Kia Motors Corporation has confirmed that its all-new production model, the Kia Soul, will be marketed globally with a choice of three highly efficient engines (depending on individual markets), when it goes on sale in early 2009.

The most powerful engine will be a 2-litre petrol unit. A smaller capacity 1.6-litre petrol engine will be offered in most countries, while a 1.6-litre diesel engine featuring a VGT (variable geometry turbocharger) will also be available.

Both the 1.6-litre, four cylinder, 16-valve DOHC power units are based closely on engines fitted to the successful, European-built, Kia cee'd.

Kia has also confirmed that the new model, which will be available exclusively as a five-door hatchback with front-wheel drive, will have an overall length of 4,105 mm and a 2,550 mm wheelbase. Height will be 1,610 mm and width 1,785 mm, excluding door mirrors.

Peter Schreyer, Kia's Chief Design Officer, commented, "Reaction from the media and public to the three SOUL concept cars first unveiled at the Geneva Show in March and soon to be shown in London, has been overwhelmingly positive."

"The SOUL concept cars are so closely related to the new Kia Soul production car, that everyone can see this new model will defy conventions and appeal especially to the young and young-at-heart - whatever their age," added Schreyer.

The three concept cars - SOUL Burner, SOUL Diva and SOUL Searcher - were designed by Kia's European design team, led by Gregory Guillaume and under the guidance of Peter Schreyer. They were developed from the original SOUL concept car designed jointly by Kia's California and Korea design studios and unveiled in 2006 at the Detroit Motor Show.

Looking ahead to the world premiere of the Kia Soul production model on 2nd October at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, Gregory Guillaume observed, "Because the all-new Kia Soul is not a replacement for an existing vehicle and is destined to play a unique role within the Kia global product line-up, it can be a bit of a rebel! The Kia Soul defies classification and its design will encourage customers to form an emotional bond with this exciting new car."

The exciting new Kia Soul is scheduled to go on sale in Europe during February 2009, with sales in the USA and remaining overseas markets beginning later in the first half of 2009.