First look: Kia plans a Pajero rival

KIA will give a few clues to its next four-wheel drive production car when it launches the KCD-II concept at the Detroit auto show early next month.

It is a full-size, seven seat off-roader, scaled to sit above the Kia Sorento in size, seats and specification, making it a logical rival for big selling SUVs like the Mitsubishi Pajero.

The KCD-II is a body-on-frame 4WD that features three rows of seats and dual full-length sunroofs. Built on a 2946mm wheelbase, the vehicle spans 4877mm in overall length, 1907mm in height and 1974mm in width.

In concept form, the KCD-II uses a stretched version of the Sorento chassis, just like the KCV-4 Mojave pick-up truck concept presented at the Chicago show earlier in 2004.

The concept wagon is also expected to share a forced induction 3.8-litre V6 with the Mojave, that produces around 210kW.

While a vehicle like this would have obvious potential in Australia, there is no decision as yet on whether the production version will be built in right-hand drive, let alone where the vehicle will be built.

"The KCD-II is clearly a good look into the future of Kia Motors," says Kia's senior executive vice-president and COO Yong-Hwan Kim.

"Our design team has created a forward-looking design, with styling elements that may be reflected in our new vehicles as we continue to research and develop innovative offerings for our customers." Along with the premiere of the KCD-II, Kia Motors will be unveiling the all-new four-door Rio sedan in Detroit.