For Kia, the launch of the all-new Rondo comes fresh on the heels of the brand’s thirteenth consecutive year of record sales. With more consumers realizing the value the Kia brand offers than ever before, the all-new Rondo arrives as Kia continues to create an even broader range of products that offer high levels of quality, value and safety for the North American market. Rondo debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show and is designed to completely change the way consumers think about the crossover segment.
“The all-new Rondo represents our continuing commitment to broaden our vehicle line-up and attract new consumers,” said Len Hunt, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Kia Motors America. “And in light of current trends, fuel prices and customer needs, Rondo further demonstrates that we have our finger on the pulse of the market.”
The 2007 Kia Rondo is the most recent example of what today’s CUV has to offer, poised to contend in the increasingly competitive crossover utility vehicle segment that includes Mazda5, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Toyota Matrix and Chevrolet HHR. Based on the same platform as Kia’s new-generation Optima, Rondo comes equipped with either a 2.4-liter in-line four-cylinder engine or a 2.7-liter sixty-degree V6. For consumers looking for the functionality of a minivan, but not the size and heft, the Rondo provides a comfortable ride with “huge cabinocity,” offering 41.6 inches of headroom and 41.3 inches of legroom in the front row. Second-row space offers 40.2 inches of headroom and 38.2 inches of legroom, regardless of a five- or seven-passenger seating layout. When optioned with the third row, however, Rondo’s second row adjusts with a forward/backward sliding range of nearly one foot in travel, ample space for additional passengers or luggage. This optional third-row seating offers 35.1 inches of headroom and 31.3 inches of legroom, more than enough room to accommodate the average-sized adult.
“Rondo is perfect for the young professional and young families with places to go as well as cargo to haul because of its attractive looks, practical dimensions and multiple seating configuration options,” said Ian Beavis, vice president, marketing, Kia Motors America. “Combine that with the quality and safety all Kia vehicles offer and Rondo is sure to be extremely competitive in its segment.”
Like all Kia models, the Rondo is covered by a comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty; a five-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty; and a five-year or 100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.
AutoSpies.com report card:
The Good: Great value for the money, fantastic utility, least expensive 3 row 7 seater vehicle you can buy, awesome safety, ten year warranty and reliability, surprisingly good power and drive.
The Bad: No iPod plug in, not available with a manual transmission
The Ugly: How can you not have an outside temperature gauge in this day and age?
Conclusion: If you're on a budget and in the market for a low priced, do it all vehicle with three rows of seats, this is your front runner