Kia-Forums.com is owned and operated by AutoForums.com, Inc. Kia-Forums.com is an ehthusiast website dedicated to the discussion of Kia Vehicles, Kia Family Cars and Kia SUVs. Kia-Forums.com is completely unofficial and is not endorsed in any way by KIA Motor Corp, its affiliates, or its subsidiaries. KIAź is a registered trademark of KIA Motors Corp. in Canada, the United States, and in other countries around the world. No challenge to the status of KIAź's registered trademarks is intended.
Here's an article from the Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, Canada: Kia's well-rounded Rondo. The article is by Jim Kerr (no, not the lead singer of the Scottish band Simple Minds ) and you can read some of his useful articles here.
The automotive editors and analysts of MyRide.com, Autobytel Inc.’s brand new vertical search experience for car lovers, buyers and researchers, today announced results for the fifth annual Editors’ Choice Awards, a ranking of the best new 2008 vehicles on the market....
Best Kept Secret for 2008 and Best New Wagon - Kia Rondo -
Call it what you will, mini-minivan or crossover sport wagon, Kia’s practical little Rondo has unjustly flown under too many people’s radar. With flexible seven-passenger seating, a nice long warranty, four- or six-cylinder powertrain options, and a base price under twenty grand, Rondo uniquely delivers up the versatility and passenger-toting a family seeks in a minivan, but in a smaller, nimbler, more affordable package. Compact minivans, big hits all across Asia and Europe, are rare on these shores. Rondo, with its compelling combination of value and utility, should be equally celebrated on this side of the pond.
John Biel: The "loaded" EX tested for this report delivered a nice array of appointments, plenty of passenger and/or cargo configurations, and decent V6 zip for $23,495 delivered. Just on price alone, that combination of features behooves the small-wagon shopper to stick his or her head in a Kia dealer's store and see if the Rondo won't fit the bill.
Chuck Giametta: Yet another surprise from South Korea. Rondo is easy to live with, easy to drive, even easy on the eyes. Opt for the V6 rather than the overburdened four-cylinder engine; fuel economy should be about even and the V6 pays off in better performance. Lastly, our generously equipped test V6 Rondo listed for just $23,495. That's easy to afford.
Jennifer Geiger: It may not be the hippest looking vehicle around but Rondo was a superstar last weekend. It held 6 passengers comfortably one day and a sink, vanity cabinet, and 24 feet of crown molding the next--all while fitting in my compact, urban parking spot.
Rick Cotta: It would be a lot easier to like the Rondo if its styling didn't scream "Mini Minivan." It offers an uncommonly high degree of refinement for the price, roomy and versatile accommodations for the size, and an impressive number of features for the money. Hmm.... Maybe it isn't so hard to like after all.
One item that consistently caused passengers to comment was the separation between the upper and lower surfaces of the dash. This creates an area where the passenger can place a water bottle or other small items on their side while buckling in without fear of the items spilling in the floor. That’s because the glovebox door acts as a lip while also eliminating any obvious fit mismatches by sitting proud of the ledge. Oh, and somebody at Kia deserves credit for also making sure that the part line for this plastic piece doesn’t run around the exposed edge.
the guy's right in Auto Design & Production, because the numbers '52' in the VIN number (comes after KNAFG) means a '5 door station wagon 2wd' according to KIA and to me too.
__________________ Mileage: 21,200 km (13,200 miles), Ownership: 13 months
Unfortunately, it is in the safety features that the Carens is parsimonious. Only the top-of-the-line EX has an airbag - only one at that - and keyless entry with alarm. No Carens sold here has ABS or EBD or Stability Control while the Carens sold in the United States has six airbags, ABS and anti-skid as standard equipment.
From New Zealand, Kia Carens for the seven up family. The article mentions in passing that it's called the Rondo in Australia (did not know that). Here's an interesting tidbit:
Quote:
But Kia claims that even with all seven seats in use, up to four full-sized sets of golf clubs can be carried - with luggage space to spare.
Drives: 2007 Rondo EX Premium(4cyl.,7 seater)white
Gallery:
0
Quote:
Originally Posted by Narvo
"Opt for the V6 rather than the overburdened four-cylinder engine; fuel economy should be about even and the V6 pays off in better performance."
One of the reasons I went with the V6.
Obviously, you haven't driven a Rondo with an I4 for an extended period of time like those on this forum who bought them. "Money saved is moneyearned"!!!!!
Obviously, you haven't driven a Rondo with an I4 for an extended period of time like those on this forum who bought them. "Money saved is moneyearned"!!!!!
Kevin, I saved $1,000 on my Rondo so in essence I did not pay for the V6, a $1,000 option. The minor increase in fuel consumption is not a factor. The timing belt - no problem, I'm a do it yourselfer. The 500lb increased towing capacity was a necessity for my needs. For all these reasons, the V6 was a better fit for me and not a huge increase in cost, up front or operating. I also have experience with this engine as my Santa Fe has a 2.7L Korean made engine. Probably the same as the Rondo's, since Hyundai owns Kia.
I agree in most cases the I-4 is enough for most people.
And Kevin, if we ever meet on a Montreal highway, good luck keeping up with me
) and you can read some of his useful articles 
Linear Mode
