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 (110 kW / 149 PS) and 132 lb-ft (178 Nm) of torque. There could also be a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine developing 175 hp (130 kW / 177 PS) and 195 lb-ft (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 (150 kW / 204 PS) and 290 lb-ft (392 Nm) of torque. This could enable the model to travel up to 258 miles (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.
H/T to Autoguide
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