The Korean automaker Kia unveiled the third of four planned special edition Soul->ke2186 models at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. The Shadow Dragon Soul is an all new special edition of the plus size people mover and features a deep shadow black finish complete with matte black dragon graphics on the larger panels like the hood and tailgate along with a set of matching 18 inch wheels with machined accents and a body colored rear spoiler while on the inside, the special edition Soul benefits from black leather trimmed seating, making it the first Soul with Leather ever, as well as the usual fare including an iPod connection to allow operators full control of the MP3 device via the standard head unit and steering wheel mounted controls along with the little tings that go a long way like carpeted floor mats and a power moon roof while the outside gets practical touches like fog lights and fender vents with side marker repeaters. The Kia Shadow Dragon Soul is priced at $18,1951 and combines the peppy little four cylinder with a five speed manual gearbox.

Press release after the jump.

2010 Kia Shadow Dragon Soul

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2010 Kia Shadow Dragon Soul
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Press release

Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced the arrival of the special edition Shadow Dragon Soul, the third of four planned special edition Soul models.  Proudly showing design themes similar in nature to the Soul “Burner” concept that debuted in 2008 at the Geneva International Motor Show resulting in a slew of positive feedback from Soul forums and Internet chats, Shadow Dragon Soul wears black dragon graphics over its sinister black-on-black color scheme.  Shadow Dragon Soul is the latest example the urban passenger vehicle’s unique ability to morph and transform, and joins all other Soul models as a 2010 “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

“Soul is a unique vehicle in that it lends itself perfectly to personalization based on consumer needs and desires,” said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing, KMA.  “With its one-of-a-kind paint and graphic treatments, the Shadow Dragon Soul could be the most distinctive special-edition Soul we’ve released so far, but still maintains the same value, convenience and safety features that consumers have come to know and expect from all Soul trim levels.”

From afar, Shadow Dragon Soul’s deep shadow black exterior color and matte black dragon graphics on the hood and tailgate give off a dark and menacing persona.  Looking closer, the black-on-black theme continues with black 18-inch wheels and machined accents, a body-color wing-type spoiler and high-gloss black accents found on the front and rear bumper inserts.  Inside, Shadow Dragon Soul features black leather-trimmed seats – the first leather seating available on any Soul model – and seat warmers for additional luxury and comfort.  Like both previous special-edition Souls, Shadow Dragon Soul is based on the Soul+ model and is fully loaded with the Audio Upgrade Package (center speaker, subwoofer, external amplifier and speaker lights that pulse to the beat of the music), an iPod® connection cable for full functionality via the radio head unit and steering wheel controls, carpeted floor mats, moonroof, fog lights and fender vents with side marker repeaters.  Shadow Dragon Soul starts at $18,1951 with a five-speed manual transmission.

Building from the Soul+ model, Shadow Dragon Soul adds standard keyless remote entry, privacy glass on the rear and rear side windows, body-color door handles and dual body-color power side mirrors.   Additional standard features such as cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls, Bluetooth®2  wireless technology with hands-free connectivity, dual 12-volt power outlets and tweeter speakers enhance creature comforts on the road, as do the covered upper storage bin, dual visor vanity mirrors with covers and dual map lights.