Despite what you've heard, timing isn't everything.
Take Kia's all new 2009 Borrego midsize SUV. The company has been taking a lot of flak for introducing this model when SUV sales are tanking in response to high gasoline prices.
But this product was designed before the gas crisis hit, and the company is counting on the families who still need the passenger capacity, traction and other features that SUVs have.
Timing aside, Kia's got one thing going for it: Borrego is good.
The Borrego, by the way, is a true SUV in the sense that it has body on frame construction. It's not a crossover, which is built on a car platform, which makes for a smoother ride, better economy and more style.
But the Borrego, which carries prices that start just under $27,000, rides as well as many of those crossovers. And it's one of the quietest vehicles out there whether you're talking about crossovers or SUVS. It's nice-looking, but in a conventional, rugged looking way. This is not what you'd call a style leader.
But no matter. It's got plenty of assets. It's got a low door sill for easy entry and exit, and you feel as though you're sitting in a nicely equipped entry level luxury car.
Moreover, Borrego is fun to drive. It feels comparatively light on its feet, not at all cumbersome, and is so well-built that it feels "all of a piece"-- not creaky, squeaky or trucky.
Inside, it's well-appointed and well equipped, too.
The dashboard and console are utter simplicity itself, while still managing to look classy. The knobs and controls are logically placed and the navigation screen is large, well-organized and easy to operate.
As usual, it's the little things that count.
All of your hookups for iPods and other MP3 devices are right there on the console, and glory be, they light up at night -- no groping around.
Why can't all carmakers follow Kia's lead on this? I've tried to attach iPods in the most awkward of places in cars I've driven: under seats, under instrument panels, in glove boxes, in consoles and heaven knows where else.
Standard equipment is generous. There are three rows of seats for seven adults, hill assist control, downhill brake control and the usual full complement of safety equipment offered as standard equipment. There also are such available options as rear camera display, parking assist and the voice activated navigation system.
Borrego offers two-wheel and four-wheel versions, and you can get a 3.8-liter, 276-horsepower V-6 as well as Kia's first-ever 4.6-liter V-8 engine. And best of all, these engines run on regular unleaded gasoline.
Gas mileage is rated at 15 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway for the V-8 with two-wheel drive, and 15/20 for the four-wheel-drive model.
The V-6 gets 17/21 with two-wheel drive and 16/21 with the four-wheel-drive model.
Borrego features a full-time Torque-on-Demand system from BorgWarner for its four-wheel-drive models.
The system uses electronic sensors to monitor road conditions and distribute power to the appropriate wheels.
Any problems or issues? Nary a one.
Some writers have complained that the ride feels bouncy, but I never noticed that, and I went over some pretty awful Pittsburgh surfaces.
Other standard features include air conditioning; power door locks, windows and mirrors, keyless entry, cruise control; an AM/FM/CD/MP3, six-speaker audio system, and full-length side curtain air bags for all three rows.
Don Hammonds, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
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