Kia Rondo 7 EX-L

FamilyCar Rating: Model Reviewed: Kia Rondo 7 EX-L 4 speed auto $31,990* Other models priced from: LX Manual $24,990* LX Auto $26,990* 3 Word Summary: Very Versatile Vehicle

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Review

The Rondo 7 is the latest offering from Kia and is a new model to their range. It’s the cheapest 7 seater in Australia with prices starting from $24,990 for the manual LX. Other models include the EX (from $28,990) and luxury EX-L (from $31,990). The Rondo 7 offers the versatility of an SUV, as it sits up high, the convenience of a hatchback and the space for 7 people. The good thing about it is that it feels like a car drive. Only a petrol engine is available at this stage, but given a diesel variant is available overseas, it’s probably only a matter of time before it’s sold in Australia.

Driver Comfort & Visibility

The Rondo 7 has good all round visibility for all passengers thanks to the high up seating position and large windows. The driver’s seat is comfortable with all controls in easy reach including the brake and accelerator. Accessibility in and out of the car is great as the car sits up higher than a sedan or hatch back but not as high up as some SUV’s where you have to climb into them. All Rondo 7 models have power windows in the front and middle, power steering and power door mirrors. The EX and EX-L have the added convenience of audio controls mounted on the steering wheel. Cruise control won’t be available until later this year, and when it does, the controls will also be mounted on the steering wheel.

Safety

The Rondo 7 has some good safety features. All models have ABS, Traction Control and Electronic Stability Program. The LX and EX have a front passenger and driver front airbag, while the EX-L also has front side airbags and curtain airbags. These additional airbags will be available as an option for the LX and EX model for $990 later this year.

Seating

The Rondo 7 can seat 7 people quite comfortably and has incredible seating flexibility. In fact, it boasts 32 different seating configurations. There are 2 front seats, a middle row 60/40 split bench seat and a 3rd row that folds in and out of the floor. With 7 people aboard, there’s very little boot space, so this is not the car to take the clan on a road trip. However, when you fold down the 3rd row and seat 5 people, there is a completely flat space that will swallow up groceries, sporting equipment and luggage.

Comfort

All models have air conditioning as standard with air vents and ducts throughout the car. The EX-L offers climate control air conditioning, where the car keeps the temperature at the desired degrees. There’s also remote keyless entry with an alarm standard on all models.

Storage

There’s plenty of great storage including a glove box, centre console box, centre console tray, sunglasses holder, door pockets in the front and rear doors, storage bins in the 3rd row and pockets on the back of the front seats. It’s also got 10 drink holders. Not only is there enough for all passengers, they are really functional. The front ones hold a coffee and Mount Franklin water bottle firmly into place while the bottle holders in the doors will also hold a 600ml Mount Franklin bottle with ease.

Kids’ Comfort and Safety

Your passengers have a choice of places to sit, which is generally a hit with the kids. All passengers have 3 point seat belts for optimum safety. The rear doors have child safety locks to stop the kids from accidently opening them. There are 3 child restraint anchorage poi located on the back of the middle row seats and the middle row is wide enough to get 3 child seats/booster seats across it. The middle row passengers have door pockets and pockets behind the front seats to store their goodies, while the 3rd row passengers have side storage bins and drink holders.

Green Factor

The Rondo 7 is the most fuel efficient 7 seater petrol car in Australia with the manual consuming 8.4 litres/100km and the automatic surviving on 8.6 litres/100km. Both manual and automatic models have a Greenhouse Rating of 6/10 and a Green Vehicle Guide rating of 3 stars out of 5.

Overall View

The Kia Rondo offers great functionality and value for money. A great amount of thought has been put into the features that make life easier on the road including its seating capacity and versatility, storage options and safety features. The only downside is that is that the 2 litre engine is a little underpowered to get a full load up a long steep hill with ease. That said, it would make a perfect city car for a family and those who demand versatility from their vehicle.

Features of Model Reviewed

Airbags:	Driver and front passenger SRS airbags, side and curtain airbags
Seats:	7
ABS:	Yes
EBD:	No
ESP:	Yes
Driver visibility:
Storage compartments:
Drink holders:	10
CD player:	Yes
Air conditioning:	Yes, climate control
Power windows:	Yes
Power steering:	Yes
Power door mirrors:	Yes
Child restraint anchorage points:	3
Transmission:	4 speed automatic
Engine capacity:	2.0 litre
Fuel type:	Petrol
Fuel consumption:	8.6 litres/100 kms
Greenhouse rating#:	6/10
Green Vehicle Guide rating:
Warranty:	5 year unlimited kilometre
Price:	$31,990*

 

* Excludes on road costs
# All new vehicles sold in Australia (up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass) are tested to determine the level of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions (Greenhouse rating), which are displayed on the fuel consumption label attached to the windscreen of the car. The Green Vehicle Guide rating combines the Greenhouse Rating and Air Pollution Rating and awards a star. 5 stars is the best rating. For more information, click here.
Information is correct at the time of the review. Please check with your local Kia dealer for the most recent information.

Date Reviewed: April 2008