Kia is using the phrases "capable electric all-wheel drive (e-AWD)" and "bold off-roader" to describe the concept they're bringing to the Chicago Auto Show on February 12. Looks a little like a lifted Soul... which could actually be awesome.

' Stephen Edelstien thinks "e-AWD" could refer to supplementing a gasoline FWD powertrain with an electric powerplant on the rear axle. In his words, that'd mean "a Soul with e-AWD would essentially be a Soul Hybrid with an additional electric motor as well."

Our man Damon's of the has given me a revised attitude about vehicles "built for city dwellers seeking the ultimate urban escape" (also a phrase used by Kia to describe their "rugged runabout").

If any automaker is going to inject some enthusiasm into the clinical appliances that pass as small

As long as they're priced right... If you only go off-roading a few times a year, and your idea of off-roading is the fire road to your lake house, why not have a fuel-efficient city-sized 4x4? We can't all fit Ford Excursions in the mall parking garage.

Kia is releasing no further details about their concept, but the cover's coming off February 12 at 9 AM Chicago time.

Image via Kia