Many of you reading this review are no more interested in cars or buying one than you are looking forward to your next papercut. But if you're here, you probably need one and are wisely searching for pertinent info. We auto peeps sometimes forget to keep things basic as we eat, sleep and breathe cars. In fact, a world without them would have many of us sharing a box in Vancouver's downtown east side.
I will dispense with driving dynamics, acceleration and horsepower numbers and steering input and feedback and stick to what's really important for this vehicle.
For those looking for a good, safe and basic form of family transportation, you've come to the right place. The Kia Rondo may have all the answers to your requirements. In fact, the Rondo is one of the best rounded vehicles on the road today.
Let's begin with: Can it hold all your stuff and your clan? In short, the answer is yes unless you're Octomom. The Rondo's boot is capacious, offering up a volume of 898 litres behind the second row. When lowered, that number increases to 2,083 litres. That's big.
As tested, my EX was a 5-seater. A 7-seater version is available, however when in place, the 3rd row leaves only 185 litres of cargo space. This and a fairly tight bench for most human beings make the optional rearmost bench a questionable choice. If you need more room, consider a Sorento or a Sedona.
Will you and your crew be comfortable in the Rondo? Yes. Over the years, the Koreans have bettered their seats as well as the driving position. Although the steering column will not telescope, the final setup is better than decent. The second-row 60/40-split folding bench will please with generous leg and shoulder room. Three kids under 10 should sit quietly enough for at least 8 or 9 minutes...
Next, how bad is it on gas? Not that bad. My V6-equipped Rondo has some pickup and go, but unless you need to tow something over 1,500 lbs (681 kg), stick with the base 2.4L 4-cylinder engine. I averaged nearly 11 L/100 km on my week-long test. If you're not always in a rush to get where you need to be, the 4-pot should trim about 1 L/100 km off your average.
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| The Rondo is one of the best rounded vehicles on the road today. (Photo: Kia) |
I will dispense with driving dynamics, acceleration and horsepower numbers and steering input and feedback and stick to what's really important for this vehicle.
For those looking for a good, safe and basic form of family transportation, you've come to the right place. The Kia Rondo may have all the answers to your requirements. In fact, the Rondo is one of the best rounded vehicles on the road today.
Let's begin with: Can it hold all your stuff and your clan? In short, the answer is yes unless you're Octomom. The Rondo's boot is capacious, offering up a volume of 898 litres behind the second row. When lowered, that number increases to 2,083 litres. That's big.
As tested, my EX was a 5-seater. A 7-seater version is available, however when in place, the 3rd row leaves only 185 litres of cargo space. This and a fairly tight bench for most human beings make the optional rearmost bench a questionable choice. If you need more room, consider a Sorento or a Sedona.
Will you and your crew be comfortable in the Rondo? Yes. Over the years, the Koreans have bettered their seats as well as the driving position. Although the steering column will not telescope, the final setup is better than decent. The second-row 60/40-split folding bench will please with generous leg and shoulder room. Three kids under 10 should sit quietly enough for at least 8 or 9 minutes...
Next, how bad is it on gas? Not that bad. My V6-equipped Rondo has some pickup and go, but unless you need to tow something over 1,500 lbs (681 kg), stick with the base 2.4L 4-cylinder engine. I averaged nearly 11 L/100 km on my week-long test. If you're not always in a rush to get where you need to be, the 4-pot should trim about 1 L/100 km off your average.
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| Although the steering column will not telescope, the final setup is better than decent. (Photo: Kia) |