SPY PICS: New Kia Soul breaks cover

Kia’s boxy, high-riding Soul hatchback has been such a hit Stateside that the Korean brand is already readying a replacement for the car it launched there in late 2008.

The new Soul is expected to be unveiled in the second quarter of 2013, most likely at the New York International Auto Show in April.

US dealerships are expecting deliveries in a little over a year from now as a 2014 model, with the Australian launch slated for late 2013.

Although it’s difficult to see much more than its squared off outline beneath the cladding, the new Soul is unlikely to be as extroverted as the Soul-based Track’ster concept shown at the Chicago Auto Show in February.

From what we can see here the overall look of the new Soul remains fairly faithful to the current model, although a closer look at this prototype reveals different proportions and a slightly different shape.

New headlights incorporating daytime LED running lights have moved to the top of the lamps, while updated tail-lights and new side mirrors also hint at regeneration. The grille is likely to continue with Kia’s signature Peter Schreyer design, but the interior is expected to cop a major overhaul.

The new Soul is likely to feature carryover drivetrain technology, given that the current model was only updated here late last year, gaining a new 2.0-litre petrol engine option and six-speed manual and automatic transmissions.

Despite this, local take-up of the Soul, which can be ordered with the same sort of personalisation treatments that have been so successful for Mini, has been modest.

In the US, the Soul has established a popular niche as a “college car”, its boxy proportions and versatility proving popular with students.

But here in Australia the demographic is an older one, according to Kia’s National Public Relations Manager, Kevin Hepworth, who said older drivers appreciate the Soul’s ease of access, and good visibility.