Kia bares it's Soul to take on MINI

Here is the picture to prove Kia has bared its Soul. This is the first official image of the firm’s all-new supermini, which is due in UK showrooms early next year.

It promises to be Kia’s strongest attempt yet to crack the competitive small car market, and aims to build on the success of the acclaimed Cee’d hatch. The newcomer will follow the likes of the MINI and Fiat 500 by offering buyers enormous scope for personalisation, with a huge range of trim combinations.

This approach was first hinted at by the original trio of Soul concepts revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The Soul Burner, Diva and Searcher all had different interiors to express a particular mood.

Unique exterior detailing, including sticker kits and chrome trim, also featured – and it’s thought they will be carried over from show stand to dealer forecourt. The five-door – which blends the chunky look of an off-roader with the compact dimensions of a supermini – will make its world debut in production form at the Paris Motor Show in October.

While there is no official word from the company at the moment, prices are likely to be in line with major rivals such as the Ford Fiesta and Renault Clio. So the range will start at around £7,000.

The Soul is designed to offer a great-value alternative to the likes of the MINI, and top brass hope to reinvent customers’ expectations of affordable small cars, just as Fiat has done with its reborn 500. Kia chief designer Peter Schreyer – who penned the original Audi TT – oversaw the European team which styled the Geneva cars.

He explained: “Through a variety of options, accessories and colours, the customer will be able to personalise their Kia Soul and give it a real sense of individuality.”