2008 Kia Rondo preview
4 Feb, 2008
24 Comments 
Kia is set to turn the people-mover category on its head with the introduction of the new Rondo in May. According to Kia, the crossover Rondo is designed for “transitionals”, individuals or families who need a new type of car to match their changing needs.
The Rondo is not exactly a new concept, the Korean manufacturer had already tried this before with the Kia Carens, which lasted only from 2000-2002. Rondo is simply the new Carens, with a different name.
Kia changed names to avoid confusing the market as well as giving the car a fresh start, besides the Carens was a six-seater and now there is another seat, taking the total to seven.
If the photos aren’t giving you an idea of the size, just think along the lines of the Citroen Picasso.
Engine specifications are unconfirmed but the overseas variant uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine coupled to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.
Rondo is a new approach to the crossover segment. No other vehicle has quite the same configuration of seats, doors and body style. It combines the benefits of four conventional segments in one package - the Urban Recreation Vehicle.” said Peter Nochar, Chief Operating Officer at Kia Motors Australia.
The big question, the price? The Rondo is expected to retail from $24,990, making it the cheapest 7-seat people mover in Australia.
Essentially what you get is that feeling of being ‘above the traffic’, plus seven seats which can quickly be changed into five seats or even a two-seater van configuration to help you move - all for under $25k.
“When Rondo comes to the Australian market in May, I think you’ll find that it’s a great package at a great price. It will continue to not only redefine the Kia brand, but also set the benchmark for the new crossover segment.” said Nochar
Is Kia sitting on a winner with the Rondo? Is the Carnival-like design doing it for you? Let us know.
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February 4th, 2008 at 10:54 am
Not mad on the styling but just like the Kia Carnivale, it will probably sell well.
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February 4th, 2008 at 11:43 am
I really don’t like the current trend in headlight design from the Koreans. They really look out of proportion to the rest of the car. And the whole droop nose grille idea doesn’t help either.
Other than that, the Rondo looks to be a pretty practical car. Especially for under $25K.
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February 4th, 2008 at 11:55 am
It’s already on the market in NZ as a diesel only with high spec level. Price is NZ$41,990, so $24,990 even for a lo-spec petrol seems a tad ambitious.
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February 4th, 2008 at 11:59 am
makes sense as the school/sports kids mover as long as it gets a good crash safety rating as standard.
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February 4th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Styling is good and a vast improvement over the Karens…..
Hyundai and Kia (same owners) sold 6.95million vehicles last year and Toyota was largest seller worldwide at 9.2million. Hyundai is a major major threat as they have been extremely busy last few years changing there model lineups to newer designs and improving quality and . Look at the Genesis coupe and sedan (these 2 cars are dam hot, classy and mega stunning) and the important commercial vans released by Hyundai. This will translate to more sales and closer to Toyota and GM. This group of car companies are proving formidable!
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February 4th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
It’s the Walmart 20cent approach.
Cheap but OK vehicles the masses can afford.
Best in class? - not important to those on a tight budget for whatever reason.
I think it’s about time Kia matched Hyundai’s warranty all the time, not just on Tennis specials.
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February 4th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
I have always wondered why people mover based cars (such as the Honda Odyssey) cost around $40k. No wonder why people switch to 7-seat SUVs for a value for money factor, considering they can cost roughly the same.
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February 6th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
At last, 7 seats without 4WD and without having to buy a large gas guzzler. Doesn’t look too bad. Warranty good. Lets hope they can make the thing perform reasonably well and handle decently. Very little (if anything) around in this class.
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February 8th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Personally as a family with 2 Kids, who needs a little extra space as well as the occasional extra 2 seats, we have been waiting for this to arrive in Australia (It was delayed by about 3 months).
We looked at the Carnival but on measurement it was too tight a squeeze to fit in the garage and was just too mini bussy, for my liking. ;-(
The on our orginal research from the model in states (which it has been a bit of hit over there) in looks ample for our day to day requirements.
I for one will be test driving as soon as they are available.
Dave
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February 24th, 2008 at 10:59 am
I hope they will have the diesel as the base model, or at least as an option.
Phil
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March 19th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
No diesel it seems. For reasons no doubt connected to cost, we will get only the 2.0 litre, universally criticised around the other side of the world, where they are actually more forgiving of under-powered cars. Brits are told to ignore the 2.0 petrol model, described as \’weedy\”, and go for the diesel, which is clearly preferable. No doubt Kia Oz want it well below Carnival territory, but … 2.0 petrol in a 7-seater in Australia? Madness.
I WAS in the market, just waiting, like the writer above, but the engine decision is the absolute deal-breaker for me. Bye, bye Kia.
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April 11th, 2008 at 10:32 pm
I’m the same as Dave. However the fact that it’s only a milk carton (2L) and only a petrol option (plus the Carnival-look) puts me off. But considering it’ll seat our family and be friendly on the pocket both to buy and in petrol (diesel would be better though) - I supose I’ll just have to make do with what looks set to be disapointment power-wise (much like the Sportage).
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April 14th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
At the end of the day yes it has a small engine but with the price of fuel and its usage around town the sizing I think is pretty spot on. On the highyway it will still keep up with the traffic with a full load. If you want a bigger vehicle with a bigger engine you pay the extra price. I am looking at moving from a 10 year old corolla to one of these so I expect there to be no suprise when it comes to power buy I also expect no change at the bowser and at $1.40+ per litre the fuel econmy is looking good. As for Diesel these ar efine until you check on the servicing requirements which for a moden diesel mean a doubling on the equivilant petrol model.
I had a look at one in the flesh yesterday and it looks as good. The interior space is in line with the SUV’s it is up against.
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April 14th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
If the Rondo Basic is not under $27,000 AUD….it will be a tough Sell. On top of their previous problems with Carens. Then again what price does one pay for quality.
So many 7 seater people mover from Europe are now near the AUD$30K area……its the $3K difference that will help short term but once any misgiving is found…bye bye!!
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April 21st, 2008 at 9:25 am
Their previous issues were not witht he Crens butthe carnival and they were 10 years ago now.
They have come a long way since then and even boefore then they built the festiva for ford.
the enarest 7 seater from eaurope is 40k base model except for the VW caddy and a 1.6l petrol engine and the body of a courier van do not make a Peopel mover.
A better comparison woudl be the 7 seater 4wd but the ceapest of these is 35K plus the added costs of fueal etc a 4wd uses
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April 24th, 2008 at 1:23 am
I saw and sat in the Rondo at the Perth motor show.
I was very impressed with the interior. The model was the top of the range with all the extras (not many options as most things are standard) I don’t know what the base model would be like. The seating was high, supportive and very comfortable and the electrically adjustable drivers seat was amazing. Controls were logical and the whole interior did not have a cheap and tacky feel.
The rear set of seats were a little on the narrow side and hard for adults, but great for kids. Folded away, they still gave a good, flat and very reasonable load space.
Lots of little cubbies and useful stowage.
Safety-wise it had the lot: ABS, ESP front, knee and curtain airbags.
I could not drive it at the show so judgement must wait on performance and handling, but the engine specs are pretty good and the fuel consumption very reasonable for a vehicle of this size.
I’m not totally sold on the styling, but this is a practical rather than flashy car (my wife was rather disparaging about the looks too).
All this for under $32k - just amazing value for money!
Now if only there was a diesel version …….
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May 1st, 2008 at 9:19 pm
I can’t see why KIA didn’t bring it out with the same engine options as the Magentis. After all, it is based on the Magentis chassis. This way, they could minimise costs as its basically the same car with a different body. The electrics are already designed and that means the Rondo would also get cruise control from the start. Currently you will have to live with blank plates on the steering wheel until around December this year. That is a big mistake bringing out a car not finished.
I have the 2.4 EXL Magentis and that engine has enough power for the average person. We often pack this car heavilly with a boot full of luggage, bike trailer carrying 3 bikes, 2 kids etc and it has never dissapointed me on hills etc. Yes it drops a gear or so on steep hills, but so what. It’s a 4 cylinder, 5 speed auto that gives me under 9.0 litres / 100 week after week.
I will consider the Rondo if I change my second car as the space is good and the extra 2 seats are handy sometimes.
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May 17th, 2008 at 1:36 am
I test drove the car last week. Looks and feels of good quality. A strange odour from the interior, but I think this car had been closed up for some time, so I am prepared to cut the Rondo some slack on that score. But the real issues are as expected. While the 2.0 motor was a nice surprise, it nevertheless was not as powerful as the Zafira that I used to own [2.2 motor, more torque at lower revs], and I could feel the auto transmission trying to change up and down when I would rather it didn’t. And the lack of cruise control on its own would be a deal-breaker for us. Now that we have tasted cruise control on some our interstate and country roads, we won’t go back. Diesel and cruise remain the additions that would have me considering it again. Or as above, use the gear from the Magentis and present a car more like the North American [base] version, with a 2.4 and cruise.
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May 17th, 2008 at 3:18 am
I should say it’s like a 5+2 rather than a 7-seater. The final row sure comes in handy for a couple of extra friends who aren’t very tall. The Rondo should do well, but it needs more than a 2-litre petrol and 4-speed auto to haul well in long drives. Maybe turbocharging the engine and adding an extra gear would help, and the diesel version is pretty much welcome here as well.
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May 26th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
Hey I would say to the guys that are looking at the rondo.Have a look you will not be disapointed.In todays market(petrol)prices the 2 lt seems ok to me.I am waiting for delivery of a base model with auto.So i will look foward to letting you all know how it goes.
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May 30th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Looks like the 2 litre turbo diesel will be on the way in April 2009. I have seen the vehicle on display and the family enjoy the styling and layout. I am awaiting a manual to arrive at the showroom so I can have a test drive. The dealer said the manual is selling well.
It ticks all the boxes for us, but we have a tent trailer that we would be towing with it and the 2 litre might struggle a little with it on the back. I have searched the web and the diesel with the 6 speed manual propels this car along brilliantly and the extra torque would be great for towing. I’ll wait for the diesel I reckon.
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September 3rd, 2008 at 6:22 pm
i just recently bought a kia rondo for myself and my 4 children, the only complaint i can find about this vechile is the audible warning when the keys are left in the ignition and the drivers door is left ajar it is quite annoying not being able to have the door open and listen to the radio, while say having a cigi.
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September 3rd, 2008 at 7:11 pm
YEAH and the seat belt warning chime as u drive into the garage.LOL.Grand Carnival.
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September 3rd, 2008 at 7:12 pm
Chime for handbrake on is useful though.LOL
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