The Soul will make its world debut at the upcoming Detroit auto show, beginning early January, at which time the

Unique to the segment, if produced, would be reverse-hinged rear "suicide" doors. (Photo: Kia Canada)

South Korean automaker, now wholly owned by Hyundai, will gauge show goers' reactions before any production announcements.

If it were produced, Kia has a variety of platforms which would be suitable, with the capable Sportage most likely getting the nod due to its good overall structural rigidity, nimble road manners and proven low cost of manufacture.

Critical in this segment is price, the misunderstanding of which has hurt the sales of others who have tried to win over the youth market with products priced out of reach of entry-level wage earners.