SCOOP: Kia Readying a Facelift for the 2012 Soul

It appears that the Soul is the next vehicle in Kia�s list to receive an update. Caught here in testing in Germany by our spy photographers, the bagged-up ends do their job to hide the Soul�s stylistic upgrades with the only visible change being the redesigned exterior mirrors that house the turning lights.

However, it is expected that the Soul will take some cues from the new Picanto and Rio hatchbacks (both of which were revealed at the Geneva Motor Show) such as the pulled back headlamps and more pronounced bumpers. An interior rework may also be in the cards.

Currently, the Soul is offered in the States with two gasoline engines, a 1.6-liter unit with 122HP and a 2.0-liter delivering 142HP. In Europe, engine choices include a 1.6-liter turbo diesel with 126HP and a 1.6-liter petrol producing 124HP.

From what we�ve heard, there�s a good chance that in both regions, Kia will replace the standard 1.6-liter gasoline unit with the Veloster�s all-new 1.6-liter four-pot featuring direct-injection technology and an output of 138HP and 123 lb.-ft. at 4,850 rpm. Europe may also get the Hyundai-Kia Group�s newer 1.7-liter turbo diesel unit, offered in two states of tune.

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Kia Soul Does Some Inner Searching with New Special Edition

The Soul Searcher is the latest addition to Kia's Originals line-up, which includes a collection of distinctive versions of the sub-compact crossover. This here special edition is for the UK market and it follows on from the Burner, Shaker, Tempest and Echo. Sales scheduled to start from the 4th January 2011.

The car is cosmetically distinguished by a light green metallic paintwork, and cream and brown full leather interior offset by a two-tone, cream and black dashboard. Furthermore, Kia's designers added chrome front grille and door handles, roof rails, black bezel headlights, front and rear mud flaps as well as 18-inch silver alloy wheels.

Standard specification includes reversing sensors, front fog lights, electric folding door mirrors, privacy glass, dual auto air conditioning and heated front seats, plus an upgraded 8 speaker sound system with subwoofer and external amplifier, Bluetooth and iPod connectivity.

The Soul Searcher is powered by a 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engine available with either 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, with prices starting from �16,965 OTR and �18,025 (including VAT at the new 20% rate) respectively.

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Kia Takes New Soul White Tiger and Hamstar Concepts to SEMA Show

Kia is represented by a variety of customized models at this week's 2010 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, including this pair of concept versions of the Soul crossover called the "White Tiger" and "Hamstar".

The first concept study, the Soul White Tiger, is actually a teaser to one of two all-new special edition models that the company is planning to launch before the end of the year. Following in the footsteps of the four special edition Souls introduced over the past year, the White Tiger model features some unique styling cues and added content.

Taking design cues from this year's Asian Lunar year animal, the Tiger, the customized Soul combines an all-white exterior with tiger-themed graphics and a contrasting jet black leather interior.

The body colored bumpers, spoiler, black fender vents, rear bumper cat claw appliqu�, alloy fuel door and white-finish 18-inch alloy wheels round off the exterior package, while interior goodies include a push-button start, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, unique floor mats with contrasting stitching and illuminated scuff plates.

Next up is the Soul Hamstar Concept, inspired by the hip hamsters from Kia's well-received ad campaign. The crossover's exterior is finished in a custom red and black color scheme, highlighted by a "star" graphic with the signature Hamstar script logo on the hood and off-black matte finish stripes on the sides. The car rides on black gloss and polished alloy wheels.

Inside, interior appointments include two-tone red and black sport cloth seat materials with black chenille stars attached to the back side of the front headrests, special Hamstar floor mats and a rubberized Hamstar badge.

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