Yes, it is an automatic. Transmission, that is, that offers up 5 gears with the V6 and 4 with the 2.4L. Does it really matter? No. In normal day-to-day driving, you'll probably never notice that the box is shifting, 4 or 5 gears. Both are fairly smooth operators, unless you're always in a rush to get where you need to be...
So, what about quality and reliability? Will it break down and cost gazillions to keep on the road? Thankfully and once again, the Koreans have improved by leaps and bounds over the last decade. Actually, their 5-5-5 Total Care Coverage warranty is one of the best in Canada. You get 5 years or 100,000 km coverage for bumper to bumper, powertrain and roadside assistance.
You'll most likely not need the warranty, as the Rondo has proven to be a dependable product since its introduction as a 2007 model-year people mover.
As far as quality is concerned, once more, the Koreans have got it. Truthfully, they've gone from rock-bottom to nearly leading the pack when it comes to how plastic pieces come together and how not cheap materials can look. They've done well here.
And no, you will not fall asleep at the wheel of the Rondo. Kia dialed in a sufficient amount of “required involvement” from the driver to keep you wanting to drive it. If your other car is a MINI, you may find the Rondo soft and unresponsive. If it's a 1977 Fleetwood DeVille, it'll feel like a race car.
Is it safe? You betcha. Six airbags, active headrests, ABS brakes with brake force distribution, traction and stability control are all standard. It has also received high ratings and good crash test results from many organizations that perform these types of tests.
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| Yes, it is an automatic. Transmission, that is, that offers up 5 gears with the V6 and 4 with the 2.4L. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
So, what about quality and reliability? Will it break down and cost gazillions to keep on the road? Thankfully and once again, the Koreans have improved by leaps and bounds over the last decade. Actually, their 5-5-5 Total Care Coverage warranty is one of the best in Canada. You get 5 years or 100,000 km coverage for bumper to bumper, powertrain and roadside assistance.
You'll most likely not need the warranty, as the Rondo has proven to be a dependable product since its introduction as a 2007 model-year people mover.
As far as quality is concerned, once more, the Koreans have got it. Truthfully, they've gone from rock-bottom to nearly leading the pack when it comes to how plastic pieces come together and how not cheap materials can look. They've done well here.
And no, you will not fall asleep at the wheel of the Rondo. Kia dialed in a sufficient amount of “required involvement” from the driver to keep you wanting to drive it. If your other car is a MINI, you may find the Rondo soft and unresponsive. If it's a 1977 Fleetwood DeVille, it'll feel like a race car.
Is it safe? You betcha. Six airbags, active headrests, ABS brakes with brake force distribution, traction and stability control are all standard. It has also received high ratings and good crash test results from many organizations that perform these types of tests.
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| Is it safe? You betcha. Six airbags, active headrests, ABS brakes with brake force distribution, traction and stability control are all standard. (Photo: Kia) |