[Courtesy of Kia Motors]
SEOUL -- A revamped version of "Soul EV", a popular box-shaped electric car showcased by South Korean carmaker Kia Motors this week at a motor show in Los Angeles features a longer driving range, a quick charging system and a 201 horsepower electric motor.
The next-generation compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) was installed with a liquid-cooled lithium ion polymer 64 kWh battery. The exact driving range was not disclosed, but Kia said in a statement: "The new battery is currently being tested to ascertain precise EPA-estimated range. Results are expected early in 2019 and will be announced at a later date."
[Courtesy of Kia Motors]
The futuristic-looking car's infotainment system and a 10.25-inch touchscreen display provide easy operation, parking guidance and connection to Apple and Android smartphones. It has safety features such as a forward collision warning system and a forward collision-avoidance assist system.
For safe driving, the car also adopted lane keeping assist, a safety feature which helps a driver to maintain a car between lanes.
[Courtesy of Kia Motors]
The gasoline version offers a 1.6 turbo engine or a 2.0 engine in three extra design options -- GT-Line with a sporty design, X-Line with a rugged look, and EX Designer Collection with larger alloy wheels, dressed-up LED headlamps and a two-tone roof.
Soul EV and Soul will be released globally in the first quarter of 2019. Soul has gained popularity from young consumers in North America for its affordable cost and sturdiness. In 2017, some 115,000 Souls were sold in North America and became the best-selling subcompact car of the year, according to CarSaleBase, a Netherlands-based automotive specialist.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
