2009 Kia Borrego in South Plainfield, NJ - $3,950

As the "what's next" vehicle in the expanding world of Kia, the automaker introduced the all-new seven-passenger Kia Borrego midsize SUV. Proving consumers do not have to sacrifice sophistication, convenience, quality or size for impressive value, the new

Borrego is based on styling cues from the Mesa concept vehicle shown at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

"Kia is proud to deliver a stylish and amenity-filled SUV to consumers who are passionate about what they drive," said Byung Mo Ahn, group president and CEO of KMA and Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG). "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 lifestyle into their driving experience."

Offered in LX, EX and Limited trim levels and 2WD or 4WD configurations, base power for the new Kia SUV is provided by a robust 3.8L V6 engine. Consumers may choose the automaker's first V8 prime mover, a 4.6L V8, as an available option. V6-engined models communicate torque to the ground through a five-speed automatic transmission, while the V8-engined models are bolted to a six-speed automatic. This is another Kia first.

On the road, the V8 equipped Borrego is smooth and strong from rest. The Kia SUV's bedrock solid ride and predictable handling start with its body-on-frame construction which sits on a fully independent front and rear suspension matched with coil-over springs, to provide an optimal riding experience, on- or off-road. Borrego's wide stance allows for a roomy, comfortable interior with standard three rows of seating for up to seven adult passengers.

Inside the Kia SUV's spacious cabin, occupants are surrounded with a slew of standard convenience features, including: air conditioning; power door locks, windows and mirrors; keyless entry; cruise control and an AM/FM/CD/MP3 six-speaker audio system to keep its passengers entertained and comfortable.

Complementing the audio system, Borrego comes standard with USB and auxiliary input jack and is the first Kia vehicle to offer SIRIUS Satellite Radio with three months of complimentary service for hours of uninterrupted amusement. Borrego also 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.

EX models add an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat, four-way power adjustable front passenger's seat, floor mats, dual-zone automatic climate control, Homelink® with compass, steering wheel audio controls, trip computer, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

The new midsize SUV also offers Kia's first voice-activated navigation system, with a Rear Seat Entertainment Package that includes an eight-inch widescreen television (EX models) for passenger entertainment during long car rides or around-town adventures.

With the EX trim level, consumers also are optioned with the Luxury and Premium Packages. The Luxury Package includes: nicely appointed leather seats; heated front seats; power tilt and telescopic steering wheel; and memory settings for the driver's seat, outside mirrors and steering wheel.

Progressing to the Premium Package includes everything in the Luxury Package in addition to a sunroof, a 10-speaker Infinity audio system, rear air conditioning with controls, running boards and a rear camera display for enhanced visual assistance.

The top of the line Limited is only available in a black monotone exterior with black interior trim. Exclusive features to the Limited edition include push button start/smart key, Supervision™ meter cluster, power adjustable pedals, chrome accents on outside door handles and rear garnish, heated second row seats, Bluetooth®, Limited exterior badging and floor mats. Limited trim also includes the Luxury and Premium package content, less the running boards.

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 114.0; overall length: 192.1; width: 75.4; height: 71.3 -- all vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 3.8L V6 -- 276 hp at 6,000 rpm and 267 lbs-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm; 4.6L V8 -- 337 hp at 6,000 rpm and 323 lbs-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm.

Transmission: five-speed automatic or six-speed automatic.

EPA fuel economy: 3.8L V6 -- 17 city/21 hwy. (2WD), 16 city/21 hwy. (4WD); 4.6L V8 -- 15 city/22 hwy. (2WD), 15 city/20 hwy. (4WD).

Cargo capacity: 12.4 cu. ft.

Towing capacity: 7,500 lbs.

Parts content -- country of origin

Final assembly point: Korea.

US/Canada: 4.0 percent.

Korea: 95.0 percent.

Engine and transmission: Korea.

Safety features

Dual front airbags, side curtain airbags with rollover sensor, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, downhill brake control, hill assist control, electronic stability control, tire pressure monitoring system, engine immobilizer, remote keyless entry, alarm system, side-impact door beams and back-up warning system. EX adds automatic headlamp control, fog lights and driver's knee airbag. Limited adds navigation system, power adjustable pedals, Bluetooth wireless technology and rear camera display.

Warranty

Basic: 5-year/60,000 mile, bumper-to-bumper.

Powertrain: 10-year/100,000 mile.

Corrosion: 5-year/100,000 mile.

Roadside assistance: 5-year/60,000 mile, 24-hour.

Pricing

The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2009 Kia Borrego SUV starts from $26,245 for the LX V6 up to $32,995 for the EX and $36,295 for the Limited 4WD. Destination charges add $750.

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