What the hell is a Kia Rondo?

[93JC]

Kia has quietly started selling a rebadged Carens in North America, as the "Rondo".


No media introduction. No advertising. 

[mazda6er]

Apparently it's this: http://www.automobilemag.com/future_cars/2008/0609_2008_kia_rondo/. I'm liking Kia/Hyundai more and more every day.

[cawimmer430]

When it comes to naming their cars, Kia picks some pretty boring and uncreative names. Heck, even Toyota has names that sound more exciting.

[MX793]

Kia has quietly started selling a rebadged Carens in North America, as the "Rondo".


No media introduction. No advertising. 

Not on their website and not listed on Edmunds either (though Edmunds only lists '06 models for Kia at the moment).

[sandertheshark]

When it comes to naming their cars, Kia picks some pretty boring and uncreative names. Heck, even Toyota has names that sound more exciting.

Apparently Kia/Hyundai decided a while ago that every car they sell in NA should be named in Spanish.  Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.  Rondo doesn't.  Sounds too much like a product sold on infomercials at 1AM.

[Galaxy]

The worst one is the Kia Magentis. Is it contagious? What are the symptoms?

[ifcar]

Our version is called the Optima.

[Raza]

What the hell is a Kia Caren?

[ifcar]

Compact crossover.

[AKL]

I think it's competing with the Mazda5.

[The Pirate]

Apparently Kia/Hyundai decided a while ago that every car they sell in NA should be named in Spanish.? Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.? Rondo doesn't.? Sounds too much like a product sold on infomercials at 1AM.

[giant_mtb]

The name "Rondo" makes some sense. 

"A work or movement, often the last movement of a sonata, having one principal subject that is stated at least three times in the same key and to which return is made after the introduction of each subordinate theme."

[SVT_Power]

Wow that's ugly. TV channels probably rejected putting those on TV

[AutobahnSHO]

I THINK I saw a Mazda that looked like a station wagon with sliding doors.  True??

I kinda like the idea- the kids can't bash neighboring parked cars' doors in.... 

[TheIntrepid]

I THINK I saw a Mazda that looked like a station wagon with sliding doors. True??

I kinda like the idea- the kids can't bash neighboring parked cars' doors in....

Yup. Mazda5. It's a 3-row (2 in each row) 6-passenger 'mini' van. It's the only 'van' offered with a manual, and has the same 2.3 in the Mazda3. It's based on the platform of the 3. Cool thing.

[93JC]

Yup. Mazda5. It's a 3-row (2 in each row) 6-passenger minivan. It's the only 'minivan' offered, with a manual, and has the same 2.3 in the Mazda3 since every other so-called 'minivan' has become gigantic over the course of the last couple decades.. It's based on the platform of the 3. Cool thing.

[crv16]

Specs are up on http://www.kiausa.com/rondo/index.php

Looks pretty good.  Seems to have good packaging and a little more room than the Mazda5.  I think those extra few inches the Kia has will make all the difference in the world when it comes to middle seat comfort.

Cheap too - 4 cyl starts at 17k, decently equipped with v6 for 21k.

I'm waiting for the Honda version of this    (stream or hr-v)

[ifcar]

With the Mazda5, you can adjust the middle seat for plenty of space when there are no third-row passengers. But I'm glad to see it get a competitor, the idea is even better than the 5's already impressive execution.

[crv16]

Kia Rondo:

Headroom - front, mid, rr:? 41.6/40.2/35.1 = 116.9 total
Legroom - front, mid, rr:? 41.3/38.2/31.2 = 110.7 total
Hiproom - front, mid, rr:? 54.6/53.9/40.3
Cargo - 3rd seat down, up:? 31.7/6.5

Mazda 5

Headroom - front, mid, rr:? 40.7/39.4/37.1 = 117.2 total
Legroom - front, mid, rr:? 40.7/35.2/30.7 = 106.6 total
Hiproom - front, mid, rr:? 52.9/58.3/40.9
Cargo - 44 cu.ft. (not specified how this is measured, but prob with 3rd seat down)

Chrysler Pacifica

Headroom - front, mid, rr:? 39.2/40.0/35.4 = 114.6 total
Legroom - front, mid, rr:? 40.9/39.9/29.9 = 110.7 total
Hiproom - front, mid, rr:? 55.1/56.3/41.9
Cargo - 3rd seat down, up:? 43.6/13.0


Ford Freestyle

Headroom - front, mid, rr:? 39.4/39.8/38.6 = 117.8 total
Legroom - front, mid, rr:? 41.1/40.4/33.3 = 114.8 total
Hiproom - front, mid, rr:? 55.5/56/45.9
Cargo - 3rd seat down, up:? 47.8/15.8


It appears the Rondo has about the same interior size as a Pacifica, just a couple inches narrower and a little less cargo capacity.

[omicron]

Yes, it;s the same, except for the differences.

[USA_Idol]

I was turned off by this car at first.? But the more I look at it, the more I like it.? However,  I don't particularly care for minivans/wagons/liftbacks/crossovers/people movers/buses...or whatever we're calling them now, so I probably won't run out and put money down on one.

[TheIntrepid]

My neighbour just traded his Cutlass Supreme for one.

[Raghavan]

IMHO it's really nice.

[TheIntrepid]

It's one of the better-looking Korean cars for sure.

[Raghavan]

It's one of the better-looking Korean cars minivans/crossovers for sure.

Besides the Mazda5, this is the best looking family hauler imo.

[TBR]

The commercials are bloody annoying. But, it is a nice looking ride.

[TheIntrepid]

Besides the Mazda5, this is the best looking family hauler imo.

I like the Nissan Quest. The Sienna and Odyssey are also unoffensive looking.

[Raghavan]

They aren't offensive but are too big.

[mazda6er]

The commercials are bloody annoying. But, it is a nice looking ride.

hahaha I love those commercials! "Precision steerology"...gets me every time. 

[sandertheshark]

hahaha I love those commercials! "Precision steerology"...gets me every time. 

You disgust me.