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Comments
some specs I've found for the 2014 model comparison to the current 2012 Rondo.
Length - 178.1" vs current 178.9
Width - 71.1" vs 71.7"
height - 63.4" vs 65.0"
ground clearance - 5.9" vs 6.1"
wheelbase - 108.3" vs 106.3"
Kia also revealed the all-new 2014 Rondo Urban Utility Vehicle at the Paris Motor Show last week. The all-new Rondo will be launched next year, as a Canadian-specific model in North America, offering the flexibility of up to seven passengers and versatility to meet the needs of growing families
Canadian specification and features have not yet been released.
http://ca.autoblog.com/2013/02/14/2014-kia-rondo-receives-north-american-reveal-- at-toronto-auto-sh/
Standard features:
- 6 speed manual transmission
- manual air conditioning
- 2nd row heating and cooling vents
- power windows
- heated front seats
- 6 speaker audio system
- keyless entry with power locks
- black cloth
- ESC, HAC, BAS, VSM
- flex-steering (3 settings)
Available features:
- heated steering wheel
- heated 2nd row seating
- cooled ventilated drivers seat
- auto dual-zone climate control
- 10-way power drivers seat with extendable cushion optimizing thigh support
- supervision instrument cluster
- large LCD screen
- integrated side window blinds
- black or black/beige 2-tone high-grade leather
- rear parking sensors and rear-view camera
- automatic 6 speed transmission
a lower overall height. Hope they kept the high seat, as I really like the look of this vehicle.
It does have much more flexible seating compared to the old model and a 2" longer wheelbase to help with interior space.
mainly to get a higher seat. We really just need a compact hatchback with
occasional seating for 5, and space for the dog in the back, but as seniors
with arthritic knees and hips, we need a higher seat for easier entry/exit.
This new Rondo looks very promising.
I presume you are located in Canada
I was checking back and my '08 Rondo with the 2.4L was only 162hp at the time and never encountered any power problems with it but then mine was only a 5-seater model. I have heard rumours that a 2.4L maybe an optional engine but at a later time, but no confirmation on that. Still haven't see the Canadian specs for this new model but will post as soon as they become available to me.
Hard to compare old to new as they are so dramatically different vehicles, the only carry over is the name. That front windshield has a massive slope on it (one thing that really stood out to me when I first saw it), so they must have done extensive wind tunnel testing on it. It's the same height as my Soul, its the virtually the same length as the old one but with a 2" longer wheelbase which has got to help with interior room.
The new model is now in full production starting in February, so we should see it on our Canadian shores in the next month or two.
LX MT - $21,695
LX AT - $23,995
LX AT 7-seat - $25,195
EX AT - $26,995
EX AT 7-seat - $28,195
EX Luxury - $32,195
if any Canadians want spec details, let me know and I will post it.
I just looked at the site you mentioned. Pretty nice vehicle! I signed up for more info. Too bad there isn't a V6, since both our Rondo's were V6's, but I wonder if the 6sp manual would be available in the EX? Hmmmmm.
Conclusion: In my particular case as I used to own a '08 Rondo EX 2.4L, I find this engine more than adequate (easily matches the 2.4L) for my particular use and in fact if I was to purchase a Rondo again, the model I drove would be the configuration I would purchase (just not the colour). It has a lot more features than my old EX, like folding outside mirrors, leather seating, push-button start (first time I've driven a car with that feature), auto climate control, rear centre armrest, sliding rear seats that partially recline. Things were a little tight on this vehicle as it only had 54 km on it when I took it out. If you are interested in this type of vehicle, before you pass judgement due to the engine size, drive it first.
I took a lot of photos going over the vehicle in extreme detail (it has some neat stuff) and will start posting them on this thread as soon as can get them sorted out and organized.
something that is not in the current model, the 2nd row seats slide and partially recline. Also there is a centre armrest with cupholders.
My pet peeves with the 2012 Rondo are:
- no manual option
- overly tall, especially with rack
- turning radius only slightly smaller than the Queen Mary
- atrocious fuel consumption, highway or city. 50% above NRCan ratings on a good day.
The 2014 would seem to be an improvement on all fronts:
- manual option
- shorter
- GDI + 6 speed should offer lower fuel consumption
Unfortunately, not necessarily:
- no manual option with 7 seats!
- only shortened by 1 inch, was hoping for a couple more.
- top gear ratio is not really improved, so the potential fuel consumption decline is somewhat muted. Main savings will come from 2L DI engine
On the downside with the 2014, they've added a lot of features I don't care for, and with it comes a heftier price tag. Not that I would be buying anyway, since I tend to keep my cars for 15 years.
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I'm intrigued that anyone bought this car in the 5-seat configuration. To me, the Rondo is a bit of an odd vehicle that makes compromises for the sake of flexibility, with the chief benefit of allowing 7 seats. If you only need 5 seats, there are plenty of competing vehicles that don't require those compromises - better driving, better looking, more fuel efficient etc. tailored to meet those needs.
So I'm curious to know from 5-seat Rondo owners: what attracted you to the Rondo that wasn't met by another vehicle?
No vehicle is perfect, but you have to take the overall package into consideration. I like the driving of the Rondo and also liked the dash layout much better than the Mazda 5, also did not like the rear sliding door.
Direct competition is obviously the Mazda 5 and Orlando but also any small FWD SUV too.
The new LX model is more like the old EX model.
I found the fuel economy on my Rondo very good and had no complaints in that regard, turning radius wasn't bad either.
However, I did trade the Rondo for a 2012 Soul 4u as I was intrigued with all the features of that model (liked it when it first came out but obviously is was not available at the time I made my Rondo purchase). The Rondo was my first KIA product (was a bit nervous at the time due to past reputations) but it was unfounded and I found the Rondo very reliable and did not have a single mechanical problem, had four warranty claims which were all taken care of without any hassle or inconvenience. So I had no hesitation in purchasing another KIA product, which I did and got good value on the Rondo in trade.
My dealer has been great and get all my service maintenance done there.
The 2014 Rondo is the same height as my Soul, if you want anything lower then there is the Forte 5. The previous vehicle I had to the Rondo was a Oldsmobile Cutless Sierra which was 10" lower and 10" longer than the Rondo, but found the Rondo far more stable in strong winds than the Olds.
Rondo - 945 units
Mazda 5 - 233
Chev Orlando - 181
Hi all, could you please vote for me to win a new rondo?! It would be amazing, my name is Samantha Cook, just click the link! Thanks!
kia-apps.com/kia_rondo/
One problem I have with Kia is their Ford type marketing of a century past...any colour you want as long as it's black, with its interiors