Hot news for 2010: Kia adds a little Soul for the new model year, a compact vehicle with a lot of character. Ÿ Forte sedan and two-door Forte Koup provide solid replacements for older product while adding diversity.

Carryover: Rio/Rio5; Rondo; Sedona; Sportage

Gone?: Spectra and Spectra 5

Going, going . . . gone?: Borrego

On hiatus: Sorento

Starting line

n Kia has brought out a trio of new vehicles for the 2010 model year, but as interesting as the new Forte sedan and Forte Koup, the small-and-tall Soul is stealing the show. Always ready to seize upon a trend or even generate a new one, Kia’s California design studio penned this boxy bridge to the youth market, enhanced by a slanted roofline, rakish beltline, snub-nosed fascia and wheels positioned to the far reaches of each corner.

The Soul’s near-vertical walls and extra-wide liftgate maximize interior space on an all-new compact platform. Just as much thought went into the interior; the dash layout is bold without being overly trendy and the shape of the center control panel, with its built-in main audio speaker and 14 storage bins, is especially inviting.

Exactly what and/or whom you plan to carry could play a role in your choice of powertrains. The starting point is a 122-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder connected to a five-speed manual transmission. Added performance and enhanced content selection accompany the upper-level trims that include a 142-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder connected to a five-speed manual transmission or optional four-speed automatic.

The base model includes tilt steering, power windows, locks and mirrors, rear wiper/washer and a sound system that accommodates external audio players.