USA - Kia Soul "Red Zone" limited edition, latest LE by Kia for 2014

“Red Zone” Edition Soul Inspired by the Wild Track’ster Concept is First Special Edition Based on All-new 2014 Soul

• Limited production of 2,000 “Red Zone” edition Souls to arrive in dealers in first quarter of 2014
• Based on the Soul Plus, the “Red Zone” Soul features a white exterior paint with sporty red accents and unique interior trim

Kia Motors America (KMA) announces its first special edition Soul of 2014 with the “Red Zone” edition. Inspired by the ultra-popular Track’ster concept previously unveiled at the 2012 Chicago Auto Show, the “Red Zone” edition Soul is the first special-edition based on the all-new second-generation Soul and is scheduled to go on sale during the first quarter of 2014.

“The Soul has always appealed to those who choose to express their individuality through their vehicle, and special editions have been a part of the lineup since the first-generation Soul went on sale in 2009,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. “The Red Zone Soul underscores that independent spirit and brings to life many styling features from our wild Track’ster concept.”

Based on the 2014 Soul Plus, the “Red Zone” Soul exudes its own extroverted personality with White exterior paint and an aggressively styled body kit featuring red accents throughout, including treatment on the front grille, front and rear fascias, and side skirts. Custom 18-inch alloy wheels fill the wheel wells and keep the “Red Zone” Soul firmly planted on the tarmac. Power comes from Kia’s efficient 2.0-liter gasoline direct injected (GDI) four-cylinder engine which puts 164 horsepower to the ground via a six-speed automatic transmission.

The interior makeover is equally impressive with black cloth seats featuring red stitching, leather steering wheel, black-leather dash hood with red stitching, black carpeted floor mats with red piping, and sport pedals. The shift knob ring, air vent ring, dash speakers and console tray trim have all been dipped in red paint, continuing the “Red Zone” theme.

As with all previous special-edition Souls, the “Red Zone” will be offered in limited quanities. Just 2,000 examples will be available.

Kia to launch SOUL Electric car but no dates yet for UK sale.

• New Kia Soul EV promises class-leading range of more than 200 km
• 81.4 kW motor produces 285 Nm of torque for fun-to-drive motoring
• UK on-sale date yet to be confirmed

Kia Motors has confirmed that a new all-electric version of the Kia Soul is scheduled to go on sale in export markets during the second half of 2014.  The ‘Kia Soul EV’ will be Kia’s first electrically-driven, zero-emissions family car marketed outside Korea.

“The new Soul EV will be at the forefront of Kia’s new ‘Clean Mobility’ program to provide environmentally-friendly transport to our customers around the world when it goes on sale globally next year,” commented Thomas Oh, Executive Vice President and COO, Kia Motors Corporation.

“Although it is Kia’s first globally-sold all-electric vehicle, the Soul EV is our second-generation battery electric vehicle and significantly benefits from our in-depth experience gained from development of the Ray EV and proven daily operations of the Ray EV fleet for the past three years.”

Paul Philpott, President and Chief Executive of Kia Motors (UK) Limited said: “Whilst this sector of the UK new car market still remains very small, we welcome Kia’s global commitment to developing this technology.

“It is impossible to confirm any details about how we might offer this vehicle to UK motorists as yet – but we will seek to bring Soul EV to the UK. We cannot confirm timings or likely pricing as yet,” he added.

Embodying the cheerful design language of the recently-launched second-generation Kia Soul, the Soul EV is a uniquely designed battery electric vehicle, practical for everyday use.  It will be perfectly suited for city commuters thanks to its class-leading range.  Equipped with a high-capacity 27 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack, the Soul EV will be able to drive more than 200 km on a single charge.

The front-wheel drive Soul EV prototype test cars are built on modified versions of the 2014 Kia Soul and are powered by an 81.4 kW electric motor, producing a generous 285 Nm of torque.  The motor delivers its power to the front wheels through a single speed constant ratio gear reduction unit.

Thanks to instantly available torque, the electric drivetrain will ensure that the Soul EV is a fun-to-drive vehicle with rapid acceleration (standstill to 100 kph is predicted to take less than 12 seconds) and a top speed in the region of 145 kph.  To maximise the efficiency and potential range of the Soul EV, regenerative braking captures and recycles into the battery the energy generated while the car is coasting and braking.

Charging is accomplished by plugging the Soul EV into any standard household electricity supply.  Recharging times are up to five hours for a fully depleted battery using a standard 240v or 230v household outlet, or 25 minutes on ‘fast’ charge with 100 kW output.

The absence of engine noise, combined with special sound-proofing materials, will make the production Kia Soul EV extremely quiet inside, contributing to the exceptional refinement levels similar to those of premium vehicles.  Because of its nearly silent operation, for the benefit of pedestrian safety, the Soul EV will be equipped with a VESS (Virtual Engine Sound System) that emits an audio alert at speeds below 20 kph and whenever the car is reversing.

A fleet of disguised prototypes of the new Soul EV is currently undertaking an intensive test program at Kia’s world-class Namyang R&D facility in Korea, as well as in Europe and North America, before manufacturing of customer cars begins in 2014.

The Kia Soul EV is based on the new 2014 Kia Soul which incorporates several significant improvements over the popular first-generation Soul.  Changes included the adoption of an all-new platform (based on the latest Kia cee’d) with a longer (2570 mm) wheelbase, a 29% stiffer bodyshell and upgraded suspension, delivering greatly improved ride, handling and refinement, plus more mature and composed on-road behaviour.

Like the 2014 Kia Soul, the Soul EV will have head-turning styling and exterior features that project a cutting-edge image and discreetly highlight its electric powertrain.  The smooth new-look is inspired by the 2012 Kia Track’ster concept and retains the iconic square-shouldered broad stance of the original Soul model.

Soul EV will offer buyers added sparkle with projection type headlamps, LED positioning lamps, LED rear combination lamps, plus aerodynamically shaped 16” inch alloy wheels.

Inside, Soul EV will be fitted with a unique Supervision instrument cluster and centre stack with an eight-inch display screen.  Appropriately for an eco-friendly vehicle, interior components and trim will use an increased range of recycled materials including Bio Plastic, Bio Foam, Bio Fabric and Bio PET Felt, together with low volatile organic compounds and newly developed antibacterial materials and paint.

Kia launched domestic sales of the Ray EV in Korea in late 2011 and has gained real-world experience of daily operations by supplying a fleet of Ray EVs to government departments and public offices.

USA - Iconic Soul Takes Top Honors in Urban Segment for Second Straight Year

• 2014 Soul praised for versatility, ride comfort and new technology
• Kia’s urban passenger vehicle is the right fit for those on the go

Kia Motors America’s (KMA) wildly popular urban passenger vehicle, the all-new 2014 Soul, was named a winner at the 10th annual Active Lifestyle Vehicle of the Year awards held in Chandler, Ariz. For the second consecutive year, the Soul received the highest score in the urban category after evaluations from local media and athletes.

“Having Soul named as a winner once again at the Active Lifestyle Vehicle awards is strong evidence that our complete redesign of this iconic vehicle was successful. While dramatically improving the Soul’s ride and handling qualities, as well as its interior appointments, it’s lost none of its fun, funky and young-at-heart personality,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. “From the expansive cargo area to the roof rack mounts that come standard on every trim, the Soul speaks to those who want a vehicle that offers iconic design and all the things that support a youthful and active lifestyle.”

With a more premium look and feel, the 2014 Soul features a quiet cabin and more comfortable ride than its predecessor. The Soul offers an eight-inch navigation screen, Rear Camera Display1 and a host of other available amenities to make it an attractive offering.

“Kia has been a long-time supporter and participant in the ALV program, and their interest in our audience is obvious in the products,” said Nina Russin, founder Active Lifestyle Vehicle program. “The Soul has always been an awesome choice for urbanites that need a car with a small footprint but also a versatile interior. The 2014 car builds on the first generation with better ride and handling and enhanced technology.”

About the 2014 Soul
Instantly recognizable yet thoroughly fresh – with more than a passing nod to the hot Track’ster concept that was unveiled last year – the all-new 2014 Soul rides on a new chassis that is stiffer, longer and wider.  The Soul’s new dimensions allow for more passenger and cargo room while NVH levels have been reduced dramatically. Increased torque and significant suspension upgrades make the 2014 Soul a nimble and agile companion in congested urban environments, and inside there is a long list of standard comfort and convenience features, including Bluetooth®2 wireless technology and steering wheel-mounted controls.