Motor shows

The all-new Kia Soul 2019 model builds on a familiar base, with the compact crossover hatchback combining a boxy stance, stylish design and a cute interior.The third-generation Kia Soul debuted overnight at the 2018 Los Angeles motor show, with a range of drivetrains set to be offered - a 2.0-litre non-turbo petrol, a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol for GT-Line models, and the Soul EV, which uses a pure electric powertrain.The Soul EV has a 64kWh battery and a 150kW/394Nm electric motor, which has all the makings of a strong level of performance and driving range of at least 350km.And CarsGuide understands that of all the new-generation Soul models, the EV is the most likely to be sold in Australia. Kia Australia has confirmed plans to offer a few electric cars by 2021, the first of which is expected to be the e-Niro compact SUV. And it could well be that the Soul EV forms part of the brand’s strategy, tooThe petrol models are “under close review”, but it is understood Kia Australia would find it hard to justify offering them. The small SUV segment is up 23 per cent year-on-year, and while Soul sales are up slightly in 2018, it has struggled for several years to gain significant traction with customers.   The Soul has always been a style-focused vehicle, and the new-generation version is no different. The slimline LED headlights almost look like a modifier has stuck ‘eyebrows’ over the top of them, while the rear lights are divisive in their appearance. Apparently Kia designers drew inspiration from aircraft wing design. There are unique bumpers for the EV model, while the GT-Line version includes a sportier mesh finish and LED lamps at the front. An X-Line version with body cladding, chunkier bumpers and model-specific wheels will also be offered.On the inside there are a few hallmark elements to the design, including rounded dash components, but with a neat 10.25-inch touchscreen media system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An 8.0-inch head-up display is also available, and there’ll be a 10-speaker-plus-subwoofer harman/kardon stereo offered, too. And while the existing Soul missed out on funky interior lighting (the first-gen model had lights in the speakers that pulsed to the music), the third-gen version has ambient lighting and some new textured materials on the doors and dashboard.

Toyota has revealed its updated Prius hybrid range, which has been confirmed for an April 2019 launch in Australia with revised styling and upgraded equipment inside and out.On the outside, the update brings enhanced styling at the front and rear of the car, with the upper front bumper now given a more flowing silhouette.Slimmer 'bi-beam' LED headlights are fitted as well as new tail-lights, and restyled 17-inch alloy wheels, 15-inch wheel caps, and new red and blue paint schemes will be offered.Inside, Toyota designers have used new upholstery, and revised the centre console and some of the controls on the instrument panel.Toyota Australia will release the updated front-driven Prius hybrid in April of next year, which gains an upgraded 7.0-inch multimedia display accepting ‘smartphone style’ gestures.In overseas markets the new Prius will be offered for the first time with an all-wheel drive (AWD) system which employs an electric motor at the rear axle and kicks in on take-off or when improved traction is required.However, the brand’s local wing has no plans to introduce an AWD system for the Prius in Australia.The Japanese hybrid vehicle will carry over its 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, two electric motors and continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a combined output of 90kW/142Nm.Standard safety kit includes seven airbags, reversing camera, vehicle stability and traction control, ABS, emergency brake signal, hill-start assist and smart entry/start.Although pricing for the new Prius is yet to be revealed, the current hybrid small car kicks off at $36,440 before on-road costs, while the more specification heavy i-Tech variant is $43,900.

The all-new (and long-awaited) Wrangler-based ute has been unveiled, with the 2020 Jeep Gladiator finally revealed in Los Angeles.

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This is our first real look at the new Kia Soul, with the brand's new box-shaped SUV to be unveiled in full at the LA Auto Show.

The McLaren 720S supercar is about to get a drop-top variant, with a Spider version teased ahead of a December 8 reveal.

Audi will finally whip the covers off its Tesla Model S rival, unveiling the long-teased e-tron GT concept at the LA Auto Show next week.

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Audi has poured cold water on rumours of a mooted four-door TT sports coupe.