The first official images of the upcoming U.S.-spec Kia Soul crossover have hit the web. Set to make its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show next month, the Soul should battle head-to-head with the Scion xB, though we much prefer the Kia's edgier looks and more aggressive styling than that of the Scion.
Although the Soul is engineered to accommodate an array of engine choices, the U.S.-spec model will only be available with a 142-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmision.
The Soul is expected to hit the American market in April of 2009. Of the 136,000 Souls that Kia intends to produce, 50,000 of those will be shipped Stateside. We'll be sure to give you the full details when the car is officially revealed in Los Angeles next month.
+ Kia World: Kia Soul to make it's official US premiere