Overheat
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Kia's Soul concept car is a variant on the crossover theme and a development of the Mesa concept seen at last year's Detroit Show.
Although not as sporty or high-powered as sister company Hyundai's HCD9 Talus (see separate story), like the Talus it looks like a clear indication of a production model to follow.
The Soul (its name referring to Kia's HQ in the Korean capital, as well as implying that there's "living, breathing life" in its design, according to chief designer Tom Kearns) is a collaboration between Kia's Californian studio and its counterpart in Korea.
Like the Talus, it has rear-hinged rear doors, but it has more of a focus on function, with roof racks, bumpers with brush guards, and a remote-control tailgate with a backpack-style compartment designed for muddy boots, wetsuits and so on. There's also a panoramic glass roof with a sliding section up front.
The Soul's cabin is said to have been inspired by top-end hi-fi systems and its dash was designed around the front speakers. There's a full multimedia entertainment system with a notebook computer (on a swing-out tray), videogames console and fold-out monitors, Bluetooth and MP3 kit, multiple USB ports and wi-fi connectivity. It's still practical, though, with a large cargo area and flat-folding rear seats, behind sporty bucket-style front seats.
It's powered by a four-cylinder two-litre petrol engine, with five-speed automatic transmission, the powertrain suggesting that the Soul is entirely production-feasible and could be near-ready to roll. It's bigger than either the Sportage or Sorento 4x4s currently on sale, and it looks like a convincing proposal for a large 4x4 specifically aimed at the US market. Pick-up truck versions are also expected.
