2010 Kia Soul Mini-MPV Scooped Inside and Out

First of all, allow us to say that it is not at all certain that Kia's new mini MPV model will use the Soul name. However, the car which bears the codename YN, does share the same platform with the new Kia Soul as well as with the Hyundai i20. Set to take the fight to the Opel Meriva, Nissan Note and Honda Jazz when it's launched at the end of 2009, Kia's new little MPV will offer more space and practicality than its faux-crossover Soul sibling.

The prototype model's heavy camouflage does not allow us to see any exterior details other than the large panoramic roof, but it is apparent that Kia's mini MPV will be less flashy and funky than the Soul. Inside, as is evident from the scoop photos, the mini MPV uses the same three-gauge instrument panel and three-spoke steering wheel as the Soul, though the center console has been completely redesigned. Buyers should expect to find lots of clever folding seats and plenty of storage compartments.

Powertrain options will include 1.6-liter petrol and diesel engines, both producing an output of 126HP, while some markets will also get a 115HP 1.6-liter diesel and a 142HP 2.0-liter gasoline engine.

The new mini-MPV will be manufactured by Kia's sister brand Hyundai at the company's new factory at Nosovice in the Czech Republic, although Korean versions are likely to be built in Korea. Production of Hyundai's version of the mini-MPV, which will replace the Matrix, will start in the Czech factory in 2010.

Expect to see Kia's little minivan making its global premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2009.

Geneva Show: 2009 Hyundai Matrix Facelift

The premiere of the facelifted 2009 Hyundai Matrix –not to be confused with the US market Toyota Matrix, went relatively unnoticed at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show. For the 2009 MY, Hyundai’s proposition in the compact MPV segment has been refreshed in terms of exterior design while the interior has been enhanced with new upholstery.

In particular, the 2009 Matrix features a completely redesigned front end with changes including a new front bumper with sculpted air dam and fog lamp surrounds, a new radiator grille and enlarged wraparound dual light headlight clusters. The bonnet and front wings have also been redesigned. (Image edited by Carscoop) –Continued after the jump

Changes to the rear styling are minimal and they consist of the redesigned rear bumper that houses new style fog lamps. There have also been changes in terms of colour choice with five among the total nine colors been replaced with new.

A choice of three engines remains available. These are the 1.6 103PS, 1.8 123PS, both petrol and the 1.5 CRDi diesel engine delivering 110PS. All three engines are available with a 5-speed manual transmission, while both petrol engines can be matched with a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Geneva Preview: Hyundai HED-5 Minivan Concept, Plus Redesigned Matrix

Hyundai will take the wraps off a six-seater MPV concept dubbed HED-5 at this year’s Geneva Motor Show in early March. The HED-5, which could very well base a production version of an i30 MPV (Elantra Touring in the States), promises to combine a new level of versatility with exceptional fuel economy. The concept MPV’s materials and construction techniques have been developed in co-operation with innovation partners such as Recaro, Bayer and LG.

Alongside the HED-5, Hyundai will also reveal the facelifted 2008 Matrix mini MPV featuring exterior and interior styling changes along with a new eco-friendly range of its current model line-up dubbed Eco-Dynamic. The latter will feature inexpensive systems such as aerodynamic bodykit, lower rolling resistance tires and different gear ratios to reduce CO2 emissions (up to 29%) and fuel consumption. –One more pic after the jump