Kia Borrego

Will this be the model that sees Kia discover a field of new buyers? Check out the first official pictures of the new Borrego SUV, which has just been unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show in the USA.

Designed to look pure and functional, the 4x4 could be the first Kia to have what it takes to rival Land Rover’s Discovery. With a body on frame construction, it is also ideal for towing heavy loads.

The handsome off-roader is at home on the stands of America’s favourite motor show. Despite moves to encourage smaller engines, the Borrego also debuts Kia’s first ever V8 powerplant. This not only gives it the grunt to perform both on and off-road, but also makes the Borrego the most powerful Kia ever built.

If the newcomer looks familiar, that’s because it draws its inspiration from the Mesa concept first shown at the Detroit Motor Show three years ago. The square styling has more than a hint of muscle about it, giving the Kia an aggressive stance. Optional 18-inch alloys add the finishing touch.

Measuring 4.9 metres in length and standing 1.9 metres wide, the Borrego is about the same size as its Discovery rival. The generous dimensions make way for seven passengers inside and place the newcomer at the top of the Korean firm’s SUV line-up.

Luxurious extras include a DVD navigation system, electrically adjustable pedals and a reversing camera, while a satellite radio is fitted as standard.

The Borrego’s new 4.6-litre V8 powerplant produces more than 300bhp, and is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. Cheaper variants are offered with a two-wheel drive transmission while a 3.8-litre V6 engine is also available.

Off-road the Kia benefits from Downhill Assist Control which helps the SUV down steep slopes and Hill Assist Control which keeps the Borrego moving up challenging inclines.

While the Borrego will arrive in Kia’s USA showrooms in the summer, it’s UK future is in doubt.

Paul Philpott, managing director of Kia in the UK explains: “This is a fantastic vehicle in terms of its technical capability and the step forward in technology it represents, but without a diesel option it would not make sense for the UK market as the segment demands it apart from those customers looking for a large, luxury SUV.”

The good news is that at the Detroit Motor Show it was announced that the Borrego will get a diesel engine in future, so we could be seeing the 4x4 in British showrooms in the next few years.