2005 Kia KCD-II Mesa Concept

Something enthusiasts will be pleased to hear is that Kia has not yet dismissed

Kia has not yet dismissed allegiance to true off-road capability, endowing the Mesa with full-time four-wheel-drive. (Photo: Kia Canada)

allegiance to true off-road capability, endowing the Mesa with full-time four-wheel-drive incorporating a system Kia dubs Active Torque Transfer, which shifts power to the front and rear wheels according to road, or trail conditions. Power is either biased 100 percent to the rear or slit between front and rear, up to a 50:50 maximum. The Mesa also gets a limited-slip rear differential (LSD) to increase traction on slippery surfaces.

Complementing the rugged drivetrain is 259 mm (10.2 inches) of ground clearance, ample to scale most obstacles nature throws in its way.

Under the Mesa is a robust

The trucks thick pillars add to its solidity, creating a structure that is not only good in the muck, but also resists deformation in case of an accident. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

fully-boxed frame, exactly what is needed to withstand the extreme bending and twisting that comes with off-road operation. The trucks thick pillars add to its solidity, creating a structure that is not only good in the muck, but also resists deformation in case of an accident.

Not much else is mentioned about the vehicle's safety equipment, other than the addition of curtain-type and knee airbags, inferring that dual-stage frontal airbags and side airbags are most likely also included. What's more, a back-up monitoring system with a pop-up screen enhances rearward visibility, a superb feature that I've grown to appreciate in various luxury vehicles I've tested.