as the latest one bows in at the Los Angeles Motor Show.
Looking more like an evolution of the first two generations, the funky little crossover from South Korea now has a sportier vibe with a new front fascia, a side profile that has a few modern touches like a floating roof, and a more en vogue rear end that is in tune with today’s offerings. Kia will be offering the Soul in either GT-Line or X-Line, allowing buyers to choose between sporty and rugged, respectively.
Take a peek into the interior and you will find a functional yet stylish interior that shares the same lines as that of other Kia models. There is either an 8- or 10-25-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim. You get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity to go with your mobile lifestyle. And there is a mood lighting system that lets you choose between such settings as Romance, Party Time, Travelling, Hey, You!, Cafe, and Midnight City.
Apart from the cabin that bosts larger cargo space and a bit more headroom, as well as the more modern exterior, Kia says that the new Soul rides on an equally new platform. This promises better handling and a more comfortable ride. Buyers can choose between a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 147hp and 179Nm or a 1.6-liter turbocharged mill with 201 horses and 264Nm. The former is mated to either a 6-speed manual or CVT, while the latter gets a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox.
The 2020 Kia Soul should hit the road by the first half of next year.
