On Saturday, August 2nd, I made a trip to our nation's capital. Soon after leaving our offices in Laval, I drove into a severe thunderstorm on Highway 417. The Kia Rondo EX-V6 never flinched and proved quite competent despite the elements. The wipers and ventilating system were both up to the task, keeping the windshield clear and the passengers comfortable.
Plain looks
No one should expect a seven-seat people hauler to be futuristically styled. The Rondo easily blends in with the sea of compact/midsize vehicles on the road. Granted, the Fine Silver bodywork of my tester did little to help it stand out from the crowd.
Comprehensive equipment
At $26,095, the EX-V6 Luxury model includes all the power amenities one could wish for. Having said that, most buyers would probably be just as satisfied with the EX model, which is $2,000 cheaper. The controls are all very accessible and the instruments are easy to read.
The Luxury model also offers steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise control buttons. However, the "Set" button is awkwardly positioned and, as a result, I accidentally hit it a couple of times, which altered my cruising speed. Other than that, ergonomics are commendable.
Great visibility
Given its size, the Rondo offers surprising all-around visibility. Blind spots are limited thanks to the tall greenhouse and handy mirrors. And as I mentioned earlier, the wipers do a nice job of cleaning the windshield (and rear window). The range of the headlights is substantial, while the fog lights effectively clear the lower sides of the road at night.
Spacious interior
Kia launched the Rondo as a direct rival to the Mazda5 and I have to say the result is quite a success. There's plenty of room in the first two rows of seats. I'd like to point out that the middle-row seatbacks recline and that the whole seat slides fore and aft, allowing excellent comfort and legroom for passengers. The sliding mechanism also makes for easier access to the third row, which is essentially designed for young children.
The Kia Rondo incorporates numerous storage compartments throughout the cabin. Total cargo capacity jumps from 185 to a whopping 2,083 liters once you fold all the seats down. Such versatility is the reason why most people call the Rondo a compact minivan.
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| Aimed at today's young families, the 2008 Kia Rondo proudly delivers. |
Plain looks
No one should expect a seven-seat people hauler to be futuristically styled. The Rondo easily blends in with the sea of compact/midsize vehicles on the road. Granted, the Fine Silver bodywork of my tester did little to help it stand out from the crowd.
Comprehensive equipment
At $26,095, the EX-V6 Luxury model includes all the power amenities one could wish for. Having said that, most buyers would probably be just as satisfied with the EX model, which is $2,000 cheaper. The controls are all very accessible and the instruments are easy to read.
The Luxury model also offers steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise control buttons. However, the "Set" button is awkwardly positioned and, as a result, I accidentally hit it a couple of times, which altered my cruising speed. Other than that, ergonomics are commendable.
Great visibility
Given its size, the Rondo offers surprising all-around visibility. Blind spots are limited thanks to the tall greenhouse and handy mirrors. And as I mentioned earlier, the wipers do a nice job of cleaning the windshield (and rear window). The range of the headlights is substantial, while the fog lights effectively clear the lower sides of the road at night.
Spacious interior
Kia launched the Rondo as a direct rival to the Mazda5 and I have to say the result is quite a success. There's plenty of room in the first two rows of seats. I'd like to point out that the middle-row seatbacks recline and that the whole seat slides fore and aft, allowing excellent comfort and legroom for passengers. The sliding mechanism also makes for easier access to the third row, which is essentially designed for young children.
 |
| The Luxury model also offers steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise control buttons. |
The Kia Rondo incorporates numerous storage compartments throughout the cabin. Total cargo capacity jumps from 185 to a whopping 2,083 liters once you fold all the seats down. Such versatility is the reason why most people call the Rondo a compact minivan.