Kia have announced (according to autoexpress!!!), that the next Kia Soul will have a four wheel drive option and will spin a 2 seater MX5 rival off the same platform.
the standard diesel is high enough geared already with just 5 gears...... 2400 at 70 mph..Drop a 1.6 diesel in some of there cars and taller gearing maybe 6speeds. If they made a base version and kept price same Id have one or 2 in garage. 50mpg soul would be rocking!