This is the new Kia Soul, which has made its world debut today at the New York Motor Show.
Kia claims the new Soul rides on a chassis which is longer, stiffer and wider than before, which not only improves interior space but also reduces levels of noise, vibration and harshness.
Styling-wise, the Soul retains the silhouette of the current car, but the trapezoidal lower grille and the positioning of the front fog lights are both influenced by the design of the Kia Track'ster concept which was unveiled at the Chicago Motor Show last year.
The unique 'floating' body panel which is built into the Soul's bootlid can also trace its roots back to the Track'ster concept.
On the inside, Kia has made a special effort to increase the perceived quality of the interior plastics and, as a result, soft-touch materials are fitted to instrument panel, centre console and door panels. Leather seats and piano black dashboard trim are also available on some models.
An eight-inch touchscreen -- the largest ever offered on a Soul -- is available as an option on the new car, controlling the vehicle's telematics and infotainment system.
Kia has yet to reveal UK pricing and specification details for the new Soul, but we can reveal that US versions of the car will be available in three trim levels -- Base, Plus and Exclaim -- and will be available with a choice of two petrol engines: a 1.6-litre 130bhp engine and a 164bhp 2.0-litre unit.
A diesel model will almost certainly be added to the range when the Soul comes to Britain.
The Kia Soul is expected to go on sale here in the UK in early 2014, with prices starting from around £14,000.
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