Borrego on in: Right SUV, wrong time; no problem, Kia says

You would think It would be hard to pick a time worse than now to launch another midsize SUV, but don't tell Kia.

"Four-dollar gas plus SUV is an equation that doesn't necessarily add up," said Kia's vice president of sales, Tom Loveless. "[But] we bring features and value, and all of that spells opportunity for Kia."

Besides, since Kia has never offered a midsize SUV, it's all profit for the giddily optimistic carmaker. This one comes with your choice of 3.8-liter, 276-hp V6 or 4.6-liter, 337-hp V8. Those are mated to five- and six-speed automatics, respectively. Both come in two- or four-wheel drive. Front suspension is double-wishbone, not usually seen in this class, while the rear is multilink.

The features list is as long as your arm--if you're of medium height, anyway. You can get a voice-controlled nav system and 10-speaker Infinity audio, Bluetooth, USB auxiliary jack, auto-locking tailgate and power-adjustable pedals. Six airbags standard, along with 10 cup-holders and 16 air vents (air vents are the new cupholders, Kia says). Prices range from $26,995 for an LX V6 4x2 to $33,745 for an EX V8 4x4.

"The focus groups were surprised that the Borrego had all the features they would expect in the class," said Tim Chaney, director of marketing.

The class includes Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner, Honda Pilot and Jeep Grand Cherokee, according to Kia. The Borrego outpowers all of those in either engine configuration. It costs a bit less, but once you juggle the availability of one competitor's features versus another, all you get are angry letters from car-sales professionals who feel slighted. The Borrego has a good list of the things midsize-SUV buyers want at a good price, plus the ridiculously long warranty: 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain plus other coverage standard on all Kias.
We drove it all day over somewhat twisty roads and even some dirt. The ride isolation is quite good; it's a quiet cruiser. On big bumps, we could feel a little more of the unsprung bits, as is the case with big SUVs, but nothing totally out of line. Curb weight ranges from 4,460 pounds to 4,909 pounds, about the middle of the pack. We did a nonscientific 0-to-60-mph run in a V8 4x4 with three people in it on what might have been a flat surface and got 10 seconds. Even though the V8 looks better on paper, you might not notice as big a difference between the V6 and the V8 from behind the wheel, unless you're towing something. That suggests you might want to save some money in the powertrain. Your gas savings would be a wash, since the V6 2WD gets 17/21 mpg, while the V8 2WD manages 15/22. Crazy, no?

With an all-new body-on-frame platform, wouldn't it have made sense to offer a few versions to amortize the cost of development? There were plans for Kia and Hyundai pickups based on this, but they were canceled because of the lousy business climate.

But wait, you say, then why launch this thing? Because Kia believes it can sell enough of them to make money.

By MARK VAUGHN
SPECS
ON SALE: Now
BASE PRICE: $26,995
DRIVETRAIN: 3.8-liter, 276-hp, 267-lb-ft V6; 4WD, five-speed automatic
CURB WEIGHT: 4,460 lb
0-60 MPH: 11 sec (est)
FUEL ECONOMY (EPA): 19 mpg

Kia does luxury, big-time

New Borrego comfy, classy competitor.

Anyone who pays attention to automotive advertising has noticed the Kia spots promoting the new Borrego sport-utility vehicle. The ads claim it's "a new kind of luxury SUV."

Your first question should be: Why would Kia introduce a new body-on-frame SUV when sales of that segment have taken a dive? And what could possibly be new about a luxury SUV when every luxury accessory and trapping imaginable has already been sold for years?

The Borrego was inspired and designed when sales of heavy SUVs were sizzling and no end was in sight. The introduction just came a year or two late. But now it's a buyer's market, and that's good for you.

What's new about this SUV? The Borrego is the first truck-framed, V-8 SUV to come from South Korea, a source of pride to Kia and a hint that the sky's the limit now that Kia, and its Korean sister company Hyundai, are building cars about as good as any. Luxury? Sure, but be prepared to spend. New luxury? Nah.

Kia had the advantage of analyzing established SUVs and was able to deliver a very appealing truck. It's not like anything else, although the Borrego's size and masculine styling suggest the Nissan Pathfinder, Dodge Durango or Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The Borrego's towing capacity of 7,500 pounds is competitive with other trucks, and a selectable "auto-high-low" four-wheel-drive system is available, though without a locking differential. I consider that an essential feature for anyone headed to the backcountry in wet weather.

My Borrego test unit, an EX trim showpiece with all luxury options and the 337-horsepower, 4.6-liter V-8, was stickered close to $39,295. About $2,000 of that was for the 4x4 system; $1,500 was for navigation.

A base Borrego with a 3.7-liter V-6, which I have not driven, starts at $27,000. Fuel mileage is just one mile per gallon better with the V-6, at least in Environmental Protection Agency estimates. I'd expect the V-8's combined city-highway mileage to be in the high teens.

The V-8 is $3,000 extra, and probably well worth it for the added capability, smoothness and its sweet six-speed automatic transmission. Compare Borrego prices with those of established SUVs and the new Kia looks even better, although discounts on all brands are juicy in this soft SUV market.

Unusual for a rugged, tow-capable SUV, an independent rear suspension smooths the Borrego's ride and aids in control during cornering.

Its handling competence and steering seem to approach or equal the Pathfinder's and Toyota 4Runner's, my top picks in this SUV class.

The Borrego's normally comfortable ride is jiggly and stiff over rough pavement, especially at freeway speeds. Noise isolation in the cabin is quite good.

My Borrego's cabin was posh indeed, as it should be for the price. Fit and finish, ergonomics, colors and textures, and build quality were excellent. I'd characterize the style as handsome functionality. The navigation system had sensible controls, but an electronic glitch had the little voice inside demanding repeatedly that I make a turn I'd already made a couple of miles back.

The third-row seat was larger than most in the class, though I found egress difficult. Third-graders will not have a problem.

The middle-row seats had adequate legroom and comfy cushions, and the front passengers had room to stretch out.

Altogether, it's a comfortable, competent vehicle and a worthy effort from Kia.

In his 27 years of writing a column for the Austin American-Statesman, Pete Szilagyi has driven more than 1,400 new cars and trucks. You may reach him at petesz@mac.com.

According to Pete ...

Target audience: Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota 4Runner shoppers spooked by sticker shock; happy owners of smaller Kias; drivers who need an SUV, regardless of the price of gas.

Highs: Butch styling, comfort, fit and finish, willing engine, six-speed transmission.

Lows: Sometimes choppy ride, no serious off-road package, fuel mileage.

Bottom line: The timing may be late, but the product is right on.

EPA rating for greenhouse gas emissions (10 is best): Not yet rated

By Pete Szilagyi
SPECIAL TO THE AMERICAN-STATESMAN

Kia miserly with gas not comfort, performance

The teeter-totter of a few cents every week at the gas pump is enough to drive anybody crazy.

But if you're a proud owner of a 2009 Kia Spectra - a vehicle that offers as much in terms of amenities as it does for economical factors like fuel-efficiency and reliability - there isn't a whole lot that you're going to be worried about.

With sleek style rolled up in an affordable package, the Spectra has easily become Kia's top-selling vehicle in a campaign that has secured a customer base that runs the gamut from commuters to first-time buyers to those who just don't want to spend an arm and a leg every time they head to the pump for a fill up.

"Right now, people are definitely concerned about fuel-economy, and with the Spectra they know that they're getting an efficient vehicle," said Kia Country Sales Manager Dan Espino. "It's reliable and it has one of the best warranties in the business.

"That's why it remains our best-selling vehicle by far."

If it's style that you're in the market for, the Spectra is available in two different models - including the ground-hugging and easily customizable Spectra5 that brings a different look to the traditional compact hatchback.

Even the standard Spectra sedan is something that will attract attention - especially with the EX package that includes a rear spoiler, customized exhaust, and interior accents that keep the car looking new long after it's driven off the lot.

The best benefits of being a Kia owner, however, are the ones that you can't see.

While most other new car purchases included standard base warranties with optional upgrades at an inflated cost, every new Kia comes standard with a 10-year, 100,000 mile powertrain warranty, and a five-year, 60,000-mile roadside assistance program that adds the comfort of knowing that you'll be taken care of if anything ever goes wrong.

And to safeguard against the unthinkable, Kia has outfitted the Spectra with a coveted safety system anchored by an Anti-Lock Braking System that gives the vehicle more control on wet or uneven surfaces, and an advanced airbag system that includes six strategically placed airbags throughout the car to protect passengers in the event of the extremely-dangerous side collision or a rollover.

Adding to the total package, the Kia-Hyundai Corporation announced earlier this year that they had formed a partnership with Microsoft to incorporate the software giant's technology into future models. They will add systems that will only enhance the driving experience, and add another selling point for what has become one of America's most cost-effective cars.

"Right now we have a lot of models in stock, and there are big savings available," Espino said. "With gas prices the way that they are, it's a perfect choice for somebody who drives a lot."

New Spectra models are available with rebates up to $2,000 and financing as low as 2.5 percent for 60 months.

Jason Campbell

Kia Borrego Earns Five-Star Crash Safety Rating From U.S. Government

Highest Possible Ratings for All-New Kia Mid-Size SUV in Frontal and Side Impact Crash Tests

# All-New Borrego joins four other Kia models with five-star crash safety rating
# Bevy of standard equipment outshines competition

IRVINE, Calif., September 5, 2008 - The all-new 2009 Kia Borrego has achieved a five-star crash safety rating, the highest rating possible, for all seating positions in the latest frontal and side impact crash tests conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This is the first time Borrego has been tested by the government agency.

"Borrego is Kia's newest vehicle and it is a prime example of our commitment and dedication to providing the best and most up-to-date standard safety features in vehicles for consumers," said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of Kia Motors America (KMA) and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG). "Borrego joins four other Kia models - Optima, Sportage, Sorento and Sedona - in garnering a five-star crash safety rating, and further positions Kia as a serious up-and-coming contender in today's competitive and economically challenging automotive market."

The seven-passenger Borrego is the latest entry in the midsize SUV segment and offers the same high level of standard safety equipment that has become synonymous with the Kia brand as well as additional features exclusive to the midsize SUV. Standard safety features include: advanced airbags, front seat mounted side airbags, full-length side-curtain airbags for all three rows and driver's knee airbag (V8 models only); four-wheel disc brakes with an antilock brake system (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and traction control system (TCS); tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS); electronic brake distribution (EBD); and a brake assist system (BAS).

Borrego is available with a 3.8-liter, 276-horsepower V6 or a 4.6-liter, 337-horsepower V8. Borrego combines outstanding power with exceptional performance. Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds for the V6 and a class-leading 7,500 pounds for the V8. Fuel economy also is impressive for a midsize SUV with a best-in-class EPA rating of 15/22 city/highway for the V8 with 2WD and 15/20 city/highway for the 4WD. When partnered with the V6, Borrego is able to achieve a competitive EPA rating of 17/21 city/highway (2WD) and 16/21 city/highway (4WD).

Kia Motors America (KMA) is the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 640 dealers throughout the United States. For 2007, KMA recorded its 14th consecutive year of record U.S. sales. Kia Motors subscribes to a philosophy of building high value, high quality, safe and dynamic vehicles. Kia Motors prides itself on producing vehicles that are exciting and enabling and evoke the Kia tagline "The Power to Surprise."

Kia Motors America is the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA." Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site - www.kia.com. Government star ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) (www.safercar.gov). Vehicle Tested with Standard Side Airbags (SABs).

Can Bigger Be Better?

In short: A large SUV at a low price.

Looking for a seven-passenger SUV that's loaded with value but won't entice you to mortgage the house? Then you probably want to test drive the all-new Kia Borrego (called Mojave elsewhere in the world), which is built on an exclusive platform and powered by an equally exclusive 4.6-liter V8 engine. The Borrego is also available with four-wheel drive or with a V6. We very much liked what we drove and were impressed by all the new technology--somewhat unexpected from the usually miserly brand--loaded in the Korean company's roomy, 5,000-pound vehicle.

Kia Motors can finally say that they offer a full lineup of cars, from their trusty econoboxes such as the Rio and Spectra to their luxurious Amanti sedan and their practical Sedona minivans. Now the automaker tops its lineup with this self-dubbed "new kind of luxury SUV," a vehicle that will take the family camping in style. Play with the seat arrangement and you get a serious cargo ship that can tow 7,500 pounds, to boot. Did you know that the second row of seats not only slides but reclines, too? You also get active headrests and a backup warning system. We counted ten, yes TEN, cupholders and enjoyed the easily adjustable climate control system while driving from hot plains to cool mountain passes. How about a retractable trailer hitch? Yes, it has one of these, and even runs on regular fuel--not to forget a few Kia firsts along the lines of a rear camera display, a sophisticated navigation system, a smart key with a start/stop button and Bluetooth connectivity. All of this contributes to making an arrival at the Opera House totally acceptable.

The Borrego is easy to drive, corners quite decently (all things considered) and above all, is very quiet. You certainly get a luxurious feeling while riding. Along with fully independent all-wheel suspension and traction control, the Borrego offers downhill and hill assist controls to help maintain stability on uneven terrain. In the cabin, SIRIUS satellite radio (with complimentary service for the first three months) and an in-dash, six-CD changer powered by a 600-watt Infinity audio system add to the driving pleasure. Plug in your USB jump drive loaded with your favorite music, and tunes play immediately without even pushing a button. For a reliable, safe and powerful value-packed and luxurious SUV, please head to your local Kia Motors dealer and see if the Borrego can seduce you.

Warranty/Service: Ten-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty; five-year/60,000-mile basic warranty; five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty; and a five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan.

QUICK SHEET
Base Price: $30,995 / As Tested: $36,545

Technical Specifications

Vehicle type: front-engine, four-wheel drive, 7-passenger, 5-door SUV
Engine: 4.6-liter, 32-valve DOHC V8
Horsepower: 337 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 323 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm
Transmission: ZF 6-speed automatic with overdrive
Curb weight: 4,621 lbs
Wheelbase: 114 in
Length/Width/Height: 192.1/75.4/71.3 in
Turning circle: 36.5 ft
Brakes: all-wheel disc with ABS, electronic brake distribution, and brake assist
Suspension: independent in front and rear with coil-over springs
Traction: electronic stability control and traction control, downhill assist control and hill assist control
0-60 mph: 7-8 seconds (est)
Top Speed: n/a
EPA City: 15 mpg
EPA Highway: 20 mpg
Safety: dual front advanced airbags; dual front seat-mounted side airbags; full-length side curtain airbags with rollover sensor; driver’s knee airbag; three-point seatbelts for all seating positions; backup warning system; front active headrests; tire pressure monitoring system; side-impact door beams; front and rear crumple zones; impact-absorbing steering column
Likes: space, value, price
Dislikes: rough on bumps

Out of the Studio, Into the Street

More Images of 2010 Kia Soul Break Loose

We still haven't witnessed the official launch of the 2010 Kia Soul at the 2008 Paris motor show, but it appears the folks at Kia just can't wait. Another two images of the five-door hatchback made their way onto the official PR site this morning.

Outside of yet another hue (a metallic pale green), there's little revealed in these shots that we haven't already seen. It's in the attached numbers that we find some interesting facets - the Soul is over 63.4 inches tall, four inches more than a Volkswagen New Beetle. Part of that height comes from its stance - 1.7 inches taller than, according to Kia, a "typical compact car."



Although we're lacking interior photos of the production car, Kia claims the Soul has plenty of room inside. Headroom is rated at 40.1 inches for front-seat passengers and 39.5 inches for those in back. Front and rear legroom measures 42.1 and 38.9 inches, respectively.

Perhaps most interesting to those eying the car as a possible future purchase is the confirmation of a 2.0-liter I-4 engine in Souls destined for the U.S. The engine, similar to that in the Spectra, produces 142 hp.

Expect more details on the Soul to leak out before and during its Parisian debut, so stay tuned to Automobile Magazine for all the latest news.

by Evan McCausland

2008 Kia Spectra and Kia Spectra5

Kia's Compact Entry Offers Class-Leading Safety, Spaciousness and a Host of Standard Features

IRVINE, Calif. -- In an ever-growing and increasingly competitive segment, the Kia Spectra and Spectra5 continue to prove their mettle and gain ground on long-standing class leaders such as the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. Style, substance and class-leading safety features combined with exceptional value have garnered the Spectra model line numerous awards since being redesigned in 2006.

Considered a 2007 "Best Bet" by The Car Book in the Compact category and receiving two distinctions from Edmunds.com ("Consumers Most-Wanted - Wagons under $25,000" and "Top 10 Cars under $15,000"), the Spectra sedan and five-door will only continue to further impress consumers and media in 2008.

Following Kia's core philosophies of providing value, safety, warranty and fun to the driving experience, the Spectra lineup is available in several trim levels (LX, EX, and SX four-door; SX five-door) and offers a host of standard amenities to appeal to a wide range of consumers.

Polished Performance

Spectra and Spectra5 vehicles are powered by a 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, which features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and multi-port electronic fuel injection. Producing 138 horsepower and 136 lb.-ft of torque , the Spectra lineup offers a more powerful punch than stable mates Toyota Corolla and Ford Focus. Outfitted with a standard five-speed manual transmission for 2008, the option of an automatic transmission extends to the LX four-door sedan making the electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission available for all trim levels.

Built on a front-wheel-drive unibody frame, standard equipment coil springs and stabilizer bars complement an independent front suspension featuring MacPherson struts and an independent dual link rear suspension to provide the optimal balance of ride comfort and engine responsiveness. An engine-speed-sensitive, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system adds the finishing touch for precise handling. In keeping with the sporty essence of the SX model line, a sport-tuned suspension and strut tower bar come standard to offer a tighter grip for more spirited driving.

Stylish Surface

Larger than Kia's entry level Rio, the Spectra lineup personifies a more grown-up exterior body with smooth, clean lines yet hints at the below-the-surface complexity of youthful spirit. All trim levels feature body-color exterior door handles, body side moldings and rear garnishes to create a sleek canvas on which to outfit aggressive subtleties such as clear-lens halogen headlights.

LX and EX models smile at onlookers with a newly designed front grille, which is presented with a sportier blend of black and chrome. SX models are fitted with an aggressive black mesh grille and the addition of fog lights, a wing-type rear spoiler (SX four-door models only), side sills as well as unique front and rear fascias. Sixteen-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels matched with 205/50R16-sized premium tires complete the bold SX look. Fifteen-inch wheels and 195/60R15-sized tires are standard on LX and EX equipped models.

Inviting Interior

High-quality full cloth-trimmed seats are merely quiet echoes to the Spectra and Spectra5's host of standard features that scream behind-the-wheel comfort and convenience. A six-way adjustable driver's seat, tilt steering column, 60/40 split-folding rear seat, rear defroster and dual 12-volt power outlets in the center console are driver-conscious luxuries standard on every vehicle. Music aficionados are not forgotten either with an AM/FM/CD stereo featuring six speakers and an auxiliary audio input jack (new for 2008) for MP3 player connectivity as standard features. EX and SX models offer additional touches such as: power windows and door locks; remote keyless entry; air conditioning; dual front and rear cup holders; and floor mats.

Upgrades for the Spectra and Spectra5 SX models include an interior fashioned with metal-finish trim and sport-cloth seats with matching door panel inserts. A leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-wrapped gearshift knob, metal sport pedals and cruise control are other standard features. An AM/FM/MP3 stereo with a six-disc in-dash CD changer and a power sunroof also are available as SX-only options.

Comfortably Cavernous

Considered compact by its overall dimensions, small does not equate to the Spectra and Spectra5's true sense of size. With the four-door sedan boasting 97.0 cubic feet of passenger volume and the five-door providing a welcoming 98.1 cubic feet of passenger volume, the Spectra line offers more breathing room than the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Ford Focus. Storage space does not take a backseat either with an ample 12.2 cubic feet of cargo volume available in the Spectra, while 18.3 cubic feet is offered in the Spectra5. When the 60/40-split rear seats are folded flat, storage capacity in the five-door expands to 52.8 cubic feet.

Superior Safety

Earning a five-star frontal crash safety rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Spectra and Spectra5 provide class-leading safety with an extensive, across-the-board list of standard technology, which includes: dual front advanced airbags, dual front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, front and rear three-point seatbelts, front seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters; Lower Anchors & Tethers for Children (LATCH), and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

Four-wheel solid disc brakes also are standard on EX and SX models while a four-sensor, four-channel antilock brake system (ABS) is an available option on SX four-door and five-door vehicles.

To complement its standard safety features, the 2008 Spectra and Spectra5 are backed by Kia's comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection with a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty, a five-year/100,000 mile limited anti-perforation warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile 24-hour roadside assistance plan.