Trail’ster steals the show

Kia unveils bold Trail’ster 4WD soft-roader concept at Chicago Motor Show.

Designed at Kia’s California design studio, the car is a “uniquely compelling vehicle for the city-dweller-turned-outdoor-adventurer”.

Based on the Kia Soul urban passenger vehicle, the turbocharged Trail’ster – with its Polar Pearl Snowdrift/Terra Bronze Metallic paint scheme, roll-top canvas roof and armoured aluminium skid plates – “captures the essence of an advanced and capable CUV (crossover utility vehicle)”.

It also features integrated roof rack fittings with aluminium cross rails to enable adventurers to carry mountain bikes and snowboards with ease.

LED technology helps to create an external identity for the Trail’ster, while the focal point inside is a centre console incorporating a thickset gear shifter, AWD controls and a bright red ignition button.

The Trail’ster is primarily powered by a robust 1.6-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine through a six-speed automatic transmission and a rear electric motor, matched to an electric all-wheel drive system.