Kia Soul'ster opens up for Detroit auto show

Kia rolls out a possible next member of its youth market-targeting Soul family at the Detroit Auto Show .

Taking a page from the roadster playbook, the Soul'ster concept drops a set of doors from the Soul SUV, which goes on sale this spring, shortens the windshield and adds a two-piece removable top. Roll bars offer occupants additional protection not normally found on convertibles, and house a slider track cargo system.

Additional visual touches include 19-inch wheels, blue-tinted lamps and chrome dual-tipped exhaust.

Kia promises the four-seat cabin will provide adequate room for both front and rear passengers, with rear occupants benefiting from non-floor-mounted cantilevered seats for optimal legroom.

Hauling flexibility comes from a fold-flat front passenger and rear seats, and storage compartments under the rear seats and trunk.

If the Soul'ster is green-lighted for production, a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with roughly 120 hp, connected to a five-speed manual,. would serve as the base powertrain. Premium models would be powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, making about 140 hp, paired with the manual or a four-speed automatic gearbox.

Kia estimates EPA fuel economy for both engines would at least be 30 mpg.

Detroit Auto Show News

By Jonathan Wong