Off-roader stays OS

It is big enough and tough enough to tackle the Toyota LandCruiser, but Kia Australia has given the thumbs down to its seven-seat off-roader, the Borrego.

The off-roader was unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show last week, but Kia Australia spokesman Jonathan Fletcher says there are three strikes against it reaching showrooms here.

Even though it is built in South Korea, the seven seater is available only in left-hand drive, and aimed at North America, where it will be sold in two and four-wheel drive and called the Mohave.

Fletcher also says it may be too big for our market and it is not available with a turbodiesel.

“All those things work against it for Australia,” he says.

In outright size, the Borrego is close to the LandCruiser Series 200, which starts at $70,000.

It is 4879mm long, 1915mm wide and has a wheelbase of 2896mm, 46mm longer than the LandCruiser.

As Kia's most powerful vehicle, the full-size off-roader will be available with a 3.8-litre V6 and Kia's first 225kW 4.6-litre V8, the same engine that powers the luxury Hyundai Genesis.

The V8 will be mated to a six-speed sequential automatic.

Visually, Kia's wagon is based on the 2005 Mesa concept vehicle.

It has a contemporary look with flared back headlights, an upright grille and chiselled bonnet.

Like the LandCruiser, the big off-roader has a body-on-frame construction designed for durability, off-road strength and towing.

It sits on independent front and rear suspension matched with coil-over springs, designed to provide a composed ride on and off-road.

Inside, Borrego has an in-dash, six-disc 600-watt CD stereo system and USB/iPod capabilities.

When it goes on sale, the car will have electric adjustable pedals DVD navigation system, and a rear reversing camera with dashboard display.

Kia has tried to make the wagon as versatile as it is big.

Inside there is plenty of space. The middle row of seats folds flat and slides to allow access to the third row, which fold into the luggage area.

It has dual front, side and curtain airbags, hill-descent control, anti-skid brakes, brake assist and traction and stability control.

Kia expect to sell 18,000 Borregos in South Korea this year, with 30,000 destined for export markets.