2008 Kia Rondo First Steer
April 21, 2008 by Alborz Fallah
2008 Kia Rondo First Steer & Review
- By David J Twomey
Kia has struggled a little in Australia of recent times with product that’s a bit out of step with the market, or a bit dated, but with the new Rondo 7 its gone the other way, potentially developing a market segment that currently doesn’t exist – the URV!
Kia says the “7” has been tacked onto the name to highlight the fact that it is a seven-seater, the new “urban recreational vehicle” that will take over from soft-roader SUVS.
“The Rondo 7 is a new approach to the crossover segment. No other vehicle has quite the same configuration of seats, doors and body style,” said Mr SK Lee, President and CEO of Kia Motors Australia. “It combines the benefits of four conventional segments in one package – the Urban Recreation Vehicle.”
He says, Rondo’s high ride height, good visibility, functionality and adaptability deliver that sense of being ‘above the traffic’ that many drivers find so appealing in SUVs, without having to resort to the expense of buying and running an SUV.
Its individual looks and style, a compact and manoeuvrable body shape, good fuel efficiency and safety equipment package echo many of the features of the hatchbacks.
When the Rondo 7 enters Kia showrooms in late April 2008, it will be available in three grades – LX with either manual or auto transmission, EX with auto only and EX Limited also with auto only.
It doesn’t look all that flash but i think it does what it does competently, albeit sluggishly from that puny petrol engine. the diesel would’ve been a better option. But with a starting price of around $25k it’ll be the cheapest people mover in Aus. And if the quality is up to scratch, I see no reason why it won’t sell.
Good to see some decent, affordable, family orientated transport is still available. Well done KIA.
Seems like another car company sending a second rate engine to OZ when they have a first rate engine for Europe!!!! Renault also does this to us!!!!
It is the same engine tehy have been using in eurpe for several years and is not second rate.
All that is said about diesel as a better option os fine until you go to service it the price of services a modern diesel engine properly would shock most people.
It is the same engine found in the Sportage and pulls the same weight.
I am looking at thsi as i want a small 7 seater, not a 4wd which will spend 90% of its life at 80 or under. On the highyway it will still move alond at legal speeds quite happily.
The market must be almost out of new exciting acronyms to explain each manufacturer’s cars. We have SUV, AUV, URV… the list goes on.
It’s still a people mover, just smaller and without the sliding doors.
4wd manufacturers will always claim to have sports car like handling and passenger car comfort to placate the 4wd-haters.
Toyot’s Hilux AUV will continue to claim to be what every other Utility on the market does just as well. A Ute.
SUV’s will continue to be about as sporty as a granny wearing a pair of Nike Airs. No doubt the intent’s there…
The world goes round another rotation.
Not criticising the actual vehicle itself as I haven’t driven or seen it in the flesh, but ismply the excess over-use of acronyms to try and re-invent the wheel. It’s so 90’s.
I wonder how BMW missed this niche!
Kudos to KIA, looks like a pretty decent car with enough space for a large family….
Good to see ESP is standard and although curtain airbags only come in the upmarket model, it does seem reasonable value to carry a family around. Luckily I don’t need to buy something like this but it does make more sense than some other options (like a 4WD) to do the school run in…
Another unreliable ugly tin can KIA….. buyers will have to replace the motor after 40,000kms or less…
I’ve owned two Kias with no probs AC but I get your point.
Kia need to address the previous series Carnival engine failure issue if they are to maintain credibility.
A friend had a 1999 that had motor replaced at 80,000 klms under warranty. Have since bought a new “early style” carnival with no probs.
motor they had probs with was a Rover design and believe was in the Freelander which also had probs.
The theta engine and I think u will find all of the engines in the current KIA lineup are Hyundai sourced. Hyundai bought KIA several years ago.
Hyundai drive trains are as good as any.
Good to see all safety features standard.
AC, what are you basing this on? KIA has (with the exception of the early Carnivals) an excellent reliability record. I think some people just have a hard time accepting anything new – same issue forty years ago when Japanese cars came on the scene – now look at ‘em.
I would love to see KIA turn public perception around like Hyundai have done but it’s going to take a series of award winning models for people to take notice….just like Hyundai did to change poor quality perception that they had up until recently!!!!
I think the biggest issue with the on going carnival saga is the Dealers selling them second hand knowing thay have an issue. Yes people have brought them but I owudl hope that anyone today does their homework and even when buying privatly gets an inspection done.
This problem model is not 6 years old at the youngest. Kia appear to have come to the party in most cases it is a drag on their reputation but i suppose the 5 year unlimited warranty shoudl cover most concerns here. It is because of cars like Hyundai and Kia that others have followed suit and many cars have 5 year warantys.
I mayself am comparing the Rondo to what i can get with the $$ I have and at 29,000 for the EX auto with most mod cons which i need and none of the extras like 4wd running gear to carry around and pay for every time I fill up. I am still considering the Outlander LS
Everyone why buys a car needs to look at all the pros and cons. These days you can choose you quality level and pay accordingly. In this segment the competitors start at 10,000 more.
Come on now what century are we in, you would think with all the modern technology using the best tools available today, just a little bit different forty years ago, all cars should have reasonable quality, it’s not just Carnival having engine problems, but there a few other Kia models that suffer major quality issues including Rio comes to mind, I know a few people been burnt wasting good money, so for me you are better off buying used vehicles instead of a new KIA or Holden Daewoo’s, too risky just like the stock markets recently….
My opinion, my money, me spend wisely, easy maths….
I read somewhere that the first Sportage models had Engine oil leaks inside the show rooms…..now whether that’s true or not that’s the kind of perception KIA are up against!!!
Maybe KIA should consider buying op all the second hand Carnivals to take them off the market and stop the damage continuing????LOL
^^^^^^^meant buying up^^^^^^^
so do Falcons and Commodores. Have owned many as my own or as company vehicles over the years.
I think the key is how these issues are handled by the maker.
I think it looks like the new forester from the very back.
“Another unreliable ugly tin can KIA….. buyers will have to replace the motor after 40,000kms or less…”
I’m not for or against KIA, but these sort of comments make you look stupid. Kia provide a 5 year/unlimited km warranty, not a 1.5 year/39000km warranty.
How many Kia’s have you owned?
I’m not for or against KIA, but these sort of comments make you look stupid. Kia provide a 5 year/unlimited km warranty, not a 1.5 year/39000km warranty.
How many Kia’s have you owned?
Answer: none, never will and never want to, the five year warranty is a funny one, would a original KIA last that long lol hahahaha… because I know KIA owners and they regret buying them even after three years ownership, WHOOOOPS !!!!!!,, you don’t have to believe me but these are the facts……
Realcars, I agree Ford, Holden, Toyoda etc have quality problems but not to the level of KIA and Daewoo’s….
How can anyone feel enthusiastic about driving a tin can KIA, not inspiring at all…..
Guys, i drove one in the car show, its a fantastic drive. Seating position, drivetrain, quality, everything is up to date. I have known people who had KIA’s before and they have never complained. Talking about Japanese brands they are always overpriced in the second hand market.
I drove a brand new Toyota Corolla the other day and was pretty ordinary, compared to a hyundai i30.
So i would say thumps up KIA for doing such a nice job.
My father has a new Sportage…brilliant car, and no issues whatsoever in more than 2 years
Had my Grand Carnival for two years and I am very happy with it. Big roomy eight seater with heaps of grunt. Five speed auto is silky smooth as is the engine.
Goes better than my au ute actually.
Good to see there are people out there who are happy with their Kias
Guys, i have to ask something to everyone who owns a some sort of sedan. Isn’t it hard to get in and out of a sedan, compared to this high sitting seats of compacts SUV’s and compact people movers.
Australians in general are tall, why dont we buy more of these cars like Kia Rondo, Renault Scenic with easy seating access.
I like this car very much, but for a 2.0 lit engine should be a bit cheaper than 25K.
I Hired a grand carnival. 190 or so kw
for the week i had it, i kicked many a comodore AND falcons ass. The thing was a rocketship.
Lovely to drive, quiet, smooth, huge AND easy to park. GREAT DESIGN for half the price of a tarago.
since then a friend has brought one, has hit 70 odd thou in 3 years, no trouble whatsoever.
I wouldn’t worry too much about AC COBRA… every thread about Fords is “Great work Ford, fantastic car, 10/10″ ..
If it’s anything GM or nothing to do with Ford, you get these kind of comments. Kia’s and Daewoos have their place on the market and people will continue to buy them, unlike your random dribble.
Do you really think with a quote like this:
“would a original KIA last that long lol hahahaha… because I know KIA owners and they regret buying them even after three years ownership, WHOOOOPS !!!!!!,,”
…that people would take you seriously? You know Kia owners hey? Grow up.
Very intriguing … I couldn’t find any mention of cruise control in the brochure, surprising since it looks to have most of the other essentials. Have I missed something?
Real cars, that rover motor was a dog, not surprised it caused problems for folds. Kia are doing okay, this looks the goods for the price.
Cobra, Kia do not a bad job, value for money, good warranty, yup they had some problems, fuel systems and holden, brakes and ford, overheating and mazdas, toyota has issues..it goes on and on..
actually the current Carnival seems to be doing quite well in terms of reliability. Previous model had the engine problems and years 1999 – 2001 are to be avoided.
A couple of things worth noting. Most Hyundai engines are developed by Kia! The great 1.6-litre diesel in the new Hyundaii30 is a Kia engine.
Regarding the questions of quality kia actually rates 6th on the JD Power ranking, which is the bible for reliability and customer satisfaction.
It comes in way ahead of a lot of big brand names
Just about every thread you include yourself in GHisGT is awesome 10/10 for Holden, then go on about protecting precious Daewoo’s slapped with lion badges, people will take me more seriously because they want to know the truth, not finger pointing hypocrites…
I do know KIA owners in real life, so you grow up,,,, just have a look around this site and certain forums do you honestly think anyone writing in about a major complaint (engines dying) after 40,000kms are fake,, get OFF !!! the fence…
T-Dawg Says:
April 22nd, 2008 at 10:09 am
Very intriguing … I couldn’t find any mention of cruise control in the brochure, surprising since it looks to have most of the other essentials. Have I missed something?
You are right, no cruise at the moment, apparently due to an engineering issue, but it will be offered ASAP!
They didn’t want to delay launch any longer to get the cruise fitted.
Seem s Kia is trying to develop so much new product at the moment they have real R&D and engineering backlogs
God save us from another blogger who has the truth.
*sigh*
AC COBRA, don’t live your life on the internet champ, get out on the world and get some REAL experience. Until then, run along you little scamp!
Taring one model with the same brush as an ill-fated early Kia Carnival is like saying every Ford is going to roll over and explode (thanks to the Ford Explorer debacle).
It’s a naive and ignorant thing to do. How can you generalise and say Kia engines fail after 40,000kms. The company would go broke overnight, that’s a fact for you.
I don’t actually own, or have ever owned a Kia too in case you were wondering.
Re the cruise control this seems a litte od when the car has been on the market elsewhere for over a year with cruise control ??
Thanks for this info Davidt.
Yes, looking at the steering wheel (EX-L) in the brochure you can see the button blanks where the cruise controls were / will be.
I will be interested to read some objective reviews of this car.
Karl Says:
April 22nd, 2008 at 12:20 pm
Re the cruise control this seems a litte od when the car has been on the market elsewhere for over a year with cruise control ??
Karl, all left hand drive markets and in Europe nobody buys Cruise Control.
The unit needs to be re-engineered to RHD and to comply with ADRs
To all those KIA haters (AC COBRA etc) I have one thing to say, get off your backside and go to a dealer. I have owned many KIA’s over the years and not one of them gave me any problems.
You comment on RIO’s having problems. I owned a 2002 RIO 5 door and in the 4 years I owned it (From new), it never once saw the dealer unless it was for a routine service. In fact, everything was still factory including the clutch, battery, bulbs etc. I travelled over 60,000kms in that time and never regretted buying it for $14,990 drive away.
I currently own a 2006 Cerato hatch and also a 2006 Magentis 2.4 EXL. These cars already have just over 30,000 kms on the clock and they are also trouble free. The 2.4 Theta engine in the Magentis is a nice engine.
A mate of mine owns 2 KIA Optimas (2004 and 2005) and both have already travelled over 70,000kms without a worry in the world. He too never considered KIA as he owned a 1996 Camry and a 1995 Commodore. After both cars had found there use by date, I convinced him to visit a KIA dealer and he purchased his first Optima on the spot. It didn’t take him long to sell the Camry and purchase his second Optima either.
If the Rodo was around when I purchased my Cerato, I would probably have bought it. Seems the extra space is good and the economy etc wouldn’t be much different. Shame about the no diesel option though.
KIA have made vast improvements over the years and there current line up is good. I just hope KIA bring in the KOUP with the 2.0 litre turbo engine.
All very interesting comments. I stepped out on a limb in 2002 and moved from Holden to Hyindai (Tiburon V6 Auto). I LOVE IT!!! Hyundai have proven to be everything I thought they were not – reliable, efficient, comfortable. Now, I am looking at the Kia Rondo – i am having the same feelings as I did before buying Hyundai… Korean, cheap, is it crap? Will it hold up etc. I should, and probably will, trust my gut on the Kia and buy the Rondo and hope that Kia goes the same way as Hyundai – up up up!!! The features, safety, efficiency and warranty of KIA for the price should be a HUGE factor for anyone to consider in this day and age of soaring fuel prices and environmental concerns. Forget the ego trip of having a Eurpopean car or Australian built tank and buy consciously!
Hi Guys,
I had a KIA Mentor before and it was value for money,most importantly it saved my wife\’s life in a head on collisiion.
I’ve owned 6 different Kia’s since 2003. Last month I traded in a 2006 Optima EX and 2005 Sedona EX for a 2007 Sportage V6 LX and a 2008 Rondo V6 LX. I’ve also owned a 2004 Rio. We owned a 2003 Rio for a week but returned it for the 2004 Rio as my wife couldn’t drive a manual. We just love the Sportage, it is very nice. Except the lack of keyless entry in the base model (resolved in 2008) The Rondo is a nice car, it seats my family of 6 but the reduced size over the Sedona is very noticeable. There is basically no luggage room when you put 6 people in it. You won’t find any adults willing to sit in the third row. The 13mpg city with the Sedona was just too expensive to justify. We are seeing 18-20 mpg city with the new pair. I think once we buy a roof luggage case the Rondo will be more usable.
There are lots of Kia’s where I live in Washington State, USA and I never see any broken down on the highways. The biggest fault they have is the high depreciation when you drive it off the lot. As much as 30-40%.
As others have posted, Kia is priced far less than comparable models by other makers. Try to find a crossover 7 seater, V6 for less than $18,000 (US) with included options like ABS, ESC, Traction Control, AC, Full Power, roof rack, 6 airbags.
Michael, we don’t have a V6 option for the Rondo7 in Australia. To get the 2.7L V6 you’d have to jump up to the Carnival. 18 MPG is a very reasonable around the city for a V6. I wish Kia Australia would introduce either the V6 with the 5 speed automatic or the 2L turbo diesel into the Rondo instead of the 2L petrol 4 speed auto rubbish they have at the moment.
I’ve just ordered one of these….and looking forward to delivery. I spend a lot of time in south-east asia and certainly in the Philippines the Rondo has considerable numbers of fans. My last Korean was a Daewoo Nubira which did a 100k km all over the goldfields of WA without letting me down once. Absolute gem. Prior to that was a Hyundai Pony (Excel) wagon in Saudi Arabia for four years that was flawless except for a radiator leak that was likely a puncture from a truck.
I’ll be back after a couple months about Rondo ownership….so far happy with Korean products…
My Kia disaster story
• 2005 kia carnival brought may 2006 with 11 000km on the clock
• 94000 kms just stopped whilst driving it no warning, no noises nothing.
• Cam shaft seized
• Timing belt thrown
• One head damaged by the above
• Opposite side bottom end pistons burnt and overheated
• Little or no oil and water to one side of engine due to carbonization blockages caused by poor quality rings
• Mechanic advised not worth repairing engine is a write off
• Unable to purchase new motor, have to purchase second hand motor and rebuild $8000 plus!
• Financially unviable to repair.
• Was worth $12 000 to $16 000 now worth NIL
• Left owing money and no car
The car dealer we brought it from said too bad out of warranty end of story!
Kia said if it had done under 90 000 kms they may have covered parts only.
just got offered $1.00 for it! do I hear $1.50?