Korean car makers are challenging German automotive companies on their own turf with models designed in Europe by Europeans and for a largely European market.
In the US too, the sale of Korean cars has grown exponentially. Independent surveys routinely show that the quality of vehicles made by the Hyundai Group (which also includes Kia brands in case you didn't know) is at par with the best in the car business.
Yet, for some inexplicable reason, most of Dubai considers Korean cars not worth their while.
Sure enough, while most big car enthusiasts here would pay happily through their noses for second-hand – and in some cases third-hand – Land Cruisers and Nissan Patrols, they wouldn't touch a Korean SUV with a barge pole. Pity, they don't know what they are missing out on.
Make no mistake. Kia's latest offering, Mohave, is impressive. Damn impressive. It's not in the same league as some of the big SUVs out there, but it's almost there and is much, much cheaper. The base model comes at only Dh90,000. The bottomline: a new Mohave will save you money versus any used SUV.
"What this behemoth lacks in brand image, it more than makes up for in quality, value and technology," said a sales agent at the vehicle's Deira office. And he wasn't wrong.
For one, it's more spacious than some of its target competition. The Mohave's wide stance allows for a roomy, comfortable interior with standard three rows of seating for up to seven adult passengers. The driving seat provides excellent lateral support making long hauls short.
Second, the car handles just as efficiently on-road as it does off it. And it remains surprisingly quiet even at high speed, an attribute that's sorely missing in quite a few SUVs
Inside and out, the Mohave looks pretty imposing. The design is bold but not boxy and the centre stack isn't too fussy.
Overall, an excellent buy.
Specs at a glance
- Engine: 3.7L V6
- Transmission: Five-speed tiptronic
- Thumbs up: Low on price and mileage