- 2011 Kia Soul Searcher special edition debuts for the U.K.
- The Soul Searcher is not planned for the U.S. market.
- In addition to the White Tiger Soul, American buyers will get a second yet unknown special-edition Soul for 2011.
LONDON — The 2011 Kia Soul Searcher has debuted in the U.K., but Kia Motors America tells Inside Line that this is not the second special-edition model due in the U.S. next year.
"No, not this particular variant," said Jay Joyer, Kia Motors America spokesman, in response to an e-mailed query from Inside Line on Friday asking if the U.S. will get the Soul Searcher. "Over the past year Kia released four special-edition Soul models specific to the U.S. market, and at SEMA and the L.A. auto show we announced that two more are planned for 2011, the first being the White Tiger Soul, which should be arriving in showrooms in the next few weeks."
The Soul Searcher, an appearance package, bundles light green metallic exterior paint, a cream-and-brown leather interior, chrome grille, chrome door handles and roof rails, black bezel headlights, front and rear mud flaps and 18-inch silver alloy wheels. Other standard features include reversing sensors, front foglights, electric folding door mirrors and privacy glass.
The Soul Searcher gets a 1.6-liter diesel engine and either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Prices start at the U.S. equivalent of $26,710.
Inside Line says: It's still a waiting game when it comes to that second Soul model due here next year. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
Add A Comment »
wshelley says:
06:31 AM, 12/09/2010
Quit whining. Add content and the price increases. List on the Soul starts at $14,090. Well equipped automatic around $17,300. For the money, it's tough to beat.
Kia has a great 6 speed automatic offered for the first time in it's 2011 Forte. Look for it to be available before too long in the Soul. As for a diesel in the Soul, there will be one available for the European market. Because of the EPA Nazis, don't expect to see it in the U.S. anytime soon.
chunky_azian says:
02:36 AM, 12/05/2010
"4 speed auto? No wonder it doesn't get better mileage. "
Mom's 4 speed Echo gets 39 mpg on road trips, my box shaped 5 speed Scion gets 35 on average, meaning it sometimes does better. Neither have the 6.5" ground clearance that people go all ga-ga over. The Soul shows a lot of tire profile to the wind. 18" rims with relatively large moment of inertia do not help either.
ed124c says:
12:09 PM, 12/04/2010
Obviously, the Soul needs some upgrades to the powertrain. Maybe if they didn't spend money on the special editions, they could afford a decent pair of 6 speeds.
4 speed auto? No wonder it doesn't get better mileage.
chunky_azian says:
11:25 AM, 12/04/2010
A 4 speed AT is complete adequate, in the UK. Notice that they are not selling it here. So is the 5 speed MT. But it would be nice to have a 6 speed MT
stephen987 says:
07:54 AM, 12/04/2010
Bring it, Kia! And while you're at it, how about that diesel engine?
fsu_seminole1 says:
07:26 AM, 12/04/2010
Wow purchasing vehicles in Europe is way more expensive. But I agree with BankerDanny, come on Kia. A 4 speed? Really? Seriously? How about at least a 6 speed.
bankerdanny says:
07:47 PM, 12/03/2010
4-speed automatic? Come on Kia, you can do better than that.