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Kia Borrego
My wife and I just visited a local Kia dealer to see the 2009 Kia Borrego. The dealer had at least 3 vehicles, both LX and EX, all with V6. They had no V8 or Limited on hand.
The car is very nice looking, both inside and out. The leather is not the softest, but is still quite nice. A lot of interior space behind the second row with the third row folded down flat. Still a good amount even with the third row up. The seating areas in both the second and third rows were spacious and comfortable. Second row moves up and back and reclines. The front seats were also very comfortable.
I like the fact that the 4WD transmission can lock the differential(s) and has a low range as we would use a vehicle of this type in off-road sand.
Overall, the vehicle gives a very, very nice impression. The only things we could find fault with were these:
No front seat armrests - a little hard for my right arm to reach the center console for support while holding the wheel. My wife had an issue with her left arm falling down into the space between the passenger seat and the console and onto the seat belt buckle. We both felt strongly that the designers should rethink the lack of armrests in a vehicle of this size and type.
Rear hatch glass does not open separately from the rear door. A lot of SUV's have this feature, which is quite useful when packing the car to the max for a trip or outing.
The red digital display at the center of the dash is quite bright and not quite sharp. It doesn't look as refined as the rest of the vehicle. I didn't investigate whether there is a setting to turn down the brightness, which might also increase the sharpness. I would have preferred a color other than red.
I would also prefer a carpeted covering on the back of the third row seat, rather than the hard plastic which I think may get banged up over time as heavy or irregular shaped items are placed and moved on and off when the seats are down.
Some drivers may want a bit more power from a standing start than the V6 provides. We would be interested in driving the V8 when it arrives for comparison. Of course, gas mileage may be adversely affected with a larger engine.
The ride quality was quite good. But, we could definitely feel the more rugged bumps on poorly paved roads. I don't think this is a fault, but just a characteristic of the body on frame design of the Borrego. The car had not been prepped yet in any way - it looked as if it had just come off a truck. I've read that new cars have overinflated tires for shipment to dealers and that may have been the case - not sure.
The Borrego is a beautiful vehicle with excellent design, fit and finish, and appearance. We are considering it along with the Honda Pilot. The main issue for us is whether to give up some of the functionality for gas savings in another type of car. Another concern with the Borrego is that there are very few Kia dealers in our metropolitan area, necessitating a 15 or more mile drive for service, etc.
I am thinking that incentives may well be offered on the Borrego (not yet), just as they have been on the 2009 Pilot soon after its introduction a few months ago.
The car is very nice looking, both inside and out. The leather is not the softest, but is still quite nice. A lot of interior space behind the second row with the third row folded down flat. Still a good amount even with the third row up. The seating areas in both the second and third rows were spacious and comfortable. Second row moves up and back and reclines. The front seats were also very comfortable.
I like the fact that the 4WD transmission can lock the differential(s) and has a low range as we would use a vehicle of this type in off-road sand.
Overall, the vehicle gives a very, very nice impression. The only things we could find fault with were these:
No front seat armrests - a little hard for my right arm to reach the center console for support while holding the wheel. My wife had an issue with her left arm falling down into the space between the passenger seat and the console and onto the seat belt buckle. We both felt strongly that the designers should rethink the lack of armrests in a vehicle of this size and type.
Rear hatch glass does not open separately from the rear door. A lot of SUV's have this feature, which is quite useful when packing the car to the max for a trip or outing.
The red digital display at the center of the dash is quite bright and not quite sharp. It doesn't look as refined as the rest of the vehicle. I didn't investigate whether there is a setting to turn down the brightness, which might also increase the sharpness. I would have preferred a color other than red.
I would also prefer a carpeted covering on the back of the third row seat, rather than the hard plastic which I think may get banged up over time as heavy or irregular shaped items are placed and moved on and off when the seats are down.
Some drivers may want a bit more power from a standing start than the V6 provides. We would be interested in driving the V8 when it arrives for comparison. Of course, gas mileage may be adversely affected with a larger engine.
The ride quality was quite good. But, we could definitely feel the more rugged bumps on poorly paved roads. I don't think this is a fault, but just a characteristic of the body on frame design of the Borrego. The car had not been prepped yet in any way - it looked as if it had just come off a truck. I've read that new cars have overinflated tires for shipment to dealers and that may have been the case - not sure.
The Borrego is a beautiful vehicle with excellent design, fit and finish, and appearance. We are considering it along with the Honda Pilot. The main issue for us is whether to give up some of the functionality for gas savings in another type of car. Another concern with the Borrego is that there are very few Kia dealers in our metropolitan area, necessitating a 15 or more mile drive for service, etc.
I am thinking that incentives may well be offered on the Borrego (not yet), just as they have been on the 2009 Pilot soon after its introduction a few months ago.
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First Kia Midsize SUV Will Make World Debut at Detroit Auto Show
IRVINE, Calif., November 6, 2007 – Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced it will give its new midsize SUV the moniker of “Borrego” when it debuts in January at the Detroit Auto Show. The Kia Borrego will be manufactured in Korea and go on sale in North America in late spring or early summer of 2008 as a 2009 model.
Built with body-on-frame construction incorporating the latest in NVH engineering philosophy, Borrego will be Kia’s newest addition to its well-rounded full-line of vehicles that continually provide value, safety and a steadfast 10-year/100,000-mile warranty to consumers. Borrego will be available with either a V6 engine or the company’s first V8 offering, which will also boast Kia’s largest towing capacity to date.
Not related to the Hyundai Veracruz; just like the Sorento is not related to the Hyundai Santa Fe
Mackabee
Mack
Just the facts.
Borrego release with its many implied sources...its also a Honda color. Its also from the more affluent part of California. Sheep... in Wolf clothing. I hope it kicks the big guys like the Hyundai Veracruz did.
The "Soul" in whatever name is short behind in announcement.
The New Euro-Guru of Design will start some exciting cars in US soon.
On the Sorento Thread.. The 3.8L engine is an EX only in 2008
We have 20 2007 LX 4WD still in stock at the big rebate with 3.8L
-mike
(1)-3.8 V6, (DOHC, 24 valves)
(2) - 6 Speed Shiftable automatic,
(3)- 4WD/AWD (already activated),
(4)- Skid Plates, front& rear
(5)- Trip Computer/compass
(6)- Braking Assistant,
(7)- Engine Immobilizer/Anti-Theft Alarm System,
(8)- Signal Mirrors,
(9)- Front & Rear fog Light,
(10)-Turning Circle Less than 38 ft,
(11)- EPA mileage greater or equal than 16/22,
(12)- Second row seats and third row seats folding flat,
(13)- 7-passengers,
(14)- Navigation System (option),
(15)-Fuel capacity tank greater than 20 gal,
(16)- Rust rating greater or equal than 4,
(17)- Roll over resistance greater or equal than 4,
(18)- HID/Xenon front lights (option),
(19)- Ground clearance greater than 8.0 in,
(20)- Standard luggage capacity greater than 10 cu.ft
(21)- MSRP between $25,000 and $35,000.
(22)- Off-road capable (Transfer case, Center Differential, Limited Slip Differential Rear, etc),
(23)- Four wheel independent suspension. Rear multi-link
(24)- 4-Ventilated discs
(25)- Wheels greater or equal than 18"
(26)- Roof rails
(27)- Dual exhaust pipes
(28)-Moonroof only as an option
Will the Borrego have the above goodies or more?
Three seat rows to compete with the big HOGS.
I love the Air-bag suspension in the Photos, I hope they come with a ride & level control for low street and full height off-road. We will see in months soon. I hope they bite the bullet on XP radio and option for NAV, I dont see why they dont now when they buy Delco radios for many models.
Pray for Oil under $150 a barrel.
Three seat rows to compete with the big HOGS.
I saw the covered coils in the photo and thought them Air-bag for a moment. Too bad!
I hope they bite the bullet on XP radio and option for NAV, I dont see why they dont now when they buy Delco radios of the same company for many models.
-mike
Mack
So AM is still King, all you need for talk radio and it goes hundreds of miles when you fire those old transmitters up. Out west there is still is no fm radio between in the wastelands. (Sorry Cowboys) So KIA Gurus..you want a sale in about 10-15 states you need a SAT ready/ Aux adaptable radio in every car & add a Weather Channel for the tornado states. Radio Havana//AM or bust. roll the windows down....dig out the eight tracks and dream Large.
The disks are ventilated, it's the guard you are seeing in the rear. I would think it will be getting the Diesel in the US like the Veracruz is with 30mpg combined.
The Serento with 5000 towing outclasses all the luxury SUVs below $40K ....Why? Rear wheel drive! No Hyundai SUV has RWD! So if a V8 is offered with an increase its got to be RWD+ AWD option. Thanks to those preproduction photos posted below that seems to be the case. Those photos also have Six Lug wheels like a truck based SUV showing a leaning to a heavy duty vehicle. I know they are only photos and production is a phase beyond in execution and final product. The Rolling photos also have six spoke wheels to compliment. I would not be surprised if the Truck Mohave is not very close in chasis when it comes to light. Or is some dumbxxx in a magazine going to claim a Hyundai as king in this event. The hiring of the best Design from europe is going to remove those myths soon as KIA pulls the Brand past the others. KIA links to military vehicles with payloads must be in the Sorento pedigree and soon its siblings. The other Stars to rise Spectra (Green machine) Hybrid is being well tested before its arival and placed to be the least expensive Hybrid in full mode when it debuts. I wish it were posible to have the Euro Skined cars here then but that is wishful thinking. The compact SUV market in the "Soul" class has a VW offering on the way and see this Younger market be a battle zone of many smart designs. Not everyone is pulling an RV or wants to feed the pumps. The high-tech diesel market has been worldwide for years and in another SUV Kia Concept it may break the Octane fantasy with some Cetane points for freedom from the Pump Guys that eat the fun out of a trip. I just drove a V6 Rondo that some reviewer said quick but not less than his mark of ecellence. Does the car your Mom drive have to lay rubber when it leaves the drive because this is faster than any detroit box. Similary as the Sedona flys past it minivan competition. I think the Media bias keeps them from every declaring a KIA knock out. ARRP and other less infuenced outlets have shown good support. I will stop...but please give these poor excuses for magazines some editorial carving. Thanks and Onward KIA
You are right, Kia is its "own" brand, not really a subsidiary of Hyundai yet 51% owned by Hyundai, which is a big difference. Kia is only starting to take off.
My '99 Kia Sephia got me hooked on Kia and that car beat out the Corolla and Civic in body design and solid engineering that lasts. A small snafu with smallish-ly designed brake pads had to be figured out with the Sephia. My mechanic just installed a larger brake pad at change-out time, not a big deal. But the car was sound and once I had 70,000 Yokohama radial tires installed and Konig Diva wheels the car handled very well and was even more fun to drive.
Our '01 Kia Sportage 4X4 was an economical and fun little SUV to drive. When Americans put Kia down they are truly showing their ignorance...it still goes on even after Kia wins awards from the car mags. The 2006 Kia Rio5 was one of their finalists for 2006 Car of the Year award. JD Power recently acknowledged their much-improved initial quality improvement. The thing is, today most cars are close in quality, and...Kia has that unbeatable Long-Haul Warranty.
Keep posting the truth about Kia, kiatn. I have on this website for years. Kiaworld.net is a good one for Kia fans to check out. If anyone likes Kia and wants to go blog about them. And learn much about their European expansion, Peter Schreyer's new design work, etc. Kia/Hyundia is #5 worldwide and rising fast, gentlemen.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
-mike
KIA has had 100% all model side curtain air bags. To the cheapest Rio in 2007
Knee bags on some some like Sorento.
Active head restraints made the Sedona outstanding in class with IIHS 2006-2008
5 Star rear impact class winner in Optima being 5 star all directions. 2006.5 2007
See http://www.safercar.gov/SideAirBags.cfm
See how many cars makers do not have them but as options or in some cars not at all. Chrysler was about 50%
NHTSA (Safercar.gov) does not do the rear impact test and more preoccupied with the Roll over Explorer / Firestones test.
Tire pressure monitoring is standard in all but Rio also.
ESC the new benchmark in available or standard in many KIA.
Also see Tire Rack the KUMHO tires standard on many are killing tires twice the price. The premium rubber versions are still less than $100
See the Euro/International site www.kiamotors.com if you have a couple of hours to watch the content and also a full interview with Peter about the design team and branding philosophy. The commercials are mini movies and the Flash contents are Mini-sites on their own. Its obvious some base is shared in supplier sides, but even my KIA parts department has few direct crosses so quit the cousin thing until you can show me the bloodline in partswap book.
My Sportage brother above...You cant pry anyone out of one before a lifetime of memories with so much love that its painful to trade for the next one.
Enterprise rentals and family to family is doing more to get people in KIA than the advertising. People call all the time saying how on the last trip or when they had car in shop how they liked the KIA and now want one. I know the H brand has a similar following of Lovers and hope they have thier own forum to pucker in DUH! DUH! DUH! If you want a DUH fun go to the DUH site and play the DUH Keyboard.
KIA Inteligents " We Know your Smarter" I wish I had the Rondo with the common rail diesel( CARENS in Euro). like I said....do the KIAmotors site only if you have the next two hours to spare.
See KIA-BUZZ This is the Global Kia Blog site!!! Check out the transformers Carens (Rondo) commercial.
I just drove a Grand Prix from enterprise, no wonder people love the ride and vibration control in the KIA linage. Even a Rio interior looked more expensive.
I found some great pictures. You can see those here:
http://www.kia-world.net/index.php/2008/01/03/kia-launches-mohave-suv-in-korea/"- >
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xeYefXv8d8
-mike
Look here for official press release and images: http://www.kia-world.net/index.php/2008/01/13/kia-borrego-makes-its-debut-at-det- roit-motor-show/
I'm very impressed with this vehicle, next will be the pricepoint that it comes in at.
-mike
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
-mike
Motorsports and Modifications Host
Sorento repairs(2006 averages) killed the reliability reports and dropped KIA in points. Engines have improved, Paint quality below standard with clear coat pox, If a transmission is warranty replaced the US remanufactured replacement may be worse and is making the great service guys look bad. Back to Price...In the 30k range depreciation is always a factor and hope enthusiasm and good marketing overcome the appearance of any short haul loss of investment. Buying from a rental with low miles is a good option on KIA for those counting Dollars. KIA is pulling the bar up...many companies are floundering in dealer closings, sales of companies and car lines, so things are getting more equal all the time. Keep the Ball going KIA...NBA pun not intended.
First Drive: 2009 Kia Borrego
I think the borrego is fairly nice, but the looks are not really earth shattering. The Pilot imo is fairly ugly. What did they do to the old look? It looks like something from Star Wars.
I'd ask you to consider other SUV's. They Santa Fe's from Hyundai are the nicest ones that I've seen. The new Highlander is another ugly stick victim.
Just my opinion.
Take care,