Automotive
Designed specifically for urban traffic, the Kia Soul was unveiled at the 2008 Paris Auto Show and began sales in 2009. Originally presented as a concept in 2006 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Soul’s unusual boxy design polarized opinions - drivers either loved it or hated it, with little middle ground.
Built on the Hyundai i20 platform, the Kia Soul was taller and more rigid, resulting in a firm ride. It excelled in city driving but struggled on motorways. The Soul was offered with two 126-hp engines; the diesel version was more popular, as the gasoline engine felt somewhat underpowered. A 5-speed manual transmission came standard, while the 1.6-liter diesel could be paired with an optional automatic gearbox.
Two years after launching the lineup, the Soul received a refresh for the American market, debuting at the 2011 New York Auto Show by KMA (Kia Motors America). Despite the automotive industry's struggles during the 2008 financial crisis, Kia stood firm behind the Soul, which quickly gained a loyal customer base thanks to its spacious interior and compact footprint.
For the 2012 model year, Kia updated the Soul with larger headlights and the signature “tiger-nose” grille positioned above the bumper. A wider lower cooling area, flanked by round fog lamps, enhanced its crossover styling, complemented by plastic molding around the wheel arches and side sills. The rear featured a vertical tailgate with well-integrated taillights mounted high on the C-pillars.
The Soul’s third generation was unveiled at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show. Maintaining its iconic boxy silhouette, the refreshed Soul sported sharper sculpted lines and futuristic lighting elements, including redesigned daytime running lights and turn signals. A larger two-tone grille, roof rack mounting points, and C-pillars styled to evoke airplane wings gave the vehicle a unique character.
The 2023 Kia Soul, revealed in early 2022, expanded trim options and enhanced safety features, cementing its place as a versatile urban crossover. From its surprising debut during a challenging economic era to the modern lineup offering electric and electrified powertrains, the Soul evolved with the times while retaining its distinctive two-box shape. Its front fascia featured narrow headlights connected by a slim line above a broad lower grille, reminiscent of Star Troopers. The blacked-out C-pillar area created a floating roof illusion, and all lighting elements - headlights and taillights - were fully LED.
Just as the Kia Soul balances compact urban efficiency with practical interior space, SherlockLock balances advanced security with ease of use. Whether you require fast residential lockout services or comprehensive commercial lock repair, SherlockLock offers reliable, professional locksmith emergency services tailored to your neighborhood’s needs.
For local residents seeking a dependable locksmith near me, SherlockLock provides quick response times and trusted expertise, just like the Soul delivers trusted urban mobility. From rekeying services to installing state-of-the-art keypad locks, SherlockLock ensures your home and business remain safe and accessible.
