Powering this body-on-frame truck will be a choice of a V-6 or Kia’s first V-8 engine when the Borrego (named for bighorn sheep that live in desert state parks in California) goes on sale here next summer. It’s a bold move for the Korean automaker, venturing into big-truck territory at a time when U.S. automakers are veering to smaller and more-fuel-efficient cars. But to be fair, although this is Kia’s largest offering to date, it is closer in size to a mid-size Ford Explorer than a Chevy Tahoe.

We anticipate a high take rate for the 2009 Borrego with the 260-hp V-6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission. The direct-injection 4.6-liter V-8—the same 375-hp, 4.6-liter Tau V-8 that will power the Hyundai Genesis sedan—is paired with a six-speed auto. A diesel will join the lineup in the second model year for many markets, but the U.S. may have to wait longer, officials say.

The Korean Borrego will be offered with a choice of all-wheel-drive systems, one of which is a part-time setup. U.S. models will be offered with a single AWD system, perhaps shared with the current Sorento.

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The Kia Mesa is a midsize truck-based SUV that was based off of the KCD-II Mesa concept. The photos don’t give us any insight as to what the interior of the vehicle will offer to us, but we are given a glimpse of the exterior. When looking at the pictures we are able to get a glimpse of the grille, side profile, and the wheels. It isn’t much but at least it will curb our appetite till the next group of pictures comes out.

The grille of the Mesa has been toned when you compare it to the previous vehicles. Both the grilles and the alloy wheels were both based off of the KCD-II Mesa concept that we mentioned previously.

We were first able to get a brief glimpse of the Mesa in 2004 at the North American International Auto Show that was held in Detroit. The concept was supposed to go to production immediately, but when sales dropped considerably for SUV’s Kia abandoned the plan for awhile.

Consumers were afraid that the concept would be abandoned for good, but Kia has obviously changed their minds. They waited patiently for the SUV to become a popular vehicle again and are preparing to show it off again in an up and coming auto show.

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A glimpse of the driver side front wheel shows five-spoke alloy rims that are definitely not available on the current Rondo, as well. Kia says that the suspension will be tuned for performance and that there are other performance mods on the Rondo SX. The regular Rondo can be had with either a 162-hp 2.4L four-cylinder or a 182-hp 2.7L V6, so hopefully the Rondo SX will feature one of these engines pumping out more power than stock.

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The Rondo comes in either five- or seven-passenger versions. It will be available in LX and in the more luxurious EX trim. The LX has plenty of standard equipment, including AM/FM/CD audio, power windows with one-touch auto down, central door locking, and a tilt steering wheel. The EX has fog lamps, chrome grille crossbars, door handles and side molding. The LX stands on 16-inch wheels, while the EX has 17-inchers with beefier Michelin rubber.

Both versions have side curtain airbags, stability control and a tire pressure monitoring system. Both LX and EX are available with the 162-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder or with the 182-hp 2.7-liter V-6. The four-cylinder engine is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, while the V-6 works together with a five-speed automatic.

Prices start at $16,385 for the 2.4-liter LX and $18,895 for the 2.7-liter V-6. The EX 2.4 sells for $19,195, while the 2.7-liter V-6 has a base price of $20,195. All models have a destination charge of $600. The five-passenger Rondo became available in late 2006; the seven-passenger version arrives in early 2007.

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On the outside, the Amanti’s redesigned hood, grille and headlamps stare down onlookers with more, while the rest of the car is finished off with dual exhaust tips, revised rear quarter panels, taillamps, and a new trunk lid. New 17-inch machined or chrome wheels are available, mounted on the Amanti’s modified suspension, which includes control arms up front and a multilink design in back. The wheelbase has been stretched to 110.2 inches, giving it the impressive passenger space (106 cubic feet) it’ll need to compete with its spacious competitors.

Inside, occupants sit under a standard moonroof while facing a redesigned instrument panel, the latter featuring sportier instruments, new center stack controls and pretty “white-blue” interior lighting, just like the recently freshened Kia Optima.

Other enhancements include a steering wheel with audio controls, as well as auto windows, power adjustable pedals, and upgraded interior materials, including available aluminum trim. The trunk is said to be capable of holding four sets of golf clubs within its 16 cubic feet.

Even better news is the installation of the company’s aluminum, 3.8-liter V-6 producing 264 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, a 32-percent increase in power over its predecessor. A claimed 250-pound-lighter platform should help improve performance and fuel economy in equal measure.

Also impressive is the list of safety features, which includes standard tire pressure monitors and eight air bags, including front and rear seat-mounted side thorax bags to compliment the front and side curtain air bags. Stability control and brake assist are optional. Prices weren’t announced, but are expected to hold steady at about $28,000 to start.

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Due to go into full production in the middle of 2007 and on sale throughout Europe from next September, the vehicle is the next in Kia’s European-designed, European-engineered cee’d line-up to be built at the Zilina factory in Slovakia.

The 4470 mm long, 1490 mm high, car features a tailgate shaped like an inverted ‘L’ with its hinges set back over the load area so the tailgate rises almost vertically, giving enhanced access to the large-capacity cargo area that has additional storage below the floor.

The vehicle has the same 2650 mm wheelbase as the five-door hatchback cee’d that makes its world premiere in production-ready form at the Paris Motor Show and goes on sale in Europe from December 2006.

The introduction of the cee’d family – five-door, estate and three-door ’sporty hatch’ – marks a major turning point in Kia’s history and will introduce a qualitative revolution for the brand.

When the new model goes on sale next September, customers will be offered an extensive choice of five engines, three trim/equipment levels and 12 exterior colours.

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Why so much? Because they’re 2005 models! The third vehicle on the list, however, is the most appealing to us. Saab wants to get rid of the last remaining 9-2X models and is offering $5,000 off of the car’s base MSRP, which amounts to a substantial 21.75% discount on what is essentially a more luxurious Subaru WRX. The rest of the list is as follows.

• 2005 Kia Sorento – $5,000 (26.32%) exp. 1/2/07
• 2005 Kia Sedona – $5,000 (23.87%) exp. 1/2/07
• 2006 Saab 9-2X – $5,000 (21.75%) exp. 10/2/06
• 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Extended Cab – $4,500 (21.31%) exp. 10/2/06
• 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 Regular Cab (excl. SRT10) – $4,500 (21.28%) exp. 10/2/06
• 2006 Ford Freestar – $5,000 (21.14%) exp. 10/2/06
• 2006 Lincoln LS – $8,000 (20.36%) exp. 10/2/06
• 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis – $5,000 (20.18%) exp. 10/2/06
• 2005 Kia Spectra – $2,500 (19.46%) exp. 1/2/07
• 2006 Ford F-150 SuperCab – $4,500 (18.66%) exp. 10/2/06

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So without further delay, here’s what they came up with. They’re listed them from lowest to highest base price:

• Nissan Versa – $12, 450
• Scion xA – $12, 780
• Dodge Caliber – $13,425
• Ford Focus – $13,450
• Mazda 3 -$13, 710
• Honda Fit – $13,850
• Kia Sportage – $15,900

More Details are:

The fuel economy kings are the Versa (30/34 mpg), Scion (31/38 mpg) and Fit (33/38), and in terms of value, all seven cars bring some good things to the table.

While the Honda Fit is a very attractive candidate, Honda has acknowledged that it’s having trouble keeping up with the demand, so it may not necessarily be easy to find one.

The Focus looks a little dated compared to some of the newer vehicles listed above, but as CNN points out, it’s also available as a sporty wagon (base price, $16,735), which is a really nice thing for a student who has to haul his or her life to and from school a couple of times a year.

The Scion is a nice deal, but its 1.5L engine only makes 105 horsepower. Still, the low entry price leaves the buyer with some extra dough that can be used to accessorize the car.

The Sportage is pretty cool as small SUVs go, but its entry price doesn’t include A/C. Plus, if you want 4WD, the number immediately jumps to $20K. Unless you absolutely must have the SUV body style, you’ll likely get more bang for the buck from the other cars on the list (if you stick to the $16,000 budget, that is).

The Mazda3 sports 150 ponies underhood, stylish bodywork (though we wish the car at this price point was the hatchback and not the sedan), and can also be upgraded to include PW/PDL while still sneaking in under $16,000.

The Versa boasts decent power (122-hp) from its 1.8L, looks good on the road, and gets great gas mileage. While it doesn’t come with power windows or door locks at the price shown above, buyers can upgrade to the better-equipped SL trim and still stay well below the $16,000 threshold CNNMoney set for the list.

Finally, Caliber brings bulldog-tough looks and a highly versatile interior to the party, though CNNMoney advises that you wait until you can get a manual transmission to go with the 2.4L four.

No matter how you cut it, there are a number of new, interesting, stylish, and frugal small cars out there for the budget-minded. The list is geared toward students and new grads, but you needn’t be either one to appreciate the value the list highlights.

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This new 2006 Kia compact SUV carries over from  last year’s model with only minor changes. The ‘06 Kia Sportage shares its car-type platform with the Hyundai Tucson produced by Kia’s corporate parent.

The all new 2006 Kia Sportage offers 4- or 6-cyl engines and a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. LX and EX models are available. Base LXs come with a 140-hp 4-cyl and a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. LX V6s and EXs come with a 173-hp V6 and automatic only.

All are available with all-wheel drive that lacks low-range gearing but has a dashboard switch that locks in a 50/50 front/rear torque split. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and traction/antiskid control are standard. So are front side airbags and curtain side airbags. An EX Luxury Package adds leather upholstery and heated front seats.

Kia’s warranty coverage is among the industry’s most generous: 5-years/60,000-mi. basic, 10/100,000 powertrain, and 5/60,000 roadside assistance. Pricing starts at $15,900 for the base model and increases to a modest 22,000 MSRP for the fully loaded AWD EX 4 door wagon.

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