Chicago 2015: Kia Trail'ster Concept Unveiled

by Cameron Aubernon

Published: February 12th, 2015

chicago 2015 kia trail ster concept unveiled

Appearing ready for the showroom than previous concepts, the Kia Trail’ster Concept hit the stage at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show.

The Soul-based Trail’ster is raised 2.5 inches higher than the original hamstermobile for better ground clearance, with aluminum skid plates protecting the underbody and its AWD system, and Pirelli Winter Carving tires to carve winter snow and mud like an Easter ham.

Power for the concept comes from a 1.6-liter turbo-four pushing 185 horsepower/lb-ft of torque to the front, while an electric motor moves the back under acceleration, and can push the Trail’ster up to three miles if necessary. The two independent systems deliver 220 horsepower and 285 lb-ft of torque to the trail or the street.

The concept’s independent systems are designed to garner better fuel economy per Kia. The automaker didn’t offer any specifics, but it believes the concept will perform 25 to 30 percent better in the city and 10 to 15 percent better on the highway than the Soul and its 2-liter engine.

Like Hyundai’s Santa Cruz Concept from last month’s Detroit Auto Show, the Kia Trail’ster Concept is meant to appeal to consumers who call the city their home, yet adore the outdoors. No word on whether or not this one will enter showrooms just yet, however.

#Chicago2015 #Kia #Trail'sterConcept

Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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2 of 32 comments

Tinn-Can on Feb 12, 2015

Ironically, the stock Toyota corolla seems to have more wheel well gap than this "off road" vehicle...

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Npaladin2000 on Feb 12, 2015

I hope they build this, I'd buy one.

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MaintenanceCosts If I were shopping in this segment it would be for one of two reasons, each of which would drive a specific answer.Door 1: I all of a sudden have both a megacommute and a big salary cut and need to absolutely minimize TCO. Answer: base Corolla Hybrid. (Although in this scenario the cheapest thing would probably be to keep our already-paid-for Bolt and somehow live with one car.)Door 2: I need to use my toy car to commute, because we move somewhere where I can't do it on the bike, and don't want to rely on an old BMW every morning or pay the ensuing maintenance costs™. Answer: Civic Si. (Although if this scenario really happened to me it would probably be an up-trimmed Civic Si, aka a base manual Acura Integra.)
El scotto Mobile homes are built using a great deal of industrial grade glues. As a former trailer-lord I know they can out gas for years. Mobile homes and leased Kias/Sentras may be responsible for some of the responses in here.
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El scotto Corolla for its third-world reliability.