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Christopher Jackson | 9/7/2007 | Kia
During the press conference for the 2007 Kia Rondo, someone asked the question: 'So what, exactly, is a crossover vehicle?' And just like that, it was on. Heated discussion and argument ensued, between Kia's PR people and the media, and among the media themselves.
The assembled group of automotive experts broke into four or five factions, and no group was willing to concede anything to the others. The Rondo was compared to everything from the $14,000 Scion xB and Honda Fit to the $38,000 Chrysler Pacifica, and all of the comparisons had legitimate bases. All the shouting brought us to one conclusion: no one knows exactly what a "crossover" is.
That's why we don't use the term. We use the term "do-all" for any vehicle that's too tall to be a traditional station wagon, but lacks the raised floor and ground clearance of an off-roading SUV. Are we right or wrong? It doesn't matter; folks are going to cross-shop regardless of arbitrary "class" comparisons anyway. Kia says that the Pontiac Vibe, Toyota Matrix and Chevrolet HHR are the Rondo's competition, but the Mazda5 is its closest competitor in ability and configuration. Whatever you call it, it's aimed at buyers who are looking for a fuel-efficient vehicle with SUV-like driving height without the off-road ability or trailer-towing ability.
So what is this thing that's causing so much trouble? Well, for starters, the Kia Rondo is just about the smallest vehicle with three rows of seats that we've ever seen. The Rondo is sold in Europe as the Carens, where small seven-passenger vehicles like this are more common than minivans. The six-sided Kia family grille is quickly recognizable. A low beltline and long wheelbase reduce the Rondo's visual bulk, so it's deceptively spacious. What looks in photos like it's Chevrolet Aveo-sized is actually larger than a Pontiac Vibe. The Rondo is cute; unique D-pillar details add a slightly racy look. The large rear hatch is ready to swallow groceries, and the tailgate has a concave crease that gives the Rondo a distinctive rear end as well. It's handsome without being gimmicky, though one Arizona sheriff was reported to have called them "funny-lookin'."
The Rondo's compact dimensions hide excellent cargo capacity. The interior is dominated by a handsome center stack with better-than-average fit and finish. Low-gloss plastics on the dash keep the Rondo from looking cheap. The rear doors open wide for easy boarding. The tall seating position is nice, as is the high console that provides a handy armrest. The shifter is mounted on the dash, and there's a cool shelf over the glovebox. In fact, convenient ergonomic touches abound; there's a bag/purse holder on the dash, several storage bins at the rear, cupholders for days and a body that's engineered for a spacemaking flat floor. Kia claims the Rondo has more seating room than the Mazda5 when equipped with the optional third-row seat. Of course, they may be just about the most uncomfortable rear seats this side of a Porsche 911. When the adjustable second row is pushed back far enough to give six-footers adequate legroom, the third row is best used for packages. The third row is usable enough that you won't have to take two cars to dinner, but it won't do for longer trips. The options list includes an Infinity sound system, heated seats and a sunroof.
Where the Rondo excels, however, is in being flexible. For one-car families, this is a single economical car that can carry six kids to the theater as well as swallowing a mountain bike or a new loveseat when circumstances require, and that's just about perfect. It's also a more economical alternative to a minivan, for the minivan-phobic.
The Rondo's standard engine is a 2.4 liter four-cylinder making 162 horsepower. It's hooked up to a four-speed automatic transmission. Believe it or not, a V6 is also offered in this petite do-all. The 2.7 liter V6 gets a five-speed automatic and puts out 182 horses and still offers 27-mpg freeway fuel economy. Continuously variable valve timing is used on both engines. We found the four-cylinder to be adequate in all situations except freeway on-ramp merging. Once up to speed, the four-banger Rondo accelerates just fine. The extra 20 horses provided by the V6 boost the power enough to make it respectable, as well as smoothing out throttle response.
On the road, tire noise is muted, even on coarse pavement. The platform has been engineered to reduce road noise and noise-vibration-harshness) NVH for improved refinement. It works; this relatively small vehicle is poised and quiet on the freeway. There's a wide track for stable handling, and the fully independent suspension provides a compliant ride that's the equal of most family sedans without the wallow common to minivans. MacPherson struts are used up front, and a multi-link independent rear. The suspension is taut enough for confident cornering, with the tradeoff being a hint of head-toss over sharp bumps. The Rondo is well-equipped, too. Electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes and front, side and side-curtain airbags are standard equipment.
So what should we call it? We have no idea, and we don't care. What matters is what the Rondo has going for it: flexible seating, cargo space, carlike handling and fuel economy, for starters. Not to mention a stunningly low price, of course. Affordable pricing is Kia's stock in trade, and the Rondo comes in several thousand dollars cheaper than many of its perceived competitors. The Rondo starts at $16,995, with the uplevel EX model clocking inat $19,195. V6 power can be had for under $20,000. Kia buyers have "more brains than money," according to Ian Beavis, VP of Marketing, so the balance struck by the Rondo looks to be just about perfect.
Specifications:
All specs are for the 2007 Kia Rondo.
Length: 106.3 in.
Width: 71.7 in.
Height: 65.0 in.
Wheelbase: 106.3 in.
Curb weight: 3333-3511 lb.
Cargo space: 31.7 cu.ft. (behind second row seat)
Base price: $16,995
Price as tested: $18,880
Engine: 2.4 liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine
Drivetrain: four-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel drive
Horsepower: 162 @ 5800
Torque: 164 @ 4250
Fuel capacity: 15.8 gal.
Est. mileage: 21/29
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