# The Battle of Microcars Accelerates Kia Soul By Going Like Sixty | Published 2008-03-02 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kia-soul-boogies-to-market References: [edmunds](http://www.edmunds.com/kia/soul/2009/review.html) In the [microcar class](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compact-electric-microcar) there are going to be two giants. Yes like jumbo shrimp. The [Kia](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kia-k4) Soul and the Smart Fortwo will be going after the same market. The soul looks taller than the Mini Cooper with a flat room and sloping window the profile is definitely more sporty than the Fortwo. It will have a 2 liter four cylinder engine with front drive. The Soul will kill the Fortwo for power, putting out over 130 hp compared to the Smart's 80 hp. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.9/10 - Popularity: 76% | Activity: 33% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Microcar Competition:** The rise of competition among microcars offers significant opportunities for automakers to focus on innovative designs, performance and affordability. - **Vehicle Performance:** The increasing rivalry between microcars highlights the importance of investing in engine performance and power to capture customers interested in a more sporty driving experience. - **Alternative Transportation:** The trend toward microcars represents a disruptive innovation in alternative transportation, as automakers offer more affordable options for those seeking smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles. ### Where This Applies - **Automotive:** Automakers are poised for innovation with the increasing interest and competition in the microcar market. - **Energy:** The growing demand for microcars will lead to an influx of opportunities for energy companies to develop more sustainable, energy-efficient cars. - **Transportation:** As the market for microcars expands, transportation companies, including ride-sharing and rental services, can take advantage of this trend by incorporating more small, affordable cars in their fleets. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Miniscule Electric SUVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-suv.md) - [All-Electric Tiny Crossover Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-aceman.md) - [Reimagined Compact EVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compact-ev.md) - [Sleek Sedan Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kia-k4.md) - [Compact Electric Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ev2.md) - [Rapid Charge Electric SUVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compact-suv-ev.md) - [Inaugural Midsized Electric SUVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-5.md) - [Compact Electric City Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kg-motors.md) - [Yellow Camouflage Electric Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2025-Mini-Countryman-SUV.md)