Kia Motors Corporation staged the world premiere of the all-new Borrego midsize SUV (to be known as ‘Mohave’ in some markets) at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, further bolstering its ever growing product line-up.

Inspired by Kia’s ‘less is more’ design philosophy, Borrego conveys a pure and functional look. It joins Kia’s versatile and stylish range of cars and SUVs for consumers who enjoy active and energetic lifestyles. Set to go on sale this summer in overseas markets (domestic Korean sales commenced in early January), Borrego will feature Kia’s first-ever V8 engine in some markets, making it the most powerful Kia vehicle to date.

“Kia is proud to deliver a stylish and amenity-filled SUV to consumers who are passionate about what they drive,” said Len Hunt, President and CEO of Kia Motors America. “We strive to make quality vehicles at affordable prices and the Borrego offers distinctive styling, while meeting the needs of families and those who want to infuse life into their driving experience.”

Aggressive Yet Attractive Packaging
Based on styling cues from the Mesa concept vehicle (shown at Detroit in 2005), Borrego’s body-on-frame construction and muscular exterior sit on a fully independent front and rear suspension matched with coil-over springs, which provide an optimal riding experience, on- or off-road.

Smooth headlamps, an upright grille and chiseled bonnet, project a strong presence, while optional 18-inch alloy wheels offer increased off-road capabilities. Built on a platform with a 2850 mm wheelbase, the 4800 mm long and 1875 mm wide Borrego offers a roomy interior with three rows of seating for up to seven occupants – as standard.

Seats for 7 in Spacious, State-of-the-Art Interior
Inside, Borrego features an in-dash, six-disc CD changer as part of a 600-watt Infinity® audio system to entertain its seven passengers. Complementing the powerful audio system, Borrego comes standard with USB/iPod capabilities and is the first Kia vehicle to be SIRIUS Satellite Radio enabled with three months of complimentary service. The new midsize SUV also offers power-adjustable pedals and Kia’s first DVD navigation system as options, as well as a reverse parking sensors with a rear camera display.

Depending on passenger or driver needs, Borrego comes with a sliding second row of seats for easy entry and exit to the third seats row, as well as fold-flat second and third row seats to optimise versatility and cargo space.

Unparalleled V-engine Power
As Kia’s most powerful model, Borrego is offered – in some markets, including North America – with a choice of two gasoline engines, a 3.8-litre V6 engine, as well as Kia’s first 4.6-litre V8 DOHC with more than 300 horsepower. Also unique to Borrego and new to Kia is the six-speed automatic transmission mated to the V8 engine.

The new midsize SUV will be offered in two- and four-wheel drive, with class-leading towing of 7,500 pounds (V8) and 5,000 pounds with the V6, to deliver unmatched capabilities for towing and off-roading, just as much as a sophisticated night on the town.

Comprehensive Safety Kit as Standard
Borrego continues to offer the same unprecedented level of standard safety equipment as all Kia vehicles, with features such as advanced two-stage airbags, full-length side curtain airbags for all three seat rows, four-wheel disc brakes with an antilock brake system (ABS), electronic brake distribution (EBD), brake assist system (BAS), electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control (TCS) and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

Borrego also offers downhill assist control (DAC), which keeps the vehicle moving straight and steady down steep grades and helps to keep the wheels from locking. Hill assist control (HAC) is also offered. This helps the driver move up steep inclines without fishtailing and allows the vehicle to stop on step gradients without sliding backwards. Both these functions are new to Kia.

Source: Kia Europe Press Release