The Kia Soul is a compact "tall hatchback" with unique boxy styling reminiscent of the Scion xB. It was first previewed as a concept in 2006, and finally entered production for the 2010 model year onward.

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The base model Soul retails from $13,995, including destination. For the price of entry, buyers get a 122 horsepower 1.6L four-cylinder engine, ABS, electronic stability control, six airbags, air conditioning, an audio system featuring CD, MP3 (USB and AUX inputs) and Sirius Satellite radio, and power windows and locks.

The step-up "Soul+" model adds a 140 horsepower inline-four, 16-inch wheels, rear disc brakes, body colored door handles, power outside mirrors, Bluetooth, keyless entry and cruise control. The five-speed manual version of the Soul+ will run buyers $14,950, while the four-speed automatic version will cost $15,900. It tops out at $17,100 when options including the Audio Package and power moonroof are included.

The range-topping "Soul!" (exclaim) and "Sport" models will take the features of the "Soul+" even further, adding 18-inch wheels, an upgraded stereo with sub woofer and amplifier, leather wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob, and a metal finish interior. Both models start from $16,950 with a manual transmission or $17,900 with an automatic transmission and end at $18,600 with all available options included.

The Soul is made in Korea with an eye toward customization, indicating Kia is targeting the small-car tuner market pioneered by Toyota's Scion line.

The tall hatchback is pulled exclusively by the front wheels, and there is no all- or four-wheel drive system in the works.

Kia says it feels the Soul name reflects how passionately buyers feel about the car, and it is also a bit of a play on words as the Korean automaker has its headquarters in Seoul.

"Reaction from the media and public to the three Soul concept cars seen at the Geneva Show in March and shown subsequently at other international events, has been overwhelmingly positive," said Hyoung-Keun Lee, Senior Executive Vice President and COO. "This reaction, plus the fact that both physically and emotionally, the Soul concept cars are so closely related to the new Kia Soul production car, made it a natural choice to retain this evocative name."

When the Soul debuted in 2006 as a concept, Tom Kearns, chief designer for KMA said, "the Soul really was a collaborative effort between our design studio in California and our design studio in Korea [...] We went so far as to send one of our California designers to Korea for a month and half during the project."

The Soul is aimed at a young-at-heart, fashion-conscious demographic, and Kia will offer a slew of options that aim to personalize their Soul, in a similar vein as the MINI range, with new trim and color options coming every six to 12 months.

The Soul is produced in Korea at an annual rate of 136,000 vehicles, with 50,000 of those earmarked for the U.S.