Kia is out testing the next generation Soul under
cold weather conditions and our spies were there to catch them in the act.
Officially there’s very little information about what is Kia planning to do
with the upcoming replacement of the Soul but judging from these first spy
shots, it appears that the Korean company is sticking with the honest boxy
shape of it.
Kia always wanted the Soul to be not just an all-out
practical family hatchback but one that offers a bit of design flair into the
mix and the same appears to apply for its successor. Despite the camouflage
wrap and the covers on both ends, the face of the next Kia Soul looks like it’s
going to adopt a split headlight setup, much like what Hyundai did with the
Kona.
Kia was always teasing the possibility of offering
all-wheel drive in the Soul and if rumors are to be
believed, the new generation is the one that finally gets one. At least as an
option, that is.
Some of the current engine options are expected to
be carried over to the next Soul, including the turbocharged 201 hp 1.6-liter
petrol with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. A new all-electric
version will certainly join the range, possibly adopting the same powertrain
with the also upcoming Niro EV.
Given Hyundai-Kia’s recent announcement of the
development of 38 “green” models in the next eight years, it’s not hard to
guess that the next Soul is going to get at least a new plug-in hybrid
powertrain.
As for when we’re going to see Kia revealing the new
Soul, expect a debut in mid to late 2019.
Cr : Carscoops
