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Kia planning outdoorsy concept for Chicago

If you prefer vehicles with a more rugged look, then the 2015 Chicago Auto Show has quite a bounty in store. Mitsubishi will give the GC-PHEV its North American debut; Chevrolet will show the Silverado Midnight Edition, and Honda will unveil the next-gen Pilot and Acura RDX. Kia will be right along with them with its freshly announced rough-and-tumble concept for the event. Unfortunately, the Korean automaker is keeping tight-lipped about the vehicle, even the name. The brand promises the concept is based on one of its most popular models, and styling tweaks from Kia's California design studio mean a more off-road-ready appearance. When asked if the concept is a sturdier take on one of Kia's CUVs, a brand spokesperson told Autoblog, "I don't know if I would call it a crossover." The wait to learn the vehicle's true identity isn't too long, though. A teaser image and the name arrive on January 29, according to the spokesperson. We wouldn't be too surprised if Kia might not have a more rugged take on the Soul in mind. The model already gets an optional SUV Styling Pack (pictured above and below) in Europe that could serve as inspiration for this new concept. Kia Chicago Auto Show Announcement After 20 years of growth and maturation, Kia continues to carry its momentum into 2015 following a year of record sales and the arrival of the all-new 2016 Sorento CUV. Kia will embrace its challenger spirit in Chicago with the debut of an all-new concept – conceived at Kia's California design studio – that re-imagines one of the brand's most popular vehicles. Built for city dwellers seeking an adventurous escape and intended to enable a variety outdoor activities, this concept proves that practical urban wheels can also be rugged and capable. Related Video:

With more power and better mpg, the 2017 Kia Soul Exclaim is one to get.

We got our first look of the turbocharged Kia Soul just over a month ago at the Paris Motor Show in the form of the Soul SX. Because it was the Euro-spec model, we couldn't be sure just how much of it would change for the American market. But now it's abundantly clear that the US-spec Soul Exclaim is the very same car. The understated body modifications, the 201-horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, and the upgraded interior all make the trip to the States. We do learn a few more details now that the American model has been unveiled. One of the most surprising ones is the gas mileage. Although the Soul Exclaim is by far the most powerful trim in the range, it also yields the best fuel economy. The combined city and highway rating is 28 mpg, which tops the second-highest rated Soul Plus by 1 mpg overall. For reference, the Soul Plus is only offered with a 2.0-liter, 161-horsepower, naturally aspirated four-cylinder and a 6-speed automatic. The 130-horsepower naturally aspirated entry-level Soul only gets 26 mpg, regardless of whether it's equipped with a manual or automatic. This does bring us to a disappointing tidbit about the Kia Soul Exclaim. It's only available with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. A spokesperson from Kia told us that the reason for this was to improve fuel economy and get the most performance out of the car. He also mentioned that the take rate for manual transmissions is very low. While we understand the reasoning, we still hoped it would be offered with a clutch pedal, especially since the engine is shared with the Hyundai Veloster Turbo and the Elantra Sport, both of which are available with 6-speed manuals. However, if you don't have to row your own gears, the Soul Exclaim is by far the model to get. It goes the fastest, is the most efficient, looks the best, and has the nicest interior, complete with a 315-watt stereo with subwoofer. Kia hasn't revealed pricing yet, but it's safe to say it will be the most expensive Soul, too. But if you want a Soul and have the means, this is the obvious choice. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Pope Francis chauffeured around Korea in a Kia Soul

Korea is not without its domestic automobiles that would be suitable for transporting a visiting head of state: the Hyundai Equus comes to mind. Failing that, a Genesis sedan would do the trick. Maybe even a Kia K900 or a Renault Samsung SM7. But those familiar with Pope Francis and his taste in transportation won't be surprised that His Holiness has chosen something decidedly more modest for his visit to South Korea.
Instead of a more luxurious sedan, the Bishop of Rome has elected to be driven in a Kia Soul, giving the high-roofed hatchback a bigger boost (in the Catholic world, at least) than any quantity of animated hamsters ever could.
The Soul, which was likely reinforced somewhat if the Swiss Guard got its way, was ready for the Holy Father upon his arrival. Francis slid into the back, rolled down the window and waved back at the welcoming party, including President Park Geun-hye. The Pope will reportedly be driven around in the Kia over the course of his five-day visit.