We have the first photos of the U.S.-Spec Kia Soul, the company's attempt at moving their small car offerings slightly upmarket. The car, which debuted globally in March, will make its official US debut at the LA Auto Show. As opposed to the tiny Kias we're used to, the Soul should offer a higher level of features more inline with Scion.

In terms of power, the the Kia will get a 2.0-liter in-line four that will put out a not-so-anemic 142 horsepower. The Soul will go on sale here around April 2009 with a first-year sales goal of 50,000 for North America, a number we think also includes Canada. The Kia Borrego may be an example of awful timing, but the Soul might just fit the bill. [Kia World]

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