2010 Kia Soul

The 2008 Paris motor show is still three months away, but Kia continues to leak more information about its 2010 Soul hatchback. Available only with front-wheel drive, Kia revealed more information about the Soul's powertrain along with a number of exterior photos. European models share their 1.6-liter gasoline and diesel I-4s with Kia's cee'd hatchback. The gas engine, equipped with DOHC, produces 122 hp and 113 lb-ft of torque, while the turbodiesel delivers 115 hp and 188 lb-ft. Both the gasoline and diesel engines come standard with a five-speed manual transaxle, while a four-speed automatic is optional on gas-powered Souls. U.S. Souls, however, may not receive either engine. Instead, Kia plans to use the 138-hp 2.0-liter DOHC I-4 currently found in the compact Spectra. We'd expect transmission choices to mirror that of the Spectra: either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic.