So we find the 2009 Kia Soul's name amusing; shoot us. Actually, we're not sure which of Kia's four Korean factories in which this shot was snapped, but it does confirm that the Soul should be ready to go on sale by early next year. The Scion xB-rivaling subcompact crossover is equal parts awkward, derivative and inspired. Styling analysis after the jump.

The soul's best angle is from the side, which reveals a Saab-esque hockey stick-style roof, small proportions and attractively oversized bulges surrounding the wheel arches. It's less successful from the front, with the hood appearing to be eternally open, sure to be the bane of obsessive-compulsive-but-economy-minded future owners. Other details remain scarce. We do know that it'll have five seats, power the front wheels via a smallish four-cylinder engine, and its owners will have to put up with a bevy of "When are you going to by a real car?" jokes from their Cavalier-driving, meth-dealing boyfriends.
[via CarScoop]

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