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Future Kia Mesa
By Yoann Besnard on 25 July 2007 | (0) Comments | Permalink
Do you remember the Kia Mesa concept car, unveiled at the 2005 Detroit Motor Show? You should. It was one of the surprise hits of the auto show. A four-door SUV that offered room for six people, it was a sign of the new direction being taken by Korean carmakers regarding concept cars: a coherent design strategy and a viable blueprint for production. Two years later, the SUV has reached production stage, according to two pictures that have recently appeared on a forum for enthusiasts.
At first glance, the production Mesa is close to the concept car. The grille, alloy wheels and all bear close resemblance to the original show car.
At the Detroit Motor Show, the SUV concept car was powered by a six cylinder engine, but Kia executives have also revealed that the car's engine compartment was roomy enough for a V8 engine. Watch out, Ford Explorer. After stiff competition from Japanese carmakers, Korean companies are now also set to give Ford a run for its money.
Click here to see all the pictures
