Kia unveiled its new Soul crossover/tall wagon at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show, and followed up that debut with a two-door concept variant at the Detroit Auto Show. Dubbed the Soulster, the concept shows what an open-air Soul might look like.
Kia touted the concept as “more than just a re-packaging treatment”, and the Soulster definitely delivers on that promise. In addition to just shedding two doors, the Soulster has also ditched its fixed hardtop — giving the Soul a true open air feeling. In fact, the Soulster is reminiscent of Suzuki ’s popular Samurai 4X4 model.
The Soulster’s interior is far more futuristic than its production counterpart, but keeps with the Soul’s affordable theme — the concept’s windows, gear box and canvas top are all manual. Rear seats fold dow to offer even more cargo space.
If the concept does make production, it will likely be touted as a sporty urban vehicle with a low price point — not unlike a Mini Cooper. However, there is no indication if the concept is meant to preview an eventual production model.
