2010 US Spec Kia Soul Announced
November 21st, 2008 3:17 PM
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“Built on a platform with a wheelbase of 100.4in, an overall length of 161.6in, an overall width of 70.3in and overall height of 63.4in, the Soul offers enough space for five adults with some space left for storage. The car rides on a fully independent front and twist-beam rear suspension system, with front MacPherson struts and coil springs. In the rear, the Soul suspension is sub-frame-mounted with a transverse torsion beam axle with trailing arms. To maximize space, the rear anti-roll stabilizer bar is mounted inside the torsion beam. The engine lineup will consist of a 120hp 1.6L unit and a 140hp 2.0L option. Fuel economy for both engines is estimated at 30mpg.”
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I like the idea of the rear swaybar bolted inside the axle. Anyone have a picture of that cool trick?
OMG they've hired the same rogue intern to do the front end styling that the Japanese have been using.
I'm not ashamed to say that this thing isn't half bad. Now, if they can only get the fuel mileage up to where it should be, and for chrissake, can we do better than a 4sp auto? Please? Tack on another 2-3 hundy if you have to, but don't be like GM and offer 20yr old technology in a new car.
I would actually considering getting one of these. But I noticed that the Souls they displayed at the Los Angeles Auto Show all had a piece of black plastic trim tacked on underneath the headlamps, and it really looked bad. Amazing how one little strip of trim can impact the look of the vehicle.