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.

Visit MotorMouth blog

Are you a fan of collectible or classic cars? If you are, then check out the MotorMouth blog at Startribune.com/cars. MotorMouth Kris Palmer, freelance auto writer and editor, who also puts together this section's Weekend Garage column every Saturday, blogs about vintage cars, the collectible auto scene and just about everything else that goes vroom. And, as with any good blog, you can participate. You can post comments and converse with others about a wide variety of vintage car topics.

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