Comments on: 2008 Kia Rondo preview

By: c lacoste

c lacoste — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:20:47 +0000

Have been leasing a Rondo LX automatic for nearly a year. Must say am extremely pleased with it. The versatility and economical running costs are fantastic. Very comfortable and spacious, except for the third row – which we almost never use. So many great cubby-holes to keep things, tons of luggage space….and it’s still got those compact external dimensions. No faults yet and it has been perfect. Has really lifted my opinion of Korean cars – having had a very early Hyundai that I don’t have fond memories of. Anyway, I’m getting 8.5 -9.5 litres per 100km and happy with that considering mostly city driving. Only grumble is the stereo sounds a bit low-rent compared to previous cars I’ve been driving…but it does have the USB input (which they didn’t) so I forgive it. Ideally the diesel would really make this an unbeatable car for the average family, or retirees for that matter….anyone wanting an incredibly versatile and spacious car in an easy to handle package. Oh, and a fifth gear for the auto would help too. Currently sounds a little bit strained at 110 kph – but otherwise goes well enough for me. I like this car so much I intend to stick with it when the lease expires….or lease another one if they do fit the diesel….

By: j mabley

j mabley — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 02:05:58 +0000

I bought my Rondo late in 2008. It has been great so far, 64,000 kms and not 1 problem. My co-worker bought a Mazda 5 at the same time, it has been in the shop twice so far. I did upgrade to the V-6, it has all the options except leather seats ( I have 2 big dogs). I have noticed 3 other Rondos in the lot where I work and I have talked to two of the owners and they are happy with thier purchase also. 4 out of 5.

By: Darcy Dunbar

Darcy Dunbar — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 22:19:06 +0000

What was Kia Australia thinking when they released this brilliant little people mover with only a 2-litre engine? I have a 2.7-litre V6 Kia Magentis, which is a great car. I think the 2.7 may have been a great option on the Rondo for those that needed to tow or have a full vehicle most of the time, but the standard engine should have been the 2.4-litre from the Magentis. The diesel should also have been an option, of course.
Now we have the situation, nearly 2 years down the track, where the Rondo is a rarely-seen orphan in Australia, instead of being one of the most popular family vehicles.

Shame Kia Australia, shame!

By: Terry

Terry — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 05:23:18 +0000

Guys to de-activate that chime just put the drivers seatbelt in and out twice within 9 seconds and it goes off(in the owners manual) I am a warrnty administrator at a kia,Holden & Nissan dealership and my wife & I bought a Rondo in July last year ( mainly for her) she loves it. Only complaint is no cruise control. I recommend buying the cargo net for the rear to store any shopping bags etc other than that all has gone well with them and no warranty claims yet.

By: Realcars

Realcars — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:12:35 +0000

Chime for handbrake on is useful though.LOL

By: Realcars

Realcars — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:11:02 +0000

YEAH and the seat belt warning chime as u drive into the garage.LOL.Grand Carnival.

By: Zac

Zac — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 08:22:24 +0000

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.

By: John Collins

John Collins — Fri, 30 May 2008 02:55:57 +0000

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.

By: Matt

Matt — Mon, 26 May 2008 02:41:04 +0000

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.

By: Al Juraj

Al Juraj — Fri, 16 May 2008 17:18:14 +0000

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.