[Rivmage]

I like the looks of it. I'm not going to be doing hardcore offroading, this Kia looks like it could handle the level of offroading I plan to do.

Scott

 

[CalTom]

I like the looks of it. I'm not going to be doing hardcore offroading, this Kia looks like it could handle the level of offroading I plan to do.

Scott

For some it should be fine, it will be good to have some price competition for the Renegade.

Just remember to keep your pine needle crossings to a maximum depth of 2" and follow their example for water fording:

 

[DogsRule]

I'm afraid Tom's right. I laughed the second time I watched the video. It showed Soul's off-road avoidance abilities: going over rocks via a bridge. Going over snow after its been plowed. You get the idea.

The Renegade's designed for off-road. The Soul's adapted to go off-road. Big difference.

Eg: The Renegade's engine BUS connector is high and tight above and behind the engine. Designed for water fording. The electric steering unit is high and tight up on the column. Designed for water fording. Won't see the Soul adapted like that.

But at 220hp/280tq, it'll be great around downtown. IMHO

 

[SubVet]

Agreed! I like it! It looks the right kind of funky for me, but I wouldn't dare take it some of the places I plan on taking my next ride (quite possibly the Renegade). And at 220hp it's definitely more of a hot hatch that could compete with the Countryman S maybe?

 

[SubVet]

I laughed the second time I watched the video. It showed Soul's off-road avoidance abilities: going over rocks via a bridge. Going over snow after its been plowed. You get the idea.

Don't forget to mention that the OFFICIAL Kia Motors Worldwide concept video was released on YouTube in 480p... 480p?? Seriously??

I can tell they're really excited about this one!

 

[artyup]

Hey. Driving my Kia lets me afford a Jeep.

Perfect, you have both.

 

[Karamich]

Again the design and features are great in my opinion. Capability, no idea, still a marketing concept. I see not allot of ground clearance there, perhaps a visual illusion...

And I think it won't be too complicated to achieve production wise, it is a concept, but not way off from the soul actually on the roads... It is like deriving from the Soul a "trail" version the same way they make the TH version out of Renegades...

I hope it will be out only to make that Renegade Trailhawk gets more humble price wise here in Canada

 

[Reg]

Although not for me, I hope the Trail'ster is a market response to the Renegade; that manufacturers realize there is still a market for a traditional, compact SUV with utility and reasonable ruggedness. There was a time when most of the compact SUV offerings had at least mild offroad capability and utility before they morphed into urban sculpted crossovers to replace minivans. I don't need or want auto lifting hatches, but I do miss the independently opening glass such as on the pre-'13 Escapes.
I applaud Jeep for offering a manual for the Renegade, but since it cannot tow at all, then I'm out. Hopefully, the Compass/Patriot replacement will offer what I need. If not, perhaps a competitor realize that there are some of us that want a manual, but not stripped or lacking capability. Nissan used to be great at this before they went on the CVT bandwagon.

 

[Willy]

theyre using hybrid for track performance, why not offroad?

 

[B440]

I have both. The Soul doesn't need AWD to get through snow, just proper snow tires. As long as the undercarriage doesn't get hung up on the snow, it'll keep moving. The Renegade is designed to do exactly what the Soul does; commute on roads, comfortably.

 

[djeffery]

It has a "toy car" appeal, but this may not be a near-production model. Forward sining lights in the rear view mirrors? Hmm. Fabric sliding roof? Eh, maybe not... Purple interior? No thanks. Videos of an easy trail and over light snow surface rides don't demand much. Any car could travel those. So... Lets's see what the production model brings.