CD Article: 2007 Kia Rondo EX V6 Luxury

[CD_Editor]

Test Drive:

Based on the same platform that underpins the Kia Magentis (and the Hyundai Sonata), the Rondo drives pretty much like a mid-size sedan with a higher seating position, reports Laurance Yap. "There's little to dislike about this car," he says. "It's roomy, practical, easy to drive and a great value."
 
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[sirAQUAMAN64]

Already is a good seller.

Good on Kia for importing them.

[random006]

I sat in one a few times.  Amazed at the room.

Saw one on the street with a bicycle in the back.  No problems holding it.  I've heard mixed reviews on the fuel economy but if real world use is at all close to the posted numbers, then I don't think anyone should worry much.

FYI, the Rondo is one of the few - possibly the only - KIA models to have separate daytime running lights in Canada.  I checked them out at the dealer the last time I was there.  The other cars either had "blanks" where the DRL would have been or nothing at all.

[initial_D]

Seem to get a lot of 'car' for the money, very good value in this package.

[98Sienna]

In the test report, it have ben written: "...a refined engine and impressive fuel economy for something with seven seats and so much hauling capacity..."

However, the MPG rating for a Rondo V6 is 11.8/7.9 L/100km (4 cyl is 11.0/7.5). In my daily driving, I get ~12.2 L/100km with my 1998 Toyota Sienna. I am thinking of replacing it for a more efficient vehicle and I'm interested in a Rondo 7 passenger or maybe a Mazda5. However, I'm afraid the Rondo V6's real consumption will be more that the rated 11.8 which means it will use about the same amount of fuel than my aging Sienna. I think even a 4 cyl Rondo consumption could be quite close to my actual Sienna...

My question is: compared to what does the Rondo V6 gets an "impressive fuel economy"? If the difference with a minivan is within 0.5 L/100 km, I would be tempted to buy another large minivan instead. I know its more expensive but for now, I'm thinking at fuel consumption only. Thanks!

[Snowman]

I would hate to haul 7 people in a 4-banger people mover.

[airbalancer]

I would hate to haul 7 people in a 4-banger people mover.

I dont see how you can fit 7 people in there or even in a Mazda 5. unless everyone is under 5 feet
I could not see you going for a 18 hour drive in one of those with 7 people

[random006]

My question is: compared to what does the Rondo V6 gets an "impressive fuel economy"? If the difference with a minivan is within 0.5 L/100 km, I would be tempted to buy another large minivan instead. I know its more expensive but for now, I'm thinking at fuel consumption only. Thanks!

I think that is somewhat shortsighted in the long run.  Presumably you bought your Sienna to haul more than just people.  Are you planning to have 6 or 7 people for trips?  If so, what about luggage space?  Whatever you might think of its fuel consumption, your Sienna has room for both people and luggage.

One of the only truly amazing things about my old Windstar was how much stuff it could hold.  I have taken 5 and 6 people with luggage for trips, some of them extended trips to the Maritimes!  I never had to use the roof rack.

I think that cars like the Mazda 5 and the Kia Rondo represent the future for many families.  However, some will still need more space or AWD for the country or some other specialized need which negates the smaller vehicles.  Make sure yours isn't one of them before pulling the trigger on the switch.

[98Sienna]

We are never more than 5, sometimes 6 people in the vehicle. I have three kids and carrying three teens side by side on the same bench is kind of "nightmarish"; because of that, I have to exclude 5 seaters. I know I can carry my wife, my three kids and our usual volume of luggage in a Rondo or 5 so it's not the issue I'm wondering about. I would appreciate if the discussion was focused on my previous questions which are about MPG. Thanks!

[random006]

We are never more than 5, sometimes 6 people in the vehicle. I have three kids and carrying three teens side by side on the same bench is kind of "nightmarish"; because of that, I have to exclude 5 seaters. I know I can carry my wife, my three kids and our usual volume of luggage in a Rondo or 5 so it's not the issue I'm wondering about. I would appreciate if the discussion was focused on my previous questions which are about MPG. Thanks!

You have to expect a few questions regarding the background, especially when someone is going from a vehicle the size of the Sienna (1998 Sienna overall length (mm): 4,915) to one the size of a Rondo (overall length (mm):  4545).  I am impressed that you can carry 3 rows of people AND your luggage.  Do you need the roof rack for this?

Regardless, the 6 cylinder is probably the way to go with all that weight to move.  As far as mileage, again there is not much data but our very own "gottarondo" was saying that she has been getting so-so mileage IIRC.  You should ask her.

Other people seem to like it.  Check out the Edmunds "town-hall" Rondo board.  Remember, all figures on their board will be in miles per US gallon:

http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/ed_displayMakeModelRelatedDiscussions!make=Kia&model=Rondo

[jww]

These would be much better equipped to haul people around with a higher-torque diesel engine. People-movers are such a big deal in Europe and the UK - they are everywhere. My brother-in-law and sister-in-law just bought a Toyota Verso 7 passenger. Nice vehicle.

[Thinking Out Loud]

I drove both the 4 and 6 cyls in comparison to the Mazda 5 in January 07. 

Huge perk in having the 7th (albeit squishy) seat and the V6 power.  I prefer the sliding back doors on the 5, tho.

Wound up with a brand new 2006 MPV GT - they had some insane rebates on at the time.  Although $5,000 more than the loaded Rondo and 5, at least I have storage space in the back if I actually carry 7 people anywhere.

[gottarondo]

Sorry to check in late; I missed this thread and the new review till now.  But yep, that's my car.  I still feel like almost the only person in the world driving one; have seen all of three others on the road in nearly five months. 

I do drive the V6 and have been working out my mileage by the tank.  It varies considerably depending on what kind of driving I do, from 9.8 L/100k when I drove nearly all highway to about 15 for lots of short-haul stop 'n' go.  I'm not usually carrying a lot of extra weight either (at least, not in the car  ). 

Besides the Edmunds forum there is another Rondo forum at where you can touch base with other Rondo owners:
http://www.kia-forums.com/kia-carens-rondo-forum/