Kia Motors has announced that its all-new production model, based on the Soul concept cars unveiled earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show, will use that name when it goes on sale.. Click image to enlarge

Seoul, South Korea – Kia Motors Corporation has confirmed that its all-new Kia Soul will be marketed globally with a choice of three engines, depending on individual markets, when it goes on sale in early 2009.

The engine choices will be a 2.0-litre gasoline engine, 1.6-litre gasoline engine offered in most countries, and a 1.6-litre diesel engine with variable geometry turbocharger. Both of the 1.6-litre engines are based closely on engines used on the European-built Kia Cee’d.

The Soul, which will be available exclusively as a four-door hatchback with front-wheel drive, will be manufactured in Korea starting in November 2008 for overseas markets. Its world premiere will be at the Paris Motor Show on October 2, and is scheduled to go on sale in Europe in February 2009, with sales in North America and remaining overseas markets beginning in April 2009.