Kia Borrego

Kia has released photos of the Borrego, a full-size SUV for the North American market. The production model, which was originally previewed as the Mesa Concept at the 2005 Detroit Auto show, would have taken exactly three years to be transformed from a show car to a full production model when it makes its official debut at the NAIAS in 2008.

Overall proportions and design details have been adjusted and toned-down noticeably from the Mesa concept, with details such as more realistically-sized alloy wheels, the body-To-DLO ratio, a no-frills interior and, perhaps most apparent, the more subtle greenhouse graphics. A pity considering the concept promised so much.

There is, however, strong evidence that keeps the design true to the concept's form, particularly around the design details, where a unique bumper moulding and two-tone treatment carries over from the wheelarches to the side sill. Kia's three-slat grille design (an identifying element which was first seen on the Mesa concept) has also made it to production.

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