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 (see Trail’ster concept) 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 201hp 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.
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops
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