The Kia Rondo is an all-new model to the North American market; elsewhere, it’s known as the Carens, and this is a redesign of the existing model, first launched in 1999.
 
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Based on the Magentis platform, the Rondo is a “tall wagon”, available in five- or seven-passenger seating. Engine choices are a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, mated to a four-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, or a 2.7-litre V6, with five-speed automatic and manual shift mode. The LX, EX and EX Premium use the four-cylinder, while the EX-V6 and EX-V6 Luxury use the V6 engine.
Features on the LX include five-passenger seating, 16-inch alloy wheels, power mirrors, variable intermittent wipers, rear washer/wiper, power windows, power locks, CD stereo with four speakers, tilt wheel, floor mats, under-floor cargo storage compartment, six-way manual driver’s seat, 60/40 split folding rear seat, and side and curtain airbags.
The EX is a five-passenger and adds air conditioning, fog lights, chrome door handles, heated mirrors, roof rack, six speakers and wheel-mounted audio controls, cruise control, keyless entry, leather-wrapped wheel, and heated seats with deluxe cloth.
The EX Premium is a seven-seat model and adds 17-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, power sunroof, third-row storage box, and 50/50 fold-flat third-row seats.
The EX-V6 is a five-seat model and includes features found on the four-cylinder EX; while the EX-V6 Luxury is a seven-seat model and includes features found on the EX Premium, plus automatic climate control, trip computer, and eight-way power driver’s seat.
Having already proved its popularity overseas, the Rondo is set to take on Canadian buyers, offering appealing styling, considerable safety features, easily-folded seats, good visibility, good steering feel and a smooth ride.
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