First special edition for the 2014 Soul, it’s the 2014 KIA Soul Red Zone edition

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Limited to a production of 2,000 The 2014 KIA Soul Red Zone will arrive in dealers in first quarter of 2014. Look upon the 2014 KIA Soul Red Zone as a Soul Plus with red accents and unique wheels – as that pretty much sums it up. Based on the Track’ster Concept (you can read about it {here}) the 2014 KIA Soul Red Zone will come with a 164 horsepower, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine hooked up to a six-speed automatic transmission.

I wish it were a performance version to live up to the visual hype.

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“The Soul has always appealed to those who choose to express their individuality through their vehicle, and special editions have been a part of the lineup since the first-generation Soul went on sale in 2009,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. “The Red Zone Soul underscores that independent spirit and brings to life many styling features from our wild Track’ster concept.”

Hopefully, KIA will embrace their youthful market (KIA has its claws in the youngest demographic throughout the industry – a coveted marketing location) and produce a Soul with more brio. That’s not saying the 2014 KIA Soul Red Zone is not cool. I think it could be cooler. Sure, the 2914 KIA Soul Red Zone will appeal to a few shoppers wanting something unique, but why not go a step further and add real performance?

Don’t get me wrong, I like the way the 2014 KIA Soul drives. It’s a good value and, other than its so-so mpg, it makes a good first car, small family car and a good choice for older empty-nesters too. I know there’s real potential under the skin too.

“Based on the 2014 Soul Plus, the “Red Zone” Soul exudes its own extroverted personality with White exterior paint and an aggressively styled body kit featuring red accents throughout, including treatment on the front grille, front and rear fascias, and side skirts. –
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The interior makeover is equally impressive with black cloth seats featuring red stitching, leather steering wheel, black-leather dash hood with red stitching, black carpeted floor mats with red piping, and sport pedals. The shift knob ring, air vent ring, dash speakers and console tray trim have all been dipped in red paint, continuing the “Red Zone” theme.” – – KIA Media

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Well at least KIA is trying something new and unique. Perhaps more limited edition Souls will proliferate the market. I bet a turbo package would shake things up.

Check out this first drive video of the 2014 KIA Soul!

Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism - Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum.  His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.
Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism – Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.