Kia Debuts 2010 Shadow Dragon Soul at Detroit Auto Show

Kia used the 2010 Detroit auto show to unveil the Shadow Dragon Soul, the third of four designer-grade versions of its funky compact box.

Reminiscent of the Soul “Burner” concept shown at the 2008 Geneva motor show, the Shadow Dragon Soul’s name stems largely from its exterior appearance. Designers have painted the car in gloss black, then applied matte black dragon graphics and stripes. If that weren’t enough, a black finish was applied to the 18-inch aluminum wheels, bumper inserts, and the wing spoiler. Interior modifications are limited to the seats, which are trimmed in black leather.

Like the previous two Soul special editions (the Denim and Ignition), the Shadow Dragon Soul is built upon the Soul + model. A sunroof, fog lamps, moonroof, Bluetooth, USB audio port, and carpeted floor mats are all standard equipment. The Shadow Dragon is also equipped with the available Audio Upgrade Package, which adds a center speaker, a subwoofer, and speaker lamps that pulse to the music.

Micahel Sprague, Kia’s vice-president of marketing, says the Shadow Dragon is “the most distinctive special-edition Soul” yet. If you agree, hurry to your Kia dealer. Shadow Dragon models equipped with a manual transmission start at $18,890.