Kia made its Indian debut in August 2019 with the launch of Kia Seltos mid-size SUV and it became an instant hit. Then, Kia launched the Carnival Premium MPV at the Auto Expo 2020 and the Sonet sub-compact SUV in September 2020. The company just didn't stop here and just a few weeks ago, Kia launched the new updated Seltos and Sonet in the country. And now, Kia Soul has been trademarked in India. So, is Kia Soul the next big launch from Kia in India?
The Kia Soul is already sold in the global markets with both ICE or internal combustion engines as well as in the electrified avatar. Kia even showcased the Soul EV in India at the Auto Expo 2020 to gauge the public response. As per Kia India, the Soul EV received a positive response from the visitors at the Expo. Last year, while speaking to NDTV C&B, Manohar Bhat, the then Vice President & Head of Sales and Marketing, Kia Motors India said, "We got a lot of feedback from customers at the Auto Expo 2020 about the Soul."
He further added "The Soul is a very young and different looking vehicle. While the Soul EV might not be a viable solution for India right now, it is available in other powertrains and it is well worth looking at. We have got very positive feedback about the design of the Soul. We will look at the Soul or a similar vehicle for the Indian market going forward. We are seriously looking at it and we'll bring it only after checking out on how the market is progressing." And now, the company has finally trademarked the Kia Soul in India which hints that Kia is seriously considering launching it in India.
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Kia Soul is a mid-size crossover and it is globally available with two petrol engines - a 1.6-litre turbocharged motor and a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated unit. The turbo-petrol engine churns out 201 PS of power with 264 Nm of torque and comes mated to a 7-speed DCT. The naturally-aspirated motor develops 147 PS and comes mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and a CVT. Also, it measures 4195 mm in length, 1800 mm in width, 1605 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2600 mm. It sports a very unique youthful design.
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Kia also sells the Soul EV in the global markets and the electrified version is available with two powertrains - 64kWh (long-range version) with 201 PS of power, 452 kms range and 39.2kWh (standard range) with 136 PS of power and 277 kms claimed range. It will be interesting to see which version of the Soul Kia brings in India and when. Do you want to see it in India? Do feel free to share your opinions with all of us in the comments section below. You can also join our 91Wheels Auto Enthusiast Telegram group (click via mobile to join) curated exclusively for the fans, enthusiasts and owners. Further, also subscribe to our YouTube channel for more amazing motoring updates.
