Comments on: 2008 Kia Rondo7 – Long Term Review Update

By: The Salesman

The Salesman — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 22:39:54 +0000

Daniel W,
Sorry, did i read your question right? I hope this is the answer you are looking for.
The new Cerato will be releaced in a sedan only at first, with a five door hatch to follow. The Soul is an addition to the line up.

By: The Salesman

The Salesman — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 22:36:32 +0000

Kit,
If you have owned the car from new then this is a concern. All Carnival 2.5 V6 motors were subject to re call and replaced with the “Short” engine.
This was done regardless of age or klms travelled. You should get in contact with your Kia service department and ensure the engine has been replaced.
I don’t know if the recall still applies as it was nine years ago now I think. :)

By: The Salesman

The Salesman — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 22:31:45 +0000

Daniel W,
Keep an eye out for the Kia Kee, no etails on a release date yet. But you could Google it i am sure it wont be hard to find. :)

By: Steve-Poyza

Steve-Poyza — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 06:34:53 +0000

The current Cerato is a decent car, a little dull though. The new generation has a lot more personality as I saw at the Sydney Motor Show, so if priced well, it could be a great buy!
The Rondo7 seems like a great alternative to the much larger Grand Carnival, and from this long term test it seems to be a pretty good car!

Steve

By: FORD = KING OF THE MOUNTAIN

FORD = KING OF THE MOUNTAIN — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 00:10:51 +0000

Kia is still crap, pomie lollies would leave a very bad taste in the mouth just like this low budget manufacturer.

By: Kit

Kit — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 13:58:26 +0000

Forgot to mention,
On highway,
14.7Liter/100km. (Cruise around 110km/h)

City drive,
17.2Liter/100km. (Cruise around 40-80km/h)

By: Kit

Kit — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 13:52:04 +0000

Salesman,
Is there any new gasoline engine for carnival? I have a Carnival 2001 and is equip with an engine of 2.5 quad cam V6, can it be replace with the new one ?
My carnival clocked about 60,000km and i had overhauled the engine 2 times. Told by mechanic petrol went into coolant. And is kinda thirsty too. Anyone can tell me hows their millage with the new engine ? My old carnival,
On highway, 14.7Liter/100km.
City drive, 17.2Liter/100km.

By: Daniel W

Daniel W — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 03:42:57 +0000

Salesman:
Diesel Carnival! sweet! aww bugger! really was looking foward to the coupe! any idea as to what will take the place of the Cerato hatch? Or is the Soul meant to take that role?

By: The Salesman

The Salesman — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:39:46 +0000

Realcars,
The SWB is to be discontinued, so just LWB. The engine will be the same one Hyundai used in the Terrican, 2.9ltr CRDI. Kia currently use it in the K2900 truck as well.
No problems i know of. The Carnival had an engine problem in 1999 – 2001 build, 2.5 quad cam V6’s (Rover Motor, I think?) Now Hyundai – Kia have an engine development alliance with Mitsubishi – Chrysler, so far no dramas :) The 3.8ltr V6 motor in the LWB is also in the current Pajero.

By: Realcars

Realcars — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 08:22:24 +0000

Diesel in the long or short wheel base carnival or both?

Thought my Grand carnival a bit thirsty but has nearly 20litres still in reserve near empty which improved things when I done a fill to fill calc.

Probably would have bought a Rondo instead for the amount of use the Grand gets.

Any probs with the Grands yet salesman?

By: The Salesman

The Salesman — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 06:57:01 +0000

Daniel W,
The diesel Rondo could be a while off yet (no date confirmed). Even the cruise control has not been confirmed (currently not an option on any Rondo) But to add to the rumor mill we are getting a diesel Carnival soon (March 09). The Cerato Coupe won’t make it to Australian shores :( but the new Cerato is a great drive, if it is priced right it will be very attractive.

By: Daniel W

Daniel W — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 04:46:27 +0000

the Rondo7 will be an even better combo of value for money and a sweeter drive when the diesel is introduced IMO.
(according to DRIVE the diesel IS coming)
its almost like a cut price Renault Scenic without the parts pricing that will make you take out a 2nd morgtage lol!

Kia really has uped the anti these past few years, cant wait for the new Cerato (Forte) Coupe!

By: The Salesman

The Salesman — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 03:42:12 +0000

LOL, very good Anthony. :)

By: Anthony

Anthony — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 23:21:49 +0000

Salesman, those poms do make some interesting lollies but the importers seem to be charging at the UK currency rate. Certainly nowhere near the value proposition provided by the Rondo7.

By: The Salesman

The Salesman — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 23:13:28 +0000

Thanks Anthony, i have a few customers interested in your long term review. How good are the english lollies?

By: Anthony

Anthony — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:59:45 +0000

Ha, the Rondo7 remains in showroom condition Daniel, but good point, I’ll make certain to include some front of car shots in the next update. Here’s a shot to keep you going until then.

By: Daniel

Daniel — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:56:17 +0000

You have to think, with all the tailgate and side on pictures that are shown, what damage is it that you have done to the front end that you don’t want the public (or Kia for that matter) to see?