Sweet spot: Kia Rondo
What is it?
The Rondo is a largely overlooked member of the Kia family, selling in limited numbers, but it offers up a rare choice for Australian families - a compact seven-seat people mover.
But the Rondo is more than just the Carnival’s baby brother because Kia expanded the range in late 2016, adding a five-seater option so it doubles as a spacious small car.
How many models can I choose from?
Adding the five-seater alongside the seven-seat Rondo also gave Kia a chance to simplify the range. There’s only one engine to choose from, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol that produces 122kW/213Nm, and one gearbox, a six-speed automatic that drives the front-wheels.
The five-seater is only available in S trim line and the seven-seater only in higher grade Si spec.
Aside from the obvious different number of seats there isn’t a lot to choose between the two models. The Si gets electric folding mirrors, premium steering wheel, navigation and a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen (instead of a 4.3-inch screen in the five-seat S).
What do they cost?
Rondo S (five seats) - $26,990
Rondo Si (seven seats) - $31,490
*Prices exclude on-road costs
Any options that I need to know about?
In order to keep it simple Kia doesn’t offer any options for either model - aside from letting you pick your colour.
Is it expensive to own?
Like all Kias the Rondo is covered by a seven year capped price servicing program, as well as a warranty and roadside assistance for the same period.
Over the first three years you’ll have to spend $1035 to keep it maintained to schedule.
Any issues I need to know about?
We haven’t heard of any significant ownership problems, although that may be in part because it is a low selling model. But with a seven-year warranty you should have good peace-of-mind.
Which is the most economical model?
This is any easy one. Because both cars have the same powertrain there’s no official fuel use difference between the five- and seven-seaters.
Which is the safest model?
Again, both models come with the same safety features. These include the usual airbag protection, reversing camera, rear parking sensors, anti-lock brakes and stability control. However, there is one important difference. The third row seating is not covered by the curtain airbags, which is a big deal for families that intend on having regular occupants in the back row.
The Rondo also misses out on any more recent active safety measures, including autonomous emergency braking.
Which the best model to drive?
The strength of the Rondo is its size. It’s smaller than a people mover and an SUV, and only slightly larger than a hatch, so on the road it performs more like a car than a crossover.
Once again there is little to split between the two models with both offering a nice driving manner. The engine is respectable, although lacking in low-rev urge, and the auto transmission tends to hunt for taller gears in order to aid fuel economy rather than assistance performance.
Should I buy one now?
The Rondo is one of the few models in the Kia line-up currently without an offer.
Where's the sweet spot?
The $4500 price difference makes the five-seat Rondo S the better value proposition. But for those who need a part-time seven-seater the Rondo Si is an appealing proposition and makes a nice alternative to the more popular SUVs.