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Bottom line for the EX-L: great value and versatile interior, but average engine. The 4-speed auto only has a 142 hp 2.0-litre I4 petrol engine. The entry trim has the same engine but is a 5-speed manual. A diesel version will be available in 2009.
Here's an interesting quote from the review:
Quote:
Though the Rondo is good value, you don’t get something for nothing. The metallic paint finish does not extend to unseen areas such as the tailgate surround, which is painted in flat grey, and cruise control is not available (which, Kia admits, is due to a lack of engineering resources rather than any penny-pinching).
Although it's not an ad I was on the GM Canada site looking at the HHR. It
allows you to compare it with other vehicles. One of the choices was the Rondo.
S T U P I D move on GMs part. The Rondo out classed the HHR in almost every
category!!!
Although it's not an ad I was on the GM Canada site looking at the HHR. It
allows you to compare it with other vehicles. One of the choices was the Rondo.
S T U P I D move on GMs part. The Rondo out classed the HHR in almost every
category!!!
FaxCap
At least GM acknowledges it as a direct competitor and doesn't try to hide anything.
My daughter has a 2007 HHR (it was on my consideration list along with some other vehicles) so I had the opportunity to checked it out very carefully when we visited her in Alberta last August and drive it before purchasing the Rondo, in my opinion the Rondo was so much superior as you state.
My daughter got it because she liked the retro style of the HHR - that was one of the drawbacks to me and felt too enclosed when I drove it. Like all vehicles it had some good points, but you have to consider the overall package.
__________________ Mileage: 21,200 km (13,200 miles), Ownership: 13 months
Drives: Shoe Leather Express - Previous ride stolen, leaning towards getting a Rondo though
Gallery:
0
I like the styling of the HHR and was considering it, I took it out for a test drive and found it felt a little tight in space, and those rear headrests looked huge in the rearview mirror
I know this is a Rondo forum but the HHR is one of it's direct competitors so.....
Talked to my neighbour who has an HHR. He likes it but says he doesn't LOVE it.
His biggest complaint....the front disk brakes. They heat up and the rotors
distort causing a pulsing brake pedal. GM will be offering a retro-fit cooling kit.
With the specs side by side the Rondo blows the HHR out of the water. I must
admit I do like the HHR retro styling though. Would I buy for styling alone...not
at all!
it sure doesn't sell as well as the Rondo in Canada.
HHR - sold 631 in July (549 in July 2007), with a YTD of 3,386 and YTD of 3,082 in 2007
by comparison:
Rondo - 1,066 (787 July 2007), with a YTD of 6,236 and YTD in 2007 of 4,232
different story in the US
__________________ Mileage: 21,200 km (13,200 miles), Ownership: 13 months
Here's a review by Vince Burlapp. He states, rather unenthusiastically, that the Rondo is a good car but a little bit unrefined. I would say the same thing about his blog (a little bit unrefined, that is).
it sure doesn't sell as well as the Rondo in Canada.
different story in the US
Agree. I'm seeing more and more HHR's on the road, more than I do Rondo's.
I did look at the HHR and did like the retro styling (I also have a PT CRUISER) but I thought the interior was cramped and the wife (who's car it was going to be) didn't like the HHR at all.
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