Choice of 126 ps diesel and gasoline engines for new Kia Soul
- Diesel (126 ps*) and gasoline (126 ps) engines to power Kia Soul in Europe
- Soul cabin to deliver unrivalled space, comfort and style
- World premiere at Paris Show – 16.45 hrs, Stand 520, Hall 5, 2 October
- On sale in February 2009, Kia Soul will appeal to the ‘young-at-heart’
Kia has confirmed that its all-new Kia Soul urban crossover passenger car will go on sale in Europe next February with a choice 126 ps* diesel and gasoline engines – with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions, depending on model.
The two highly efficient 1.6-litre, 16-valve, four cylinder petrol and diesel powerunits are based closely on the DOHC engines already fitted to the hugely successful, European-built, Kia cee’d. The diesel engine generates 126 ps at 4,000 rpm and maximum torque of 255 Nm at 2,000 rpm. The all-aluminium gasoline engine also produces 126 ps at 6,300 rpm and 156 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm.
“The Kia Soul is a brand new urban crossover car packed with liberating ideas – a car that will challenge consumers to free their minds. It will offer cavernous passenger space that matches or even outperforms vehicles with much larger exterior dimensions,” enthuses Mr Panu Vainamo, General Manager Marketing, Kia Motors Europe.
Soul is a five-door hatchback with front-wheel drive, a high roofline and an unusually long wheelbase. The key dimensions behind the it’s striking appearance are vertical measurements. Overall height is 1,610 mm, the base of the windscreen is 135 mm higher than a typical compact car, the hip-points are 120 mm higher and the ground clearance is raised by 45 mm.
Access to the new Kia Soul’s spacious interior is remarkably easy and the cabin will deliver head, leg and shoulder room that matches or beats many larger vehicles. Generous headroom (1020/1005 mm front/rear), legroom (1070/990 mm front/rear) and shoulder room (1403/1400 mm front/rear) will ensure that Soul can accommodate five large adults in genuine comfort.
Looking ahead to the Paris Show debut, Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer, Kia Motors Europe, commented, “There will be several unique aspects to the experience of sitting in the Soul and first impressions will make a big impact. The tall doors and high-mounted seats make for easy access, while the ‘laid-back’ dashboard design, triple dial instrument cluster and thick-rimmed steering wheel create an unusual combination of spaciousness for passengers and cosiness for the driver, to generate a very special ambience.”
The Kia Soul urban crossover will make its world premiere on the Kia stand (No 520, Hall 5) at the Paris International Motor Show at 16.45 hrs on 2 October 2008.
Kia Soul cars for the European, USA and other markets will be manufactured at the Kia Gwangju facility in Korea from November 2008. In the USA and several non-European markets, a third engine – a 2-litre, 142 ps gasoline unit – will also be available.
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*Diesel engine choice
To suit local regulations and taxation a ‘low-power’ 115 ps version of the Soul diesel engine will be available in some European markets. Please check with your local Kia PR representative to confirm the Kia Soul engine line-up in your country.
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