Photo: Kia
Based on sales of the second-generation Kia Soul, it seems that the South Korean automaker can do no wrong with its funky hatchback. As sales of the Soul EV prepare to commence, a new report brings past rumors back to life again indicating that Kia Soul could be adding an all-wheel drive system and a turbocharged engine in the near future.
According to Automobile Magazine, a Kia product planner recently told the outlet that the automaker is looking to apply its 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain into the Soul. While there were no other details about the engine, a similar engine is used in the Hyundai Veloster Turbo as well as the SX trim levels of the Kia Forte Koup and Kia Forte5 where it produces 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque.
Currently, the two engines available in the 2015 Soul include the naturally aspirated 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 130 hp and 118 lb-ft and the 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 164 hp and 151 lb-ft. Like the Forte, it is most likely that the turbocharged engine would be for a new Soul SX trim level, which would also have the possibility to bring a sportier appearance as well as beefed-up suspension and braking systems.
While the turbo engine sounds like a short-term addition for the Kia Soul, it isn’t exactly clear when the all-wheel drive model could be added or what type of system it would use. The article points out that Kia’s smallest all-wheel-drive vehicle is currently the Kia Sportage.
Adding an all-wheel drive version of the Kia Soul would help Kia compete in the growing segment of entry-level subcompact crossovers and hatchbacks that include new additions like the Chevrolet Trax and Honda HR-V.
Of course, this doesn't even include the possiblity of a diesel-powered Soul that Kia was still rumored to be considering as of July.
Currently, the two engines available in the 2015 Soul include the naturally aspirated 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 130 hp and 118 lb-ft and the 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 164 hp and 151 lb-ft. Like the Forte, it is most likely that the turbocharged engine would be for a new Soul SX trim level, which would also have the possibility to bring a sportier appearance as well as beefed-up suspension and braking systems.
While the turbo engine sounds like a short-term addition for the Kia Soul, it isn’t exactly clear when the all-wheel drive model could be added or what type of system it would use. The article points out that Kia’s smallest all-wheel-drive vehicle is currently the Kia Sportage.
Adding an all-wheel drive version of the Kia Soul would help Kia compete in the growing segment of entry-level subcompact crossovers and hatchbacks that include new additions like the Chevrolet Trax and Honda HR-V.
Of course, this doesn't even include the possiblity of a diesel-powered Soul that Kia was still rumored to be considering as of July.
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