Autoblog

Kia has slapped a name on the production body-on-frame SUV born from the 2005 Mesa concept. Dubbed "Borrego," the truck will be offered with V6 or V8 power and have a grille that looks uncannily similar to the one on the Subaru Tribeca. Its headlights are reminiscent of the pre-facelift Chrysler Pacifica, too. We know that designs are locked in long before new vehicles are at a point where they can be shown to the public, but it's still amusing to note the similarities.

Also amusing is the name, Borrego. We're sure that Kia was going for a desert theme, and that the name was inspired by the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in California. (In Korea, it'll be called Mojave, in keeping with the desert vibe.) Unfortunately for Kia, in Spanish, "borrego" roughly translates to "lamb" or "sheep," neither of which conjures up a tough image for a new SUV. Last we checked, there are plenty of Spanish-speakers in the US, too, so it's not like this one's gonna sneak by unnoticed.

In all seriousness, the biggest question is whether the crossover-happy marketplace will be welcoming toward a new body-on-frame sport utility. We'll see what the reaction is in January when it's unveiled in Detroit.

[Source: Kia]

click image above for more high-res spy shots of the Kia Mesa

Perhaps Kia thought it was being coy when it supposedly leaked an official detail image of its upcoming Mesa SUV's front end. Who needs an official detail shot, though, when you can rely on inattentive engineers who forget to cover the front end of their mule? Here we get a full frontal view of the Mesa's nose, which indeed confirms that it will closely mirror the visage of the KCD II Mesa concept on which it's based. Unfortunately, the process of converting that concept to production has also altered the front end just enough so that it looks similar to the Subaru Tribeca. The Mesa appears similar in size to a Honda Pilot, or perhaps a Ford Explorer, since it's reportedly a proper SUV, not a car-based CUV. It's expected to be offered with Hyundai's 3.8L V6 producing upwards of 260 horsepower, but like all new models coming out of Hyundai/Kia, a V8 is rumored to be considered, as well.

[Photos: KGP Photography]

TheCarBlogger just published three leaked pics of what they are claiming to be the first official images of the interior in the new Kia Mesa, nee HM. And just like we were when we saw the interior on the Veracruz, we have to say we are pretty impressed. Nothing cutting edge, but definitely styled to put it in the luxury car camp. The materials might not hold up to that opinion, but they at least look good in the pics. And the admittedly faux wood gives this UV an air of luxury most people probably wouldn't expect from a Korean vehicle. Light and modern, that wood is slathered throughout, even on the steering wheel.

What we see in the pics as far as the multimedia navigation/AV system goes is likely the home market setup. Chances are that the States will get the same LG unit we profiled in the Veracruz. There doesn't seem to be any reason why the AUX input jack and a Push-Start button won't make the trip over, however. We're not sure when the Mesa will make its public debut, but we're guessing somewhere between Frankfurt and the end of this year, with sales starting early next year. Click one of the images to view all three shots.

Thanks for the tip, William!

[Source: TheCarBlogger]

Click image for photo gallery

The first teaser/detail shots of the production Kia Mesa SUV are out, and it looks like the body-on-frame truck's outward appearance is going to be close to the KCD-II Mesa concept that made its debut back in 2005 at the Detroit Auto Show. (Is it us, or does that grille look very New Tribeca/Chrysler Town & Country-ish?) Rumored to be showing up sometime in the fall in Korea and early '08 in the US, we should expect to see a 260-horsepower 3.8L V6 underhood. Spy shots that appeared earlier in the year hint at an attractive interior, and there has been speculation that a V8 will be in the mix at some point, too. We have to assume that it'll be shown at either Los Angeles or Detroit if the US release timing really is set for early '08. The biggest question might be whether or not Kia will find an audience for a big SUV in the current climate. That said, with V6 power, a snappy cabin, and assuming it's got three rows of seating, it could be positioned against the GM Lambda crossovers, which are sizable machines, themselves.

[Source: Hyundai Exchange (registration req'd) via Left Lane News]

TheCarBlogger just posted several photos of what we believe to be Kia's new full-size SUV. Shown originally as the Mesa KCD II Concept in Detroit in '05, this so-called "HM" vehicle is a true body-on-frame SUV. The photos show a partially-disguised vehicle with a profile that wouldn't be out of place at a GMC or Jeep dealership. And from the interior shot, Kia's definitely moving further into Cadillac and even Lexus territory. The tasteful two-tone leather and light wood look good along the dash and doors. It appears far less retro and much more conservative than the show car, but still has a large presence.

The new full-size Kia was spotted in South Korea, and looks to be very near production ready, suggesting we'll see it officially in the very near future. The HM should seat seven and take the Kia faithful another rung up the ladder from the Sorento. A 3.0L V6 diesel will be the base engine in Asia, but U.S. buyers should get the 3.8L gas V6. Expect about 260 hp from the latter. One of the bigger rumors swirling around this vehicle, however, is that it may usher in the use of Kia's first V8. The HM may get the 4.6L Tau V8 that will be used in the upcoming Hyundai Genesis sedan, as well. That engine would likely be mated to a new 6-speed automatic that helps parse out the power.

HM sales are expected to start in fall, with North American sales following early next year. If that's true, we should see the production version bow this show season, perhaps in Frankfurt. Follow the Read link to see several more full-size photos.

[Source: TheCarBlogger]