pet connection

As the world’s automakers gather in Detroit this week for the North American International Auto Show, most of the focus is on hybrids, fuel cells and other environmentally friendly technologies.

But one piece of news that won’t get much of the reporting spotlight is that among the handful of manufacturers who stayed profitable during the bleak economy of 2009, were two Korean manufacturers – Hyundai and its littermate, Kia.

From a dogowner’s point of view, Hyundai already has recorded multiple paw ratings by in tests by our reviewers at PetConnection sister site DogCars.com with the Santa Fe. Meanwhile, Kia is well represented in the DogCars reviews with four models worthy of the attention of pup-loving travelers.

Now, just a week after DogCars.com released its 2010 Best In Show award (a tie between the Honda Dog Friendly Element and the Toyota Venza), a new Kia has made the DogCars review list. Listed as one to watch for 2010, the boxy little Kia Soul was just tested by DogCars.com reviewer Kim Campbell Thornton, and her dogs Twyla, Bella and Harper.

Check out Kim’s review and not only will you find out how capable the Soul is for carrying canines, but you’ll also discover such interesting tidbits as Kim’s height, her husband’s nickname for the Soul, and how Kim and Bella choose to kill time in the Soul while waiting for Bella to finish some medical tests.

Apparently Kim and her crew aren’t the only ones who like the Kia Soul because this year’s Detroit auto show opened with the news that the stylish little boxer has been named Small Car of the Year by FAMA Magazine.

Look for Kim’s Kia Soul review here, and the rest of the DogCars.com reviews here.