The Los Angeles Auto Show has already revealed that
nearly a third of this year’s debuts will have eco-friendly powertrains and it
appears the 2020 Kia Soul EV will be among them. According to The Korean Car Blog,
Kia will use the auto show to introduce both the electric and petrol-powered
Soul. While nothing is official, the news isn’t terribly surprising as
California is one of the biggest markets for electric vehicles in the United
States.
Kia hasn’t said much about the next-generation Soul,
but previous spy photos have shown the model will have an evolutionary design
which is instantly recognizable. However, there will be a handful of changes
including a new front fascia which has slender LED daytime running lights
mounted above large headlights.
The familiar styling continues in the cabin, but we
can expect higher quality materials and more modern technology. Previous
pictures have shown there will be a new steering wheel, revised switchgear and
an updated infotainment system. One of the biggest changes will be an all-new
shifter which features a rotary knob.
While Kia has been tight-lipped about the Soul, the
model is expected to ride on the same platform that underpins the Hyundai Kona.
Engine options should be shared between the models, so the entry-level Soul
will likely have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 147 hp and 178 Nm)of torque. There could also be a turbocharged 1.6-liter
engine developing 175 hp and 264 Nm of torque.
The Soul EV, on the other hand, should have a 64 kWh
lithium-ion battery and an electric motor that produces around 201 hp and 392 Nm of torque. This could enable the model to travel
up to 415 km on a single charge.
While the Soul EV is expected to be front-wheel
drive only, the standard model could be offered with an all-wheel drive system.
That remains unconfirmed, but we should find out when the Los Angeles Auto Show
kicks off next month.
