his test mule of the Kia Soul, which will reportedly arrive late next year as a 2009 model, was spotted testing recently in the Nevada desert. The concept was first seen in 2006 at the Detroit Auto Show, and at this year's Detroit show, Kia confirmed that the vehicle would be making it to production.
The vehicle's edgy, California-designed styling has been drastically toned down for the production model. The fenders are only slightly flared, the rear window has grown in size, and the concept's rear suicide doors have made way for conventional ones. From the side, the Soul looks somewhat like a miniature Ford Flex adorned with a Range Rover Sport fender gill -- albeit with a beltline that slopes upward towards the rear of the car.
The 160-inch long, Honda Fit-sized Soul is believed to be powered by the Spectra's 2.0-liter engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The main competitor for the Soul will likely be the Scion xD, as the Scion xB that likely served as the inspiration for the vehicle is now not nearly as boxy as it once was. At 167 inches long, the new xB has become substantially larger in size than the Soul, which will reportedly only be sold in the U.S. market.
Expect pricing to match or slightly undercut the xD, which starts at $14,550, with its first production prototype appearance likely to be at the 2008 Detroit show if its past history is any indication.
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