Melbourne Motor Show: KIA stand
February 29, 2008 by Matt Brogan
Not to be out done by all the fuss at the Motor Show this year, KIA has come to the party with a large stand showcasing the entire range including two all new models – the Rondo (people mover) and Picanto (light hatch – as pictured).
KIA’s SUV range and all-new CDRi (diesel) powered vehicles are also on display featuring the vehicles as KIA intended – a lifestyle vehicle for a reasonable price. Ideal for young families who need decent motoring at a budget price tag.
CarAdvice aims to bring you more roadtests from the KIA range soon.
Print it: 
*****PRIMO!*****
No new Pregio [nee, Bongo] Van….pity!
Maybe they can put mine on display?
But i have heard that a new Cab/Chassis is around the corner.No workd on a new van.Perhaps they can private-label sister companies iload and sell it at Kia dealers for less coin!
Cheers
F-0
************* SECONDO*******************
I see that your quest for a three across bench continues……
no sign of the ceed? should bring it here, looks better than i30.
I like the Picanto! When will be avaliable in Australia?
Cee’d is not coming to Australia, acording to Kia! But there will be new Spectra debuting next year.
Kia is developing it under the TD project name.
REALCARS -
Yes, i do need a proper benchseat.We can use it as our family car [we already do with the Pregio] and then i can piss off the X Trail buy her a 2nd hand SLK as *her* car and bypass the Corolla.
win x win x win
Cheers
F-0
I like the way u think F-O.
Are the Crossfires any good as they are suppose to have SLK running gear?
REALCARS -
Dont know anything about that brand or model.
All i can tell you is that everything they made in partnership with Benz, nothing seemed to be better [As in they got the dregs]
NO Chrysler is a chick magent, well not any chick i would want to be seen with! :-)
Cheers
F-0
The rondo looks kinda cool, do you reckon it will be released in that fluro yellow. Hope so. I wish manafactures would have the balls to bring large cars out in these vibrant colours rather than just the light cars.
Has anyone seen this car in the flesh? It looks small for a 7 seater. What would it compare with?
The biggest impression the Kia stand made on me when I went to the MMS on Sunday was how it could be so empty of people, both at the cars and at the desk when all the other stands were so crowded. I guess a company that gives its customers that purchased their 2002-ish Carnivals such a raw deal with the bad engines can expect nothing less.
David, That was 2002 as you say, What about today?
I think you will find that todays Kias, Carnival included offer axcellent value for money and their product has only improved since Hyundai joined forces.
Those people who bought those Carnivals are having issues TODAY and struggling to get a decent reaction from Kia. Do a search on Kia Carnival problems and you’ll see that affected owners are gearing up now for a Trade Practices action against Kia – not just in Australia.
I personally dont own one but I was struck by how quiet the Kia stand was, in a surrounding sea of noise and crowds yesterday (Sunday) afternoon.
What ever happened to the Kia Elan that they purchased off Lotus?
David is correct, the issue with the V6 is happening today.
But warranty is EXPIRED so that is that.
It shows Kia is fair in still coming to the *party* with some form of payment if you contact them and said vehicle is outside of warranty.
Frankly i rather *party* with a whole bunch of Korean girls, but thats just me! :-)
Cheers
F-0
The way Kia treat their past customers is a reflection on the way they will be treating future customers.
We all expect cars to last well over 100k without any issues, after all it is the second largest expense you will ever make.
After what I have read, I will NEVER buy a KIA, dispite the fact that I love some of their cars.