Kia unveiled the Mesa Concept in 2005's Detroit Autoshow. It showcased Kia's determination in the SUV league. After it garnered lots of attention and praise from the media, Kia gave the go-ahead in producing it recently. Spy shots of the production mule have surfaced before the opening of our blog, which gave us more clues that the Mesa, code HM, will take alot of cues from its concept car.This time, we have the preliminary specs of the long-anticipated full-size SUV. As known before, the HM will slot above the Sorento and be equipped with 7 seats. Expect the HM to have the 3.8L V6 Lambda engine, found on the Azera and Veracruz, for powering up the base model. The upper models will receive the anticipated 4.6L Tau V8 which will also find home in the upcoming BH and the VI. The Korean-spec HM will receive the 3.0L V6 diesel found in the Korean-spec Veracruz.
Continued- Article, preliminary specs, more images
The HM will be based on a RWD platform with full-time 4WD. The Veracruz is based on a AWD platform with full-time 4WD. The HM will be equipped with a H-Matic 6 speed automatic transmission also found in the Veracruz. The HM is touted as an off-road full size SUV. The HM's unveiling date has not been speculated or set. However, our guesses point towards an unveiling date of sometime this year with sales starting next year.
Body- Body-on-frame (shares with Sorento)
Drivetrain- RWD based full-time 4WD
Type- Off-road Full Size SUV
Size(mm)- 4877 x 1974 x 1907
Powertrain- 4.6L V8 Tau & 3.8L V6 Lambda & 3.0L V6 Diesel (KR)
Transmission- H-MATIC 6 AT (same as Veracruz)
Project Code- HM
