Frankfurt Live - Euro spec Kia Soul, will be sold, starting next year

10/09/2013 - 16:41 Kia Soul, Kia, 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show Anjan Ravi

The 2014 Kia Soul compact SUV made its European debut at the 65th Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA) in Frankfurt today, before settling into showrooms throughout Europe in early 2014.

Front of the 2014 Kia Soul — The 2014 Kia Soul made its European debut at the IAA 2013.

The new gen Kia Soul was revealed at the New York Auto Show in March. However that was the American version, What Kia has brought to Europe, is a locally translated car which gets inspired by the same 2012 Kia Track’ster concept.

The upright stance, squared shoulders, wraparound greenhouse, high-mounted stoplamps and an increased ride height echoes the outgoing Soul. The interiors are completely new with better quality materials used to build the cabin, along with a new design that aims to be more driver-focused.

When the car reaches showrooms next year, it will offer three roof colors - white, black and red - complementing 11 exterior color options.

The Souls displayed in Frankfurt have the 'SUV Styling Pack' which introduces a piano black bumper garnish, wheel arches, side skirts and roof.

The 2014 Soul rides on the completely new Kia cee’d platform which Kia say has improved the car's ride and handling. Refinement is claimed to be class-topping credit to the upgraded suspension, 29% stiffer bodyshell and a more comprehensive soundproofing. The new platform has increased the car's wheelbase, track and luggage space.

Power is derived from the same 1.6-litre GDI gasoline and CRDi diesel duo, driven through six-speed manual and automatic gearboxes.

Kia will offer front LED lights and rear LED ‘halo’ lights, HID headlights, auto climate control, cruise control, panoramic glass sunroof, keyless entry and push-button start, and ventilated front seats as options when the car hits the market next year.

Press release on Page 2 has more details.