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Brand in brief: Kia

Star Tribune Sales and Marketing

Last update: November 19, 2008 - 2:35 PM

Brand in brief: Kia

Kia's launch of its new and large SUV, the 2009 Borrego, has created a buzz in auto industry circles. Auto Week recently offered rave reviews of the Borrego. "Kia's first V-8 and a solid platform make this the toughest Korean we've ever encountered." A 3.8-liter, 276-horsepower V-6 or a 4.6-liter, 337-horsepower V-8 provides power for the SUV. Standard equipment includes ABS, traction and stability control, dual-zone climate control and rear air-conditioning controls. Rear-camera display, 10-speaker Infinity audio system and navigation are options. Second- and third-row seats fold flat for maximum hauling potential. Base price is $26,995. Kia has several other models in its stable for 2009: the Amanti, which sells for $26,320 and will be redesigned in two years; the Optima, which sells for $17,500 and is expected to be redesigned in 2011; the Rio, which has a base price of $12,145; Rondo, with a base price of $17,000; Sedona, $21,520; Sorento, $21,795; Spectra, $13,850; and the Sportage, which has a base price of $16,825 and is also expected to be redesigned for 2011.

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