Kia Motors Corporation, from South Korea, has announced the world debut of the all-new Borrego SUV (to be known as "Mohave" in some markets) at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, further bolstering its ever growing product line-up.

Inspired by Kia's "less is more" design philosophy, Borrego was intended to convey a pure and functional look. It joins Kia's versatile range of cars and SUVs for those who enjoy active and energetic lifestyles.

Set to go on sale by mid-2008 in overseas markets, including Australia, (domestic Korean sales commenced in early January), Borrego houses Kia's first-ever V8 engine, making it the most powerful Kia vehicle to date.

"Kia is proud to deliver a stylish and amenity filled SUV to consumers who are passionate about what they drive," said Len Hunt, president and CEO of Kia Motors America. "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 life into their driving experience."

Aggressive Yet Attractive Packaging

Based on styling cues from the Mesa concept vehicle shown in Detroit in 2005, Borrego's body-on-frame construction and 'muscular' exterior sit on a fully-independent front and rear suspension matched with coil-over springs, which provide an optimal riding experience, both on- and off-road.

Flared-back headlamps, an upright grille and a chiselled bonnet project a strong presence, while optional 18-inch alloy wheels enable off-road capability.

Borrego offers a roomy interior with standard three rows of seating for up to seven people.

Spacious, State-of-the-Art Interior

Inside, Borrego features an in-dash, six-disc CD changer powered by a 600-watt Infinity® audio system to entertain its seven passengers. Complementing the powerful audio system, Borrego comes standard with USB/iPod capabilities.

The new SUV also offers power-adjustable pedals and Kia's first DVD navigation system as options, as well as a back-up warning system with a rear camera display.

Depending on passenger or driver needs, Borrego comes with a sliding second row for easy access to the third row, as well as fold-flat second and third row seats to optimise cargo space.

Unparalleled Power

As Kia's most powerful vehicle, Borrego is offered with a 3.8-litre V6 as well as Kia's first 4.6-litre V8 DOHC engine, that will be available in some markets. Also unique to Borrego, and new to Kia, is the six-speed automatic transmission matched to the V8 engine.

Offered in two- and four-wheel drive, with class-leading towing capacity, the new SUV offers excellent capabilities for a weekend of camping and off-roading, just as much as a sophisticated night on the town.

Standard Kia Safety

Borrego continues to offer the same unprecedented level of standard safety equipment as all Kia vehicles, with features such as advanced two-stage airbags, full-length side curtain airbags for all three rows, four-wheel disc brakes with an antilock brake system (ABS), electronic brake distribution (EBD), brake assist system (BAS), electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control (TCS) and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

Borrego also offers downhill assist control (DAC), which keeps the vehicle moving straight and steady down steep grades and helps to keep the wheels from locking, as well as hill assist control (HAC), which helps the driver move up steep inclines without fishtailing or allows the vehicle to stop uphill without sliding backward. Both DAC and HAC are new functions on a Kia model.

Availability