Kia dares to be different

Would you prefer Java or Molten?

No, we're not talking about the latest Starbucks flavors, but two of the high-fashion hues that can be applied to the new 2010 Kia Soul.

As with the oddly original color schemes, the vehicle itself brings originality to a new level, especially in the small-and-tall-wagon class.

Always ready to seize upon a trend or even generate a new one, Kia's California design studio was let loose to create this boxy bridge to the youth market. The result is a celebration of eye-catching originality that initially garnered plenty of approving stares on the 2006 auto-show circuit.

At first sight, the five-passenger, front-wheel-drive Soul's wedge-shaped body appears to be wider in the front than in back. In fact, the distance between the rear wheels is actually slightly wider than in the front. The optical illusion is enhanced by the car's slanted roofline, rakish beltline, snub-nosed fascia and the wheels that are positioned to the outer limits of the fenders.

Elsewhere, the vehicle's near-vertical walls and extra-wide liftgate have helped to furnish the maximum amount of interior space on an all-new compact platform.

Thankfully, just as much thought has gone into the Soul's interior. The dashboard layout is bold without being overly trendy and the shape of the center control panel, with its built-in main audio speaker and storage bin, is particularly inviting. In fact, there are 14 such built-in "storage zones" throughout the vehicle, which must be some kind of record for a machine that's this small.

Although nothing else quite looks like the Soul, there are competing wagons on the market. However, this abbreviated Kia is shorter than the Toyota Matrix, Pontiac Vibe and Dodge Caliber by 10-12 inches, but is somewhat larger than Nissan's upcoming (and youthful) Cube. The Soul's dimensions likely cut into storage capacity with the rear seat upright, but levels out the playing field when the back bench is folded flat.

Exactly what and/or whom you plan to carry could play a role in your choice of powertrains. The starting point is a 122-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder connected to a five-speed manual transmission. But for added performance as well as enhanced content selection, the upper-level trims come with a 142-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder that's connected to a five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic.

Kia has also cleverly packaged the Soul for maximum customization and a wide range of price points. The base model is not entirely stripped down since it includes tilt steering, power windows, locks and mirrors, rear wiper/washer and a decent sound system that can accommodate external audio players.

The "Soul +" adds air conditioning along with cruise control, keyless remote entry, dash-mounted tweeter speakers, hands-free phone connectivity, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and 16-inch alloy rims.

The next step up the ladder is the "Soul !" with its upgraded interior trim, power moonroof, fog lights, 18-inch wheels and a more powerful 315-watt stereo, while the Sport provides a uniquely styled front and rear fascia, sport-tuned suspension, styled-metal foot pedals, sport bucket seats and metal-finish interior trim.

Kia specifically mentions both the young and the "young at heart" (a euphemism for older folks) as the Soul's target audience. But the styling, both inside and out, tells you that the car is specifically geared for the youth end of the spectrum. However, as the product planners at Toyota's youth-oriented Scion brand would attest, you can't pin down your audience and young and old alike appreciate utility and value. No doubt Kia will welcome any buyer of any age looking for a little Soul.