2007 Kia Rondo Preview

Kia Rondo – 2007 Preview: It may seem like just another smallish crossover. Or maybe a wagon. Or maybe a really small SUV. We're not sure, frankly, so we'll just call it an Optimagon. Kia calls the Rondo different, better and hipper than the competition; we think the fact that it's on the Optima platform, sharing its four-cylinder and V6 powertrains, is an excellent idea. There are also a slew of safety features, and a stylishly youthful exterior. That bodes well for Kia, as the Rondo will surely be priced in the lower range of competing utilities.

Why it matters

True, it's just another crossover. But given Kia's success at building hip, safe and inexpensive vehicles, this one has an excellent chance at garnering serious attention from car buyers. When you add in a low sticker price and Kia's five-year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty, the Rondo will get plenty of notice from the competition – especially Mazda, as it will go head-to-head with the lukewarm Mazda5 wagon. If it's as good as the new Optima – on which the Rondo is built – it stands an excellent chance of adding to Kia's recent winning streak.

What's Under the Hood

The Rondo shares its nuts and bolts with the new Kia Optima, including a 2.4-liter in-line four-cylinder engine that makes 162 horsepower and 164 lb.-ft of torque or a 2.7-liter V6 that bumps horsepower and torque up to 182. A four-speed automatic transmission comes standard with the LX model, and the EX gets a five-speed. Both come standard with Kia's Sportmatic shift. Underneath, the front-wheel-drive Rondo utilizes independent front and rear suspensions. Steering is handled with a rack-and-pinion setup. Safety features include six standard airbags (including side curtains), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ABS brakes, and more.

What's Inside

Standard features on the LX include a stereo with CD player, power doors, mirrors and windows. The EX upgrades to an MP3-capable stereo with CD and cassette and steering wheel-mounted audio controls, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Additional options include a Convenience Package on the LX that adds cruise control and keyless entry; a Leather Package on the EX that adds heated leather seats; and a Premium Package that features a power sunroof and 10-speaker Infinity stereo system with in-dash six-CD changer. Both trims come standard with two rows, with a third row available. Kia boasts of a spacious interior with two or three rows as well as the latest in durable and comfortable seat fabric; we'll see when we drive the Rondo.

What the Kia Says

Kia claims that the Rondo brings “happy driverness” to the crossover, as well as value, style and performance. Based on the Kia Optima, they're betting that the Rondo will offer buyers a package that includes efficient performance, exceptional safety, style…and a best-in-class warranty.

What We Think

Given that the Rondo is based on the new Optima, and combined with Kia's focus on safety and warranty coverage, the Rondo would seem to be a sure hit for Kia. As a small crossover, however, we're curious to see how much value that third row provides, and, indeed, whether people will actually say “Rondo” out loud. Or whether Kia will launch a Beach Boys styled "Help Me Rondo" ad camapign. Anyway, compared to the Mazda5, it's got more conventional crossover styling and what Kia claims is more interior space. If so, the future may be bright for Kia-ness in this segment.

Photos courtesy of Ron Perry, Kia Motors of North America