(Thu 22 May 08)

Having displayed no fewer than three examples of its Soul concept car at this year's Geneva Show (see separate story), Kia has confirmed that the production version will make its debut at the Paris Show in October and go on sale under the same name.

"Reaction from the media and public to the three Soul concept cars seen at the Geneva Show in March, and shown subsequently at other international events, has been overwhelmingly positive," says Hyoung-Keun Lee, head of Kia's International Business Divison. "This reaction, plus the fact that both physically and emotionally, the Soul concept cars are so closely related to the new Kia Soul production car, made it a natural choice to retain this evocative name."

The name was chosen partly because it sounds the same as the South Korean capital of Seoul, which is also Kia's home town. It also gives Kia a chance to talk about customer choice and freedom of expression. As Kia's Chief Design officer Peter Schreyer puts it, "The name Soul accurately reflects how people will be able to 'express their spirit - their psyche' with this new product. Through a variety of options, accessories and colours, they will be able to personalise their Kia Soul and create a sense of individuality, making their new car a true reflection of their personality."

Kia describes the Soul as "segment-busting", but basically it's a small car with a hint of mini-SUV about it. There are very few technical details at the moment, but Kia says that production will start in Korea in September, with UK sales following in early 2009.

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