Kia to breathe life into Soul in 2009

Kia is all set to intro its pre-production version of the Soul.

Automaker Kia is all set to intro its pre-production version of the Soul. The small car from the Kia stables is likely to be showcased during the Warped concert tour this summer. The Kia Soul is a car-based compact SUV, a segment that is getting more popular.

Compact SUV or not, buyers are well-advised not to take their funky little SUV off – road. The car is too small for such adventures, and has a front-wheel drive to boot.

One very practical difference from the concept Soul will be normal doors instead of the French doors on the concept car.

Audiences at the concert are likely to get a close look of the car that will be rolled out by the company in the US during 2009. However, the company is keeping the interiors sealed. Warped fans won’t be able to see into the car as the windows will be darkened. Indstry sources said that the interior is expected to be eye catching, with emphasis placed on the instrument panel.

The Kia Soul is expected to be positioned to fight for youth market share with Toyota’s Scion and will come with a choice of two four-cylinder engines and manual and automatic transmissions. Though the price has not yet been decided upon it is expected that Kia would  aggressively price the Soul to likely start at $15,170 in the US.

Built on the modified version of the Rio platform, the Kia Soul would be based on the trio of Soul concepts that were showcased at the Geneva motor show in March 2008. The Soul takes off from an earlier concept shown in Detroit in 2006.

Analysts meanwhile predicted the squared-off small car would look similar to the Land Rover LRX concept. The Soul is expected to appear at all 46 stops on Warped Tour, where it will hold court in the air conditioned  ‘Soul Lounge’ at the various venues. The car maker has also lined up goodies for the motoring enthusiasts and would include fake tattoos and opportunities to check out other Kia rides, industry sources added.