Kia Bringing Soul to the 2011 New York Auto Show

We knew that Kia is readying a facelifted version of its Soul and it seems like the car will shine for the first time at the upcoming New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). The news comes via a newsletter sent by the organizers, which states that the refreshed hatchback will be part of the big festivities. The changes brought to the vehicle will keep the proportions and shapes in line with the company’s recent design language and should keep younger customers happy. The biggest change will be the addition of LED daylights and the restyled bumper, revised taillights and a more striking grille. No word on the interior, but we can expect to see a few extra standard features and interior trim options sprinkled onto the cabin. No big changes are expected for the engine range, which means that the car will still be propelled by the standard 1.6-liter petrol-burner. But this will most likely be mated not to the current five-speed, but new six-speed transmissions, likely to arrive both as manual and automatic versions. The change should translate to a substantial saving in fuel, as Kia says the Soul will now offer a 35 mph highway rating. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 140 hp should also make its presence felt in the Soul+, Soul! and Soul sport. The Kia stand in New York will also see the US debut of the 2012 Rio, offering new direct-injection technology and fuel economy ratings of over 40 mpg. autoevolution will be attending the 2011 New York International Auto Show, so stay tuned for some real up close and personal shots of the vehicles, as well as for first-hand details of the motorized contraptions presented at the event.