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2005 Kia KCD-II Mesa Concept

Larger, More Sophisticated SUV Points to Kias Future

Just why the Kia Sorento isnt Americas best selling sport utility is difficult to say. Its extremely attractive, well made, backed by one of the industrys best warranties, and by far more functional than the majority of its competitors, being more midsize than compact despite its compact price, and offering true off-road capability.

While an SUVs 4x4 potential is arguably a moot point, with the majority of buyers in this segment never attempting to venture off-pavement, the Sorentos other attributes make it a solid winner in the compact to midsize class, and one of the reasons it has garnered so

Where and what Kia is going to do with its flagship SUV may have been answered at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

many awards the world over.

A constant question by automotive market analysts about where the automaker will take its flagship SUV may have been answered at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on Wednesday morning, January

Kia introduced the KCD-II Mesa concept to a chorus of oohs and ahs from the gathered journalists. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

11th.

Directly after showing the assembled media how the South Korean brand will maintain its strong sales position in the all-important subcompact segment, by introducing the all-new 2006 Rio, Kia showed where it may be headed at the other end of the economic scale - at least as far as entry-level brands go.

The Mesa concept comes across as more than merely an automaker design departments flight of fancy. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press) align="justify">A chorus of oohs and ahs could be heard from those in attendance when the KCD-II Mesa concept pulled onto the stage, an impressive reaction from a somewhat jaded crowd of automotive journalists at that time on their third day of new model and concept introductions.

But the Mesa deserved the adoration, as it comes across as more

Hopefully Kia wont shy away from the concepts aggressive nature, as tough, in-your-face design is popular now. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

than merely an automaker design departments flight of fancy, but rather an insiders look at where the next generation Sorento may be headed.

As mentioned, the Sorento has always been a good looking sport utility. Now it looks as if this quality was no accident, and if the Mesa can be considered similar in design to the styling direction Kia is targeting for the Sorento replacement, a

"Like Hummer and Jeep, Kia has a history of building military vehicles, and we drew on that legacy to bring utility to life in the Mesa." (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

legacy of attractive SUVs will have been initiated.

The Mesas grille is as bold as any Kia has ever been, and this side of a Hummer about as intimidating as most anything currently on the road. Hopefully Kia wont shy away from the vehicles aggressive nature, as tough, in-your-face design is popular now, evidenced by the success Dodge has had with its Ram pickup line, Durango SUV, Magnum crossover wagon, and will

Softly angled taillamps are remotely similar to those on the new Jeep Grand Cherokee and Mitsubishi Endeavor. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

without doubt experience with its new Charger sedan. Bold has made Chryslers new 300 the star car of the 2004, still a hit at auto shows across the nation despite being almost a year old.

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