Check out the Kia Soul

Is Kia cool?

Maybe not, but it's got Soul, a funky new funmobile designed to establish some street cred among the young.

The Soul train starts next year when the South Korean carmaker sends the wagon out to compete with the boxy Nissan Cube, a co-star at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. Already circling the block are Toyota Scion's Xb, Honda's Element, a couple of counter-intuitive crates that seem to have captured the fancy of fashion-resistant trend setters.

"The Soul is for those who love individuality but don't like to be categorized by finding the next best thing," said Michael Sprague, vice president of marketing for Kia Motors America. "Indicative of the new design direction of KMA, Soul is an attractive and customizable vehicle for those looking for something with a little more personality than other vehicles on the market today."

Cars like the Soul are sometimes called "multi-purpose vehicles" because they're not quite sport utilities and typically taller than the compact or subcompact wagons. They've also been called "urban crossovers." Members of the segment fit somewhere between the Chrysler PT Cruiser and the Honda CRV.

Unveiled as a concept vehicle at Detroit's North American International Auto Show in 2006, Soul features an angled window line, rounded nose, large flared back headlamps and chrome grille. The large windshield and the tapered roofline seem to emphasize the forward view. The beltline from the front wheel arch creates a subtle wedge shape and continues under and around the rear side window.

The production version of the car, designed in Southern California and manufactured in South Korea, is expected to arrive in U.S. showrooms in April.

Available in four trims, Soul, Soul+, Soul! and Soul sport, the five-door model will be priced "in the teens," according to Kia, so expect prices to be somewhere in the mid-teens so that teens will be able to afford it.

Two engines will be offered, both 4-cylinder versions. The base 1.6-liter engine produces a meager 122 horsepower, while the 2-liter version measures up to 142-horsepower. That can't be too overwhelming, but matches the Nissan Cube's power output at the base level.

The base transmission in the Soul is a five-speed stick, but you can upgrade to a four-speed automatic.

While the Soul won't blow anyone's doors off, fuel economy - not yet announced - should be much more encouraging. The comparable Nissan Cube is expected to get more than 30 miles per gallon with the stick shift.

The base model has black door handles and side mirrors, body-colored bumpers, rear wiper/washer and 15-inch steel wheels fitted with P195/65R15 tires.

The Soul+ adds keyless remote entry, solar glass, privacy glass on the rear side and rear windows body-color handles and power side mirrors along with 16-inch alloy wheels with P205/55R16 tires.

The Soul! adds power moonroof, fog lights, 18-inch alloy wheels furnished with P225/45R18 tires. Soul sport features side sills, rear spoiler, 18-inch alloy wheels, unique front and rear fascias, wholly personifying the sporty, urban look Soul embodies.

Soul's functional features include 14 storage zones, tall doors for easy access and a high seating position. Buyers can select interiors with different colors, fabrics and audio system packages.

Interior decoration is minimized by an uncluttered dashboard with a three-dial instrument cluster, LCD illumination and a floating center stack design.

The top audio system comes with Sirius Satellite Radio and three months complimentary service . Standard auxiliary and USB input jacks also can be found in the center console with full iPod controllability via the audio head unit and steering wheel controls.

Additional standard interior features include a tilt steering column, power door locks, power windows with driver's side auto-down, map lamps and a rear wiper and washer. A 60/40 split-folding rear seat offers multiple seating and cargo arrangements depending on driver and passenger needs.

Soul+ offers additional standard features including air conditioning, cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, privacy glass and tweeter speakers. Available upgrades for the Soul+ trim include an audio upgrade package power moonroof and floor mats, which become standard on the Soul!. Advancing to the Soul! adds beige-black interior trim and cloth seats and metal-finish trim.

Safety features include front seat active headrests, dual front advanced airbags, front seat-mounted and full-length side curtain airbags and a tire pressure monitoring system. An antilock brake system with electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability control, and rear disc brakes are standard on Soul+, Soul! and Soul sport models.

Soul's warranty covers the power train for 10-years or 100,000 miles, while providing five-years or 60,000-mile coverage for the other parts.

Richard Williamson
Scripps Howard News Service

All-new 2009 Kia Borrego: strong engine, ample towing

Kia has made some significant changes to the Borrego for 2009, making the three-row, seven-passenger SUV a solid contender in its market.

For the first time ever, Kia is using a V8 engine. The Borrego is featured with a V6, as well as the optional 32-valve, 4.6-liter V8. This was the power plant in my tester. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, the V8 generates 337 horsepower at 6000 rpm. The engine's torque rating is exemplary. It produces 323 pound-feet of torque at 3500 rpm.

In my V8 tester, with a curb weight of 4,621 pounds, this powerful pulling force was felt immediately under throttle. The big and forceful Borrego is smooth running as it proceeds through its six automatic shift points. With all this force under the hood, the Borrego can tow 7,500 pounds of trailer weight.

My 4x4 tester had a base price of $32,995. Its official 2009 EPA fuel economy ratings are 15 miles per gallon city and 20 mpg highway. The Borrego runs on regular gasoline and has a fuel tank capacity of about 21 gallons.

The 4x2 Borrego starts at $26,245 and is standard equipped with the 3.8-liter V6. This engine is coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission and has a horsepower rating of 276 at 6000 rpm and torque rating of 267 pound-feet at 4400 rpm. The V6 towing capacity is capped at 5,000 pounds. EPA estimates on this power plant come in at 21 mpg highway on both the 4x2 and 4x4 versions.

The Borrego is a true truck and competes with offerings from other top manufacturers. Kia's body-on-frame sport utility vehicle has a double wishbone front suspension with shock absorbers and stabilizer bar. The coil-over springs rear multi-link suspension incorporates a damper and stabilizer bar.

The Borrego is good for on-road towing and off-road adventures. This Kia SUV has a typical ground clearance of 8.5 inches. Drivers who will be doing off-roading should inquire with the dealer about skid plate protection.

The entry model Borrego has a high level of standard amenities, such as air conditioning; power windows, door locks and mirrors; keyless entry; cruise control; and a six-speaker sound system with MP3.

The up-level tester came standard with dual-zone climate control, Sirius satellite, eight-way driver and four-way passenger power seats, sliding and reclining second row seats, a back-up warning system and active head restraints.

A high level of standard safety equipment is offered. It includes electronic stability control, traction control, antilock brakes and six air bags. The V8 model has seven air bags with a driver's knee air bag.

2009 Kia Borrego EX

Vehicle type: seven-passenger 4WD SUV

Base price: $32,995 (as tested: $39,295)

Engine type: 32-valve DOHC V8 with SFI

Displacement: 4.6 liter

Horsepower: 337 net at 6000 rpm

Torque: 323 pound-feet at 3500 rpm

Transmission: six-speed automatic

Wheelbase: 114 inches

Track: (front/rear) 64/64 inches

Overall length: 192 inches

Overall width: 75 inches

Height: 71 inches

Turning circle: (curb-to-curb) 36 feet

Curb weight: 4,621 pounds

Fuel capacity: 21 gallons

EPA mileage rating: 15 mpg city, 20 mpg highway

Connie Keane
Motor Matters

2009 Kia Borrego: A new sport utility vehicle? Now? Kia is no stranger to swimming against the current

Kia's new multi-tasking wagon takes its name from the desert community of Borrego Springs, Calif. For Kia, no doubt, hope springs eternal that North Americans still have a healthy appetite for big rigs such as this seven-passenger sport utility vehicle, despite lagging sales in this once-dominant and almighty category.

To make matters even more interesting, Borrego takes aim at some of the biggest names in the off-roader world and is using its size and might to jostle its way into the midst of this crowd. According to Kia, in fact, the Borrego is more spacious than competitive stalwarts Honda Pilot, Jeep Commander, Hyundai Veracruz and Toyota's Highlander and 4Runner.

But size is only part of the equation. Borrego also looks the part with attractive sheetmetal that imparts a sense of muscular competency for whatever tasks its called upon to perform. In addition, the wide stance contained within none-too-subtle flared fender openings adds to the vehicle's strong-arm demeanor.

The athletic exterior contrasts with near luxury-class cabin that can be decked out to approximate any number of high-end off-roaders that are more than a couple of notches above the Borrego's station in life. Both rows of back seats are of the split-folding type with a sliding second row that enhances access to the rear-most bench. Whether both rear seats are completely or partially folded flat or left upright, the available cargo space is commensurate with the generously proportioned interior.

The body structure sits on a ladder-type frame that, for the most part, is still the industry standard for tackling the toughest rough- or off-road assignments as well as towing heavy loads (up to 7,500 pounds).

The business end begins with a 276-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 connected to a five-speed automatic transmission. Those requiring more guts can select the optional 337-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 that operates with a six-speed automatic. In this class, only the Ford Explorer, Toyota 4Runner and Nissan Pathfinder offer V8 power in their lineups. Rear-wheel-drive (no matter the engine) is standard while four-wheel-drive is optional.

For the moment, Borrego is available in two versions. Base LX models feature the usual air/cruise/tilt trio plus power windows/locks/mirrors and a six-speaker audio system. A back-up warning system, hill start assist (that keeps the vehicle from rolling backward when moving forward from a full stop on a hill) and downhill brake control (that holds the vehicle at a controlled speed while descending) are included on the standard-equipment list.

Spring for the EX and you'll get power-adjustable driver's and front passenger's seats are included, along with climate control, heated outside mirrors and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Additionally there are a couple of stand-alone options and packages that provide heated front leather seats, power sunroof, separately controlled rear air conditioning, premium entertainment and navigation gear, backup camera and power tilt/telescopic steering wheel as well as fancier wheels.

A Limited edition arrives later in the model year that features special trim, push-button start, power adjustable pedals and other fancy fittings.

Given the lagging sales in the mid- and full-size sport utility vehicles, launching the Borrego is no doubt a gamble. However, Kia appears fearless in the face of this uncertainty and seems bent on scooping up buyers wanting a high-value sport ute - and there are still plenty of them out there - with room and performance to spare plus the kind of styling that gets them noticed in Borrego Springs, Calif., or anywhere else for that matter.

What you should know: 2009 Kia Borrego

Type: Four-door, mid-sized rear- /four-wheel-drive sport utility vehicle

Engines: 3.8-liter DOHC V6 (276 hp); 4.6-liter DOHC V8 (337 hp)

Transmissions: Five-speed automatic (std. on V6); six-speed automatic (std. on V8)

Market position: With the sport utility vehicle market receding, largely due to high gas prices, it could be tough sledding for the Borrego to establish a beachhead.

Points: Rugged, handsome, outdoorsy and athletic good looks; Two powerful engine choices broaden appeal; Fuel-economy rating only average; Lengthy standard features list and warranty will help lure buyers; Body-on-frame construction adds to off-road competency, towing ability; According to Kia, exceptional interior space tops that of many competitors.

Safety: Front airbags; side-impact airbags; side-curtain airbags; driver's knee airbag (opt.); anti-lock brakes; traction control; stability control.

The numbers: MPG (city/hwy): 17/21 (V6, 4x2); Base price: $27,000 (including destination)

By comparison

Ford Explorer

Base price: $26,500

Once-popular SUV hampered by high fuel costs.

Mazda CX-9

Base price: $30,000

Great looks, fun to drive with lots of passenger/storage space.

Nissan Pathfinder

Base price: $26,500

A rugged performer that specializes in off-road maneuvers.

By Malcolm Gunn | Wheelbase Communications

Kia's Sorento offers a few surprises

Has Kia become cool?

It sure looks like it.

The company has a neat looking little car coming out soon called the Soul, which already is getting good reviews as a competitor for the youthful Scion products from Toyota.

And Kia's Sorento SUV has been named one of five cars "for the next four years" by Edmunds.com.

Although it's not a trend-setter, the Sorento is a pleasant, well-built, capable SUV that embodies Kia's new slogan: "The Power To Surprise."

Our test model was a 2008 Kia Sorento EX 4x4 painted Spicy Red with a gray interior. Base price was $26,195, with standard features such as a 262-horsepower, 3.8-liter V-6 and five-speed automatic, full-length side curtain airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, air conditioning, cruise control, power equipment and a dual center console.

Options included alloy wheels, leather, sunroof, dual zone climate control, automatic headlamps, chrome outside door handles, a rear spoiler and full-time torque on demand four-wheel drive. That brought the final price to $30,095.

Driving an SUV isn't always a pleasurable experience for me because I usually dislike the typical high driving position, ponderous handling and slow acceleration.

But for the most part, the Sorento was free of those characteristics. It is one of the easiest to handle SUVs I've driven. It's modest in size, so parking is not a big issue. And though the Sorento has body-on-frame construction that usually makes for rattles and a feeling of looseness, none of that was an issue with this SUV.

Though I did not get a chance to test it off-road, I'm told by sources I trust that the Sorento does quite well. With the engine combination the test model had, there's a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds.

The nice thing about the interior of the Sorento is that everything is so logically laid out, with buttons and controls falling easily to hand -- no stretching or reaching needed. Dials are large and legible, too. The interior itself was even handsome, with fabrics and materials blending together nicely with no rough spots. The only demerit was a bit too much hard plastic here and there.

The Sorento seats six, so if you want more room in a Kia model your best bet will be the larger Borrego, another attractive option.

Among the few problems I had with the Sorento was that the second seat doesn't fold as flat as I would like for easy loading and unloading. A good number of the Sorento's competitors have that.

I also found that the Sorento needs more braking power in emergency situations. It was fine during normal driving, but stopping doesn't come either firmly or quickly enough when you slam on the brakes to avoid a mishap.

Fuel mileage also is likely to be a concern for many people -- it's rated at 15 mpg in the city and 20 on the highway. There are competitors that do better than that.

Safety ratings, however, are a strong point with the Sorento -- five stars for driver and passenger frontal crash ratings and five stars for front and rear seat protection in a side crash rollover tests netted a four-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Don Hammonds
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Kia goes truckin' with V-8 Borrego

Another in the growing list of nameplates offering three rows of seats to hold Dad and Mom, their kids plus someone else's.

But the Kia Borrego appears at a time when truck-based SUVs powered by thirsty V-8s have lost their luster. And though gas has fallen nearly $2 a gallon since Borrego arrived in August, a hybrid crossover probably would have been more welcome.

Borrego is offered in base LX or uplevel EX trim with a choice of two- or four-wheel-drive and V-6 or V-8. We tested the EX 4WD. The V-6 is a 3.8-liter, 276-horsepower unit whose mileage is only slightly better--16 m.p.g. city/21 m.p.g. highway-- than the with V-8--15/20. With 2WD it's 17/21 V-6, 15/22 V-8.

The V-8 is quick and quiet. No trouble scooting ahead of traffic and no commotion when you kick the pedal. But the fuel needle gets up and goes just as quickly and quietly. Not as irritating at $2.39 a gallon as at $4.39 a gallon, but how long before prices take off again? And how high?

At first glance, those three rows of seats packed inside would seem to put capacity ahead of comfort be the trip short or long. But the cabin is surprisingly roomy. Second row offers more than ample head and knee room. And those in Row Three--adults or kids--can wiggle melon or legs. Second-row seats slide forward for to give those in back a smidge more room.

But though room is ample, we'd never want to travel any distance there. Third-row seats are directly over the rear axle. Talk about a butt battering.

Second-row seat backs lean forward and bottoms slide against the front seats to create a small aisle to row three. It's a tight squeeze though because the rear wheel wells bulge so much.

The test vehicle came with optional running boards as part of a $1,800 premium package. Getting into Row Two or having the momentum to squeeze into three would be a trick without them.

Not much room for gear or groceries behind the third row and space under the rear cargo floor hides only small items.

But those third-row seat backs may be the quickest and easiest folding in the industry. Pull a lever on the backs and either or both fold flat like that to hold vacation luggage or the week's vittles. Second-row backs also fold flat.

Ride is relatively smooth in the two front rows. No bang or bounce. The suspension minimizes body lean in corners and keeps the radials from scrubbing the pavement in turns. The test vehicle came with on-demand 4WD that goes to work when detecting slippage. A dial to the left of the steering wheel offers high or low settings for snow or off-roading, but skip the boulders. Stability control with traction control is standard, along with side-curtain air bags.

Nice touches include easy-to-see-and-use controls, a pair of drawers in the dash above the center console to store cell phones, iPods or the like, a tray in the console to keep items from bouncing around, power plugs in the dash and under the center armrest and USB/iPod/auxiliary plugs in the console.

There also are two cup- holders in the center console, two in the second-row pull-down armrest, one on each side wall in the third row and one in each of the four doors or 10 for seven people.

The navi should be programmed for rest stops.

A gripe, other than mileage, is the voice-activated controls. Our "radio off" command made the radio switch from AM to FM. Either the radio or this scribe needs to be rewired. And the front seat headrests are so large and lean so far forward to protect from whiplash they feel as if resting your neck against a football.

With Borrego, Kia sticks to its market formula: emphasizing the same features and amenities as the big names but for less money. Still a high-mileage hybrid or diesel would attract more attention.

Borrego starts about $26,000 for a base 2WD LX with V-6 up to $30,000 for a 4WD LX with V-8. The 2WD EX V-6 starts at about $28,000, the 4WD EX V-8 we tested starts at $32,995. With options it runs about $35,000, still about $5,000 less than a comparable Toyota 4Runner.

Jim Mateja

Kia Rondo Wins Drive Car of the Year Award for "Best People Mover"

Have you driven a Kia Rondo yet? A little time behind the wheel is impresses most people. It feels like a large car, yet isn't cumbersome, and its tall ride height and large greenhouse offers excellent visibility all-round. These are just two reasons why the Rondo is appealing, an appreciation of which seems to be global.

The family hauler has just won Best People Mover in Australia's Drive Car of the Year awards, a unanimous decision by the Fairfax Media organization's judging panel. The Rondo, known in some markets as "Carens", bested candidates from Toyota and Peugeot to take away the honors, while beating its own parent company Hyundai as the only Korean company to win a Drive COTY.

"We are very pleased that the Drive Car of the Year judges have confirmed what we at Kia already knew -- the Kia Rondo was the best candidate in the people mover category," commented Mr. S.K. Lee, President & CEO of Kia Motors Australia."Drive judges recognized that Rondo's clever design, spacious interior and value for money delivered the best package for Australian families who need a vehicle with the space and practicality for everyday living."

The Drive judging panel looked to the Rondo's versatility, economy, excellent value for money and five-year unlimited kilometer warranty to support its case, after judging the car and its rivals on a weeklong evaluation covering some 20,000 km (12,500 miles). Key elements for consideration included driving dynamics, engine performance, price, quality and equipment offered, as well as comfort, practicality and safety.

"The Rondo becomes the first car from a Korean manufacturer to receive a Drive Car of the Year award because it offers the best combination of versatility, space and value for money, all key considerations for people-mover buyers," commented the Drive COTY judges in a statement.

Unlike many Car of the Year awards, the Drive COTY judges don't limit their candidates to just all-new models (completely revised or totally new vehicles that enter the market in a given 12 month period), but actually include all models offered in a given category, no matter how long they've been on the market. So when the Rondo won its class, it didn't just win because it only faced one or two all-new models, but because the judges honestly feel it is the best vehicle/value combination in its segment. Commenting on COTY awards given only to "all-new" vehicles, the judges said "consumers don't limit their choices that way."

The Drive COTY awards are annually selected by a judging panel from Fairfax Media newspapers, which include two of Australia's oldest and most prestigious dailies, The Sydney Morning Herald in Sydney and The Age in Melbourne, as well as the company's online automotive website www.drive.com.au, which oversees the Drive COTY awards program.

Strengthening the Drive COTY award's decision, Kia's Rondo also won the 'Car of Choice' award in the Autochic.com.au Car of the Year program. Autochic.com.au is Australia's leading auto site for women.

2009 Kia Borrego 4x4 Review - First Drive

Kia Joins The Fullsize SUV Class. Will Car Buyers Notice?

It wouldn't seem like a propitious moment for any auto manufacturer to be launching a brand-new V-8 SUV, and truth to tell, it isn't. But unlike pessimists like us, the folks at Kia Motors see opportunities aplenty for their new Borrego seven-seater sport-ute. And in a way, we can see their point-with GM pulling the plug on the TrailBlazer/Envoy next year (sob, sniffle), and Ford more or less abandoning the Explorer until a 2011 relaunch, there's definitely room in this segment for a newcomer such as Kia to pick up some new customers, and company reps informed us that they plan to market and advertise this vehicle aggressively in the coming months. So, keep an eye on your TV screens or your dealer showroom-chances are you'll be catching a glimpse of the Borrego in the next few weeks.

Powering the Borrego is either the base 3.8L V-6 that's good for 276 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque, or the optional 4.6L V-8 sourced from the Hyundai Genesis sedan that puts out 337 hp and 323 lb-ft of torque. (The motor cranks out 375 hp in the car, but Kia engineers detuned it for improved low-end torque.) If we were checking options, we'd take the V-8 since you get better power to weight, as well as the outstanding ZF six-speed automatic behind it (the V-6 gets a ZF five-speed which is decent, if somewhat unpredictable under load).

Saints be praised, the Borrego is not-repeat, not-some overgrown crossover but an honest-to-goodness four-wheel drive that comes with a Borg-Warner Torque-On-Demand two-speed transfer case with a 2.48:1 low-range. Suspension is independent double-wishbone with coil springs up front, and a multilink/coilover setup in the rear. Minimum ground clearance is 8.5 inches, and approach angle is a not-bad-for-this-class-anymore 27 degrees. Towing capacity for the V-8 is 7,500 pounds (yep, it's a body on frame, not a monocoque), and an integrated Class 3 hitch is standard issue. Estimated mileage is 16/21 with the V-6 and 15/20 with the V-8. No off-road-centric options are currently offered, though Kia reps informed us that some dealer-installed options, such as skidplates and rocker guards, should be available within the next few months.

In our brief time behind the wheel, we were impressed with the overall build quality and comfort level of the Borrego; our preproduction unit was very tight, with no noticeable rattles or squeaks, and road noise was minimal for a vehicle of this class. We recalled our first test drives of the first-gen Sportage 10 years ago-noisy, underpowered, and flat-out uncomfortable-and we were reminded of how far this company has progressed in addressing the demands of American consumers in only a decade. The interior of the top-line Borrego XL may not be quite as luxurious as, say, an Eddie Bauer Explorer, but it isn't very far off the mark, and it's still a solid debut effort from a manufacturer that continues to improve its product line with each new iteration. We'll have a Borrego in our field at our 2009 Four Wheeler of the Year test, appearing in our February '09 issue.

What's Hot:
Excellent ZF six-speed; overall fit and finish; competitive pricing.

What's Not:
Slightly spongy suspension tuning; bad time to be launching a V-8 SUV.

Our Take:
A solid first-time effort that should bring some new customers into the Kia fold.

Quick Specs
Vehicle/model: 2009 Kia Borrego
Base price: $30,995 (4x4)
Engine (tested): 4.6L DOHC 32-valve V-8
Max hp & torque (lb-ft): 337/323
Transmission(s): ZF six-speed automatic OD
Transfer case(s): Borg-Warner part-time two-speed
Low-range ratio: 2.48:1
Frame type: Boxed steel
Suspension, f/r: Upper, lower A-arms, coil springs, stabilizer bar/Solid axle, multilink, coilover shocks
Ring and pinion: 3.36:1
Max crawl ratio: 34.75:1
Steering: Power rack-and-pinion
Brakes, f/r: 12.9-inch vented disc/12.8-inch solid disc
Wheels (tested): 17x7 alloy
Tires (tested): P245/70R17 Hankook RA23
Wheelbase (in): 114.0
Length (in): 192.3
Height (in): 71.3
Base curb weight (lb): 4,621 (V-8)
Max approach/departure angles (deg): 27/23
Minimum ground clearance (in): 7.5
GVWR (lb): N/A
Max cargo volume (cu ft): 156.8 (rear seats folded)
Max towing capacity (lb): 7,500 (V-8)
EPA mileage figures, city/hwy (mpg): 15/20 (4x4 V-8)
Fuel capacity (gal): 20.6

Douglas McColloch