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The 2010 Kia Soul goes on sale in the spring.

After a world debut in Paris, the 2010 Kia Soul greeted North America with an L.A. press launch that was almost 2 Qt 4 wds. Even the press kit was "kewl:" a USB flash drive disguised as a molded-plastic bracelet. The vehicle itself is little changed from the 2006 concept design, so this is another 5-passenger compact wagon aimed at the same young urban hipsters as the Scion xB and Nissan's new Cube. Soul mimics that pair in most dimensions and in emphasizing "personal" options, a major must for the target audience.

There are four trim levels: base, Soul + (plus), Soul ! (exclaim), and Soul sport. An all-new platform mounts a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine with 120 horsepower or, base model excepted, an optional 2.0-liter unit with 140. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard; a 4-speed automatic is available with the 2.0. All Souls come with front side airbags and full-length curtain side airbags, and all but the base version include ABS with rear disc brakes and a stability system with traction control. The Soul ! adds a sunroof and upgraded audio system that are available for the Soul +, as well as unique interior trim. The sport gets sport seats and its own cabin décor, plus a sport-tuned suspension.

Soul arrives early next spring with the usual promise of "highly competitive" prices, which will be announced just before sales begin.

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