Kia Trail’ster concept revealed at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show

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It’s here. Trail’ster, the electric all-wheel drive concept based on the Kia Soul. At the 2015 Chicago Auto Show, Kia Motors America finally took the wraps off the boldly designed compact CUV. Trail’ster is more efficient and weighs less than the traditional powertrain Soul, and takes the brand’s iconic urban passenger car to the next level with its bold design, smartly integrated e-AWD system, and robust 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.

“The Trail’ster concept is a near-future look at how the production Kia Soul would logically evolve into an AWD-capable version that’s built to escape the city streets and roam into the mountain wilderness,” said Tom Kearns, chief designer, Kia Design Center of America. “It takes the go-anywhere capability of an SUV and reimagines it within a compact and sporty package with an expressive design to match.”

The exterior of the concept is embellished with Polar Pearl Snowdrift paint and contrasting Terra Bronze Metallic tone roof, as well as the anodized fire-red wheel accents and polished billet aluminum sections. A weatherproof rollback canvas roof is another of the Trail’ster’s highlights, adding enjoyment to outdoor activities and lightening the vehicle at the same time. Its off-road prowess is evident from the Trail’ster’s aluminum skidplates , providing a protective armor to shield the undercarriage from jagged rocks and ice.

The Trail’ster is primarily powered by a robust 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine putting out 185 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission that is matched to an electric all-wheel-drive system on the rear axle. “This powertrain strategy of a downsized turbo and ‘Through-the-Road’ hybrid power (power sourced both by a front gas engine and a rear electric motor) yields a dual benefit of increased performance – torque and traction – and optimized efficiency,” explained Kearns. “This is AWD being done the advanced, intelligent and responsible way, while sacrificing nothing.”

You can check out the newest Kia concept in action below!

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