Kia Borrego
Casey Williams, www.car-data.com
Kia’s Borrego FCV dispenses with a team of deer and relies instead on hydrogen andfour-wheel-drive to get through snowy nights. As with the Honda FC Sport Concept, Santa’sflatulence is more harmful to the environment.
The Borrego FCV derives energy from a 154-horsepower hydrogen fuel cell and 450-voltsupercapacitor ‘ mounted under the center floor. Hyundai nerds developed sub-zero startingcapability, making the SUV suited for cold winter nights (fuel cells are notoriously finicky whenchilled).
A 202-litre hydrogen tank provides gas enough to move the Borrego 426 miles, gallop 0-60 mph in12.8s, and slush along at a 100-MPH top speed. Hyundai claims an equivalent of 54-MPG ‘ impressivefor a snowmobile that weighs 4,960 lbs.
Aluminum body panels appear normal, but keep power-to-weight ratios comparable to regularBorregos. As with production models, the FCV has a roomy full-size SUV cabin, hushed noise levels,and the overall comfort of a Vail lodge. It will barely disturb a mouse, keeping all the tots comfyinside.
The Kia Borrego FCV is still a sweet dream, but since it is based on a production model, it ismuch closer to showrooms than the Honda FC Sport. In many ways, it is far less exotic than eitherthe Chevy Equinox or Honda FCX Clarity that are in California driveways. Only time and hydrogenstations prevent it from cheering up slick streets with style and utility that can’t be beat.
If you want something a little less exotic than the dancing cow dressed like Santa Claus I sawwhile sipping eggnog, drive to your Kia dealer today for the excellent gasoline-powered Borrego.Priced at $27,000 in full-fossil editions, it is worth its own holiday cheer.
