The facelifted version of Kia Motors’ sleeper-hit sports utility vehicle, the Mohave, will return to the market in February after a six month-hiatus in production. The Mohave is marketed as the Borrego in North America.

According to market reports, the new Mohave will be adjusted with a selective catalytic reduction device attached to its signature V6 3.0 liter-engine in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, thus meeting the tightened Euro 6 emission regulations. 

It will also have a new look, with an upgraded radiator grille, new tail lamps, bumpers, alloy wheels and other features. Several safety features, such as lane detection, rear collision warnings and an around-view system will be added while cruise control, electronic control air suspension and other features will be removed to minimize their impact on pricing.

Many market insiders note that the new Mohave has been one of the most anticipated models of the year, due to the ever-growing popularity of SUVs and Mohave’s unsually large size in the sector.

As known as “Chung Eui-sun car” thanks to the incumbent Hyundai Motor Group vice chairman Chung Eui-sun’s robust investment and enthusiasm for creating a powerful SUV, Mohave sales stayed low in the year after it was launched in 2008 but slowly grew to mark 8,401 units between Jan. and Aug. 2014, without special promotions or discounts.

“While many SUVs have chosen a monocoque body type in order to reduce weight, the Mohave goes with the body-on-frame construction, which is considered traditional and steadier. Many men seeking for toughness in design also welcome the boxy design, which has contributed to the steady sales,” a Kia insider said.

“Also its secondhand price holds up well, around 60 percent of the original price even for the oldest car. This is considered as a good investment,” he added.

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)