Touch the Future Now at StaplesCould Kia be the new Scion?
Squint your eyes and its easy to see how this Kia Koup resembles the Scion tC.
(Credit: Antuan Goodwin/CNET)
Is Kia the new Scion? That's the question I kept asking myself over and over again as I tested the 2010 Scion xB, all the while comparing it to the 2010 Kia Soul. (Although to be fair, the Soul is closer in size to a tall xD than the xB.)
At the 2009 SEMA Show, I was able to get a closer look at the way Kia is embracing the aftermarket and its array of Kia-branded dealer-installed mods. What I saw reminded me of Scion's first years, which featured partnerships with well known tuners and an array of TRD-branded dealer-installed options, so I don't think its a stretch to draw parallels between the two brands' paths.
Take a look at a selection of the custom Kias at the 2009 SEMA Show, then let us know what you think in the comments.
Now, about the aftermarket: well, that remains to be seen...