2008 Kia Rondo Reviews

Choosing the right vehicle to suit your growing family's needs is always difficult, particularly because the car that makes the most sense is the one you least want to drive.Once, family choices were limited to a sedan and wagon, mostly of the big Holden, Ford variety, but today there's a myriad choices that can have you scratching your head trying to decide.Most families today opt for a big four-wheel drive wagon or an SUV, but they really aren't the best bet for a family that extends beyond mum, dad and a couple of kids.For larger families there's no question that the best choice is a people-mover. Even then there's a range of makes and models to choose from and you have to decide if a big model, like the Kia Grand Carnival, is needed or if you can get away with a compact model, such as the Kia Rondo.Kia claimed the Rondo was unique in the market, a new concept it trumpeted, but was it really so new?Not really, Holden beat it to the punch some years ago with the Zafira and if you looked a little further into the past you'd find the Daihatsu Pyzar.Like the Zafira the Rondo was based on a medium-sized passenger car platform, in Kia's case the Magentis.It was a four-door wagon with seven seats that came in three models, the base LX, the EX and range-topping EX-L. The LX came with a five-speed manual or an optional four-speed automatic if you were prepared to part with an extra $2000. It was standard with air-conditioning, 15-inch steel wheels, power mirrors and windows.In the middle of the range the EX also had steering wheel-mounted audio controls, roof rails, fog lamps, 17-inch alloys, upgraded cloth seats and a four-speed automatic was standard. The range-topping EX-L boasted a sunroof, leather trim, and climate control air-conditioning.Although the Rondo was sold as a people-mover it wasn't a huge mothership like some peoplemovers, it was little longer than a regular hatchback, which made it easier to handle in the rough and tumble of the school run.Despite its compact dimensions it was deceptively large inside, with the second and third rows of seats able to be slid back and forth to accommodate all passengers relatively comfortably. The only downside is that once all passengers are in and comfortable there isn't much room left to carry anything behind the third seat.Rondo shared its engines and gearboxes with the Magentis, and the extra kaygees of a full load tends to dull the performance of the 2.0-  litre four-cylinder engine under the bonnet, and the four-speed auto, the choice of most Rondo owners, was also a limitation.IN THE SHOP Like Hyundai before it Kia was once looked upon as a cheap-and-cheerful model from Korea and not to be taken too seriously by all but the cash-strapped among us. That's changed, and how, with the new Rio recently voted Carsguide Car of the Year, and deservedly so.Kia has got its act together and its cars are no longer derided for being unreliable and lacking in durability. Carsguide gets very few complaints about the Rondo, which suggests there's little to be concerned about when shopping for a used example.Even better, the 5-year, unlimited kilometre warranty is still in effect. To cash in the warranty the vehicle must have been serviced by the book, so it's important to make sure the required servicing has been done. Also check for the usual signs of dodgy crash repairs, mismatching paint, drooping doors, wobbly panel gaps.IN A CRASH Rondo scrubs up quite well on the safety front, with four ticks from ANCAP, based on front airbags across all models, and side airbags on the EX and EX-L. All models, including the base LX, had ABS braking and stability control.AT A GLANCEPrice new: $26,990-$31,990 Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol; 106 kW/189 NmTransmission: 5-speed manual, 4-speed autoEconomy: 8.4-8.6 L/100 kmBody: 4-door wagonVariants: LX, EX, EX-L Safety: 4-star ANCAP

When Kia’s entry into the people-mover category was unveiled at the 2007 Sydney Motor Show, it didn’t trigger a rousing reception so much as a polite golf clap.Underwhelming as it may have appeared then, set amongst a backdrop of European classic and super cars, the Kia Rondo is in fact a very competent and affordable ‘crossover’ vehicle which aims to combine adequate seating, with the versatility of an SUV.The Rondo comes in three variants – the LX, EX (our test car) and EX limited. All are powered by a twin-cam, four-cylinder 2.0-litre ‘Theta’ petrol engine with continuously variable valve timing (CVVT), which optimises low and medium speed torque. A five speed manual for the LX or optional Sport Mode ‘intelligent’ four speed Tiptronic-style automatic transmission for the EX and EX limited, transfers the 106kW at 6000rpm and 189 Nm at 4250rpm, to the wheels.Kia has managed to keep fuel consumption down to a reasonable 8.4litres/100kms for the manual, which equates to 650km from the 55 litre tank on 91RON regular unleaded. The automatic gets you 8.6 litres/100kms.Using the Kia Magentis platform but with a 20mm shorter wheelbase and shorter overhangs, the Rondo is compact and square but not boxy thanks to a sloping windscreen and carefully sculptured front end. Thoughtful shaping of the door mirrors and A-pillars help to achieve better aerodynamics. 17 inch alloys give the EX a more sporty and agile appearance.There is nothing outlandish about the Rondo – it won’t win any awards for exterior design – but with its modern, smooth lines it certainly doesn’t embarrass itself up against more expensive competitors.With SUV interiors in mind, Kia have developed the Rondo to be wider and taller, increasing leg and elbow room and giving the seats a more upright position. Large windows give the cabin a big airy feel.From the front seats looking back, there seems to be adequate room in the second row for three decent sized blokes. The press kit assures us that the back two seats “will accommodate two 1.8 metre adults in comfort”, but they don’t mention how long they will be comfortable for. We reckon a quick half hour trip to the beach and back would be time enough to begin to feel a little cramped and restless.The middle row of seats slides back or forward on rails allowing several seating configurations to provide adequate room for either passengers or cargo. With five seats in use and the just the back two seats folded down, luggage space is more than 400 litres. With all but the front seats down, a whopping 2106 litres is freed up.The driver’s seat is comfortable and supportive, and its high position provides good vision from every angle. The dash is refreshingly simple, elegant and intuitive and is angled towards the driver creating a snug cockpit.Numerous storage areas adorn the cabin, including 10 drink holders, big door pockets, a huge centre console space and various other trays and dishes for passengers in every seat.In addition to these standard features, the EX gets a leather steering wheel, gear knob and steering wheel mounted audio controls.Safety has not been overlooked in the Rondo 7. It comes standard with four-wheel disc brakes with Anti-Lock Braking, Electronic Brake force Distribution, traction control and Electronic Stability Program.What shocked me at first with the Rondo 7 is how compact it looked. I was expecting the usual, bulbous seven-seater but it really does look a lot more SUV than people- mover.It’s not great looking from the outside but it doesn’t look dull or out of place - it sits humbly between boring and cocky. Its smooth lines and rounded front end let me know that Kia have tried to keep it as up to date as possible for the money.Climbing in the driver’s seat and adjusting mirrors and so on, I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable it was. You sit right up high and you have great vision - with help from the bigger than normal windows. The supportive seat and enclosed, simple dash gave me a cosy warmth.Road noise isn’t too much of a problem even on the freeway but there was an irritating buzz around the passenger door which I thought was a faulty speaker at first, but it turned out to be wind hitting the side mirror.The most annoying thing I found in the otherwise impressive Rondo 7, was the power. If regular overtaking on the freeway or dragging other cars at the lights is your thing, don’t get this car – it’s gutless. But I have left this point until last because I don’t think aggressive power is particularly important for vehicles in this category. It gets you where you want to be on time and that’s all you really should need in a seven seat ‘crossover’ vehicle.The Rondo 7 is a comfortable, smooth and enjoyable family car with great fuel economy and loads of space. For a starting price of $24,990 for the LX and $28,990 for the EX, it’s very affordable too.This is the kind of vehicle you buy because you need something very practical, and while styling is subjective, the Rondo looks quite good on the street – and a lot better than other people movers.But the real proof of this kind of vehicle is how well they do what they’re supposed to, which is carry around people. And the Rondo passes this test well. For a start, it’s very easy to get in and out of the rear area — even through to the third row that is usually the bane of these cars.Space is good once you get in there, too, although I’m not sure large adults would want to spend days in the last row.And there are a lot of spots to stow smaller pieces of everyday cargo… mobile phones, change, cups, maps and so on.But there’s not a great deal of larger luggage space if all three rows of seating are being used.We didn’t get to load the Rondo completely full with adults, however with four on board it had little trouble with city driving but the automatic transmission needed a little forethought for highway overtaking where most torque is needed.The steering is featherlight for around town, but feels a touch vague.But in all situations it was the handling and ride quality that really impressed. You’re not going to have much joy trying to chuck it around corners like a sports car, but it sits as happily as most mid-range sedans. And with either one, two or four adults on board it cruised over poor surfaces with as much confidence as more expensive vehicles.Manoeuvrability and vision were both good, and pick-up was very good from stationary.The seating was comfortable however I couldn't work out how to recline the seat backs. I like to be able to find those controls intuitively and — being a guy — I don't want to have to read a manual on how to use the controls in a car.The orange glow instrumentation I also found annoying, especially the clock which is hard to read.City driving was great with positive steering and excellent visibility, however the spacing between first and second gears is a little too spread.Highway driving was also good, cruising in the 120-130 range, but again I found the gearing to be a little odd.While kickdown was easy, the gear spacing was again the issue. I feel it would be vastly different vehicle to drive if it had one more gear.At those speeds there was also a bit of wind noise — just enough to be noticeable.My wife really like the design– she thought she saw a fair amount of current RAV 4 in it.She praised the front seats and also the cupholders and the centre console vents to the back seat — which are the first two things she checks for.She was also impressed by the rear luggage compartment and third row of seats as she didn't think it looked big enough to have all that from the outside.She would definitely have it on her possible list if she was looking for a people mover as an alternative to a 4wdOverall, it’s a well designed package with quite a bit of style for small people mover, feels solid and well built, and has good pick-up, steering lock and visibility — which adds up to an easy to drive family car. The only thing that lets it down is that transmission. 

According to Kia, it not only ticks the boxes in two or three segments. The little Korean has gone for gold with a four-segment crossover."There are no competitors with this car in the Australian market," Kia Australia president and CEO S.K. Lee said at the Australian launch."It will satisfy customers in four of the most active segments — hatchback, wagon, SUV and people-mover. It is the ultimate urban recreation vehicle."Based on the company's medium-sized Magentis passenger car platform, the Rondo will have seven seats, standard stability control and a 106kW 2.0-litre petrol engine.The name Rondo comes from a musical term for a piece of music often used at the end of a sonata.Prices start at $24,990.The base LX model is available with a five-speed manual or an optional four-speed automatic at a $2000 premium.Also standard are airconditioning, 15-inch steel wheels (space-saver spare), power mirrors and windows, dual front airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-skid electronic brake-force distribution and a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty.The mid-range EX adds steering wheel-mounted audio controls, roof rails and crossbars, fog lamps, 17-inch alloys, upgraded cloth seats and a standard four-speed automatic. The EX is $28,990.At the top of the range, the EX Limited is another $3000 but has a sunroof, leather interior, side, front and full-curtain airbags and climate control airconditioning.Cruise control is not available but product planning manager Nick Reid believes it will be in the mix later in the year.An optional airbag package adds side and curtain bags to the two lower-spec cars for about $1000. It will take them to the specification that has earned a four-star Euro NCAP and a five-star US Highway safety rating."This is a car that has come from the evolution of changing customers' needs," Reid says."It has versatility and functionality, doing the job of a family car during the week and doubling as a practical leisure vehicle at weekends."Though Rondo shares much of what is forward of the B-pillar with the Magentis, the rear is unique.To accommodate the third row of seats in a compact package, Kia has engineered a rear multi-link suspension supported by a compact transverse sub-frame.The rear suspension has been tightly engineered and many of the components are mounted in or close to the interior space of the wheels.It has been dubbed an "in-wheel" multi-link system.Covering the load-carrying roles of the Rondo are load-dependent, variable-stroke dampers, to maintain consistent dynamic behaviour.