The brand-new Borrego from Kia sets several benchmarks in the Kia organization. Borrego is the first mid-sized SUV the company has produced which means just about every part in the vehicle is new.
First shown at the Detroit Auto show in January 2008, the SUV is on sale at Kia dealers less than ten months later. Topping things off is the fact that Kia is so confident of their build quality that the Borrego carries a 5-year/100,000-km warranty.
My Borrego was a 3.8-litre V6-powered EX. In Kia speak; EX is the top of the line with nearly everything except the chauffer as standard equipment. In fact, the only optional equipment shown on Kia's list for the EX are dealer-installed items that you may want so that you can personalize your new Borrego.
There is one engine option that is worth a look and that is a 4.6-liter V8. With this option, there are a few substitutions in equipment, but no real changes. Wheel diameter goes to 18 inches from 17 and the automatic transmission gains a gear for a total of six. Towing capacity jumps to 7,500 lbs (3,402 kg) from 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg). Needless to say, tow hitches and trailer wiring are standard. All you have to do is supply the receiver and the trailer for a great summer of fun.
A V8 may be fun and give you a bit extra on towing, but the V6 is no slouch when it comes to moving out. I never felt at a loss for power when getting into traffic or when pulling out to pass. Even when taking freeway entrance ramp corners at the posted limit, I had plenty of space left to get up to speed so that I could merge without causing a problem.
Conversely, getting stopped proved to be worry free as well. Kia uses four rather large disc brakes (front vented, rear solid) on the Borrego. They are very good with great pedal feel.
First shown at the Detroit Auto show in January 2008, the SUV is on sale at Kia dealers less than ten months later. Topping things off is the fact that Kia is so confident of their build quality that the Borrego carries a 5-year/100,000-km warranty.
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| The Borrego is the first mid-sized SUV the company has produced. |
My Borrego was a 3.8-litre V6-powered EX. In Kia speak; EX is the top of the line with nearly everything except the chauffer as standard equipment. In fact, the only optional equipment shown on Kia's list for the EX are dealer-installed items that you may want so that you can personalize your new Borrego.
There is one engine option that is worth a look and that is a 4.6-liter V8. With this option, there are a few substitutions in equipment, but no real changes. Wheel diameter goes to 18 inches from 17 and the automatic transmission gains a gear for a total of six. Towing capacity jumps to 7,500 lbs (3,402 kg) from 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg). Needless to say, tow hitches and trailer wiring are standard. All you have to do is supply the receiver and the trailer for a great summer of fun.
A V8 may be fun and give you a bit extra on towing, but the V6 is no slouch when it comes to moving out. I never felt at a loss for power when getting into traffic or when pulling out to pass. Even when taking freeway entrance ramp corners at the posted limit, I had plenty of space left to get up to speed so that I could merge without causing a problem.
Conversely, getting stopped proved to be worry free as well. Kia uses four rather large disc brakes (front vented, rear solid) on the Borrego. They are very good with great pedal feel.
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| My Borrego was a 3.8-litre V6-powered EX. |