Newtechfresh | Consumer Electronics Guide: KIA SOUL

oining Kia's display of a new concept model for a small crossover to compete against the Nissan Juke at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month, will be the European premieres of the all-new, second generation Soul and the refreshed Optima sedan.

The 2014 Soul, which has already been revealed in the States, keeps the original model's boxy looks with styling details loosely inspired by the2012 Kia Track’ster concept. Kia said that it will release information on the available diesel and gasoline engine and transmission lineups for the European market at a later date. Sales of the new Soul will begin during the second quarter of 2014.

As with its North American twin, in European specification, the lightly revised 2014 Optima sports reworked front and rear ends, along with updated infotainment, comfort and safety features.

Kia added that the Optima's 1.7-liter diesel engine has been upgraded with a new battery management system for the start-stop unit and as a result, CO2 emissions are down to 128g/km.

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When it comes to the electric vehicle segment, Kia and its parent company Hyundai are lagging behind the competition, which is why the Korean companies are planning to launch their first mass produced EV as early as 2014.

According to a report from Kia World, an electrified version of the Kia Soul MPV is expected to launch in the first half of 2014 as a follow-up to the Kia Ray EV, which is a limited run vehicle destined exclusively for the South Korean government fleets.

Unlike the Ray EV, the Kia Soul EV will have a global presence, as it will be sold in the U.S., Europe and China. Compared to the Ray EV, the electric Soul is expected to deliver better performance and an increased mileage per charge.

The report says the Soul EV will have a driving range of about 200 kilometers (124 miles) on a single charge, with top speed rated at 140 km/h (87 mph). The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) is expected to take under 12 seconds, 4 seconds better that in the case of the Ray EV.

As for pricing, the Kia Soul EV will likely be more competitively priced that the smaller Ray, with sources saying that it could start from 40 million Korean Won ($35,000) in its home market.

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