chungkopi

EDMUNDS

The timing isn't ideal, but the 2009 Kia Mesa is headed to the U.S. anyway. First shown as a concept at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show, the Mesa is a full-size SUV with unique styling. These test mules caught during hot-weather testing suggest the full-size proportions for the Mesa remain, but its styling has been watered down into yet another featureless body-on-frame brick.

Yes, that's right. This upcoming SUV will most likely feature a traditional body-on-frame structure similar to your average Chevrolet Tahoe or Ford Expedition. When the concept was introduced, Kia noted that the Mesa was designed to have a full-time four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing for serious off-road use. It might sound a little far-fetched, but remember; this is the same company that has built the Sorento with a two-speed transfer case for years. And although the concept featured a 3.5-liter V6, there was plenty of room for something bigger. So we expect a 3.8-liter V6 to start and a V8 a short time later.

Inside the cabin, the Mesa concept featured three rows of captain's chairs, dual sunroofs and a dash full of toggle switches. Three rows of seats are guaranteed for production, but don't expect captain's chairs as the way-back accommodations. We would be surprised to see dual sunroofs, and the toggle switches probably don't have a chance. The giant 22-inch wheels and tires are gone, too, replaced by a very conventional set of six-spoke alloys that look roughly around 17 inches or so.

Look for the official debut of the 2009 Kia Mesa late this year, with sales beginning in early 2008.

mltk53

interesting design~

AsianRage

Ehh

titan

To little to late.

Moog-Type-S

Don't care for the exterior...and the interior is a bad Land Rover copy.

JediMindTricks

i like it.

Black Tire

If they keep that shape and design for production, they are going to kick ass.

runnerX

FJ like???

I see Acura MDX grill, Suziki headlights, Mercedes SUV front, plus FJ body sort of mixed with Land Rover

chungkopi

http://thecarblogger.blogspot.com/20...a-mesa-hm.html
car blogger

Kia shows massive improvement with each new vehicle they release. It makes the Korean automaker's laughable past even harder to believe as time goes by. These new spyshots of Kia's new full-size SUV indicate that Kia is no longer the easy target for late-night talk show hosts. Kia unveiled the Mesa Concept at the North American International Autoshow in 2005. It showcased their attempt at the competitive, but dwindling full-size SUV segment. Kia gave the green light for production shortly after the concept's initial debut.

Caught in South Korea, these new spyshots suggest that it won't be too long before Kia officially pulls the wraps off the new 'HM'. Kia has not revealed the official name of the vehicle as of yet. Kia will influence the HM's design heavily from the Mesa Concept and some of the key design cues of the concept like the horizontal-slat chrome grille seems to stay on the production version. The HM will house seven seats and will slot above the Sorento. The HM will receive a 3.0L V6 diesel in its home market while us North Americans will get the 3.8L V6, good for about 260hp. There has been talks that the HM will be the first Kia to get the 4.6L Tau V8, which will also power the upper-end trims of the Genesis. The HM will sit on a body-on-frame chassis and will be mated to a 6-speed AT.

The HM will go on sale in its domestic market around the third-quarter of the year, with North American sales proceeding early next year. Follow the jump to view more shots.