Spy photographers have caught the upcoming Kia Mesa SUV testing with the front-end exposed. What has been revealed is a very bland SUV that looks no better than any of the other body-on-frame SUVs in its class.
Unfortunately the production version of the Mesa SUV is a lot more conservative than the concept version. The Kia Mesa, which is about the same size as a Ford Explorer is reportedly going to be a traditional SUV, unlike the car based SUVs that have become so popular.
The Mesa is expected to use Hyundai's new 3.8L V6 that will put out over 260hp. A V8 model is also rumored.
It is interesting that Kia is releasing a "traditional" SUV, since that segment seems to be shrinking. The extra weight of this body-on-frame SUV is going to kill the gas mileage. If only it the styling was better then maybe I could see someone wanting it.
Concept Version:
Click the link below to see the full photos.
Full Story: Autoblog
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Comments (3)
Looks just like the Chrysler Aspen.
Posted by Valingnor | August 10, 2007 6:30 PM
Posted on August 10, 2007 18:30
I read the headline and thought they were talking about a new Toyota.
Posted by tgom | August 11, 2007 7:47 AM
Posted on August 11, 2007 07:47
If you lined up the Chrysler Aspen, Pacifica, the new Subaru Tribeca, and this Kia together, I'm not sure I could tell the difference.
Posted by WS | August 13, 2007 8:53 AM
Posted on August 13, 2007 08:53