2009 Kia Borrego. Click image to enlarge |
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2009 Kia Borrego
Detroit, Michigan - The all-new Kia Borrego midsize SUV had its world debut at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit today. Set to go on sale this summer as a 2009 model, the Borrego is available with Kia's first-ever V8 engine, and is 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 of 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."
Based on styling cues from the Mesa concept vehicle shown in Detroit in 2005, Borrego's body-on-frame construction and muscular exterior sit on a fully independent front and rear suspension that provides an optimal riding experience, on- or off-road. Built on a platform with a wheelbase of 114.0 inches, an overall length of 192.1 inches and overall width of 75.4 inches, the Borrego offers a roomy interior with standard three rows of seating for up to seven passengers.
Inside, the Borrego features an in-dash, six-disc CD changer powered by a 600-watt Infinity audio system and the Borrego comes standard with USB/iPod capabilities and is the first Kia vehicle to be SIRIUS Satellite Radio enabled with three months of complementary service. The new midsize SUV also offers power-adjustable pedals and Kia's first DVD navigation system as options, as well as a back-up warning system with a rear camera display.
Depending on passenger or driver needs, the 2009 Borrego comes with a sliding second row for easy ingress and egress to the third row, as well as fold-flat second and third row seats to optimize cargo space.
The Borrego is offered with a 3.8-litre V6 as well as Kia's first 4.6-litre V8 engine, the latter producing more than 300 horsepower. Also unique to Borrego and new to Kia is a six-speed automatic transmission mated to the V8 engine. Offered in two- and four-wheel drive, the Borrego has a towing capacity of 7,500 pounds when partnered to the V8, and 5,000 pounds with the V6.
The 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, as well as hill assist control (HAC), which helps the driver move up steep inclines without fishtailing or allows the vehicle to stop uphill without sliding backward. Both functions are new to Kia.
