Kia Trail'ster Concept FIRST LOOK

Kia Trail’ster Concept FIRST LOOK

Posted on February 15, 2015 by Car Critic Steve Hammes

Kia Trail’ster Concept FIRST LOOK

As if the Soul doesn’t have enough personality of its own, Kia’s latest concept vehicle turns the lovable little CUV into a macho all-wheel drive adventure vehicle. Called the Trail’ster, it packs a turbo, a motor driven rear axle and rollback canvas top to create a “rugged, functional and upscale approach to an active mountain-focused lifestyle.” To that end, the Trail’ster has been raised more than 2 ½” and rides atop Ksport adjustable shocks controlling studdable Pirelli Winter Carving tires. Aluminum skidplates around the entire vehicle provide undercarriage protection while integrated roof rack fittings with crossbars tote mountain bikes or snowboards. Even the Trail’ster’s exterior color was inspired by the earthy combination of springtime snow and mud. And to bring more of the outdoors in, the full-length rollback roof creates an open-sky environment. The powertrain is unique. Primarily powered by a 1.6-liter turbo-4 and 6-speed auto turning the front wheels, the Trail’ster uses electric propulsion at the rear in one of 3 scenarios; to drive for a short distance on electricity alone, during acceleration to assist the gas engine and lastly when treading off-road and front-wheel slippage is detected. The system also uses a Hybrid Starter Generator to provide start/stop technology and to recover kinetic energy used to recharge the battery while the vehicle is braking or coasting. Total system output is 220 horses and 285 pound-feet of torque. If Kia builds it, they say it’ll be targeted for a 25-30% fuel economy improvement in city driving when compared to the 2.0-liter powered Soul.