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Kia Rondo suggested improvements
1) Add slide out extensions to sun visor and get rid of the fake vinyl coated sun visor, use cloth. Even the EX's visors are cheap vinyl.
2) Offer standard factory tinting of rear and side rear windows.
3) Can car makers design a window that doesn't drip inside the car?
4) Rear slide out cup holders pose a hazard as they don't secure the cups well. Possibility exists of spilling hot liquids from top heavy cups on unsuspecting passenger's feet.
5) This may just be my personal preference, but I would prefer a straight shift from Park to drive. The offsets are just a pain.
6) Redesign the sunroof so you don't need to buy the additional shield to stop the two toned whistle that cross winds generate.
7) No KIA optional mud flaps?
8) Add daytime running lights
Don't get me wrong, I love the Rondo, but it could be better designed in a few areas.
2007 4cyl, 5 seat EX
2) Offer standard factory tinting of rear and side rear windows.
3) Can car makers design a window that doesn't drip inside the car?
4) Rear slide out cup holders pose a hazard as they don't secure the cups well. Possibility exists of spilling hot liquids from top heavy cups on unsuspecting passenger's feet.
5) This may just be my personal preference, but I would prefer a straight shift from Park to drive. The offsets are just a pain.
6) Redesign the sunroof so you don't need to buy the additional shield to stop the two toned whistle that cross winds generate.
7) No KIA optional mud flaps?
8) Add daytime running lights
Don't get me wrong, I love the Rondo, but it could be better designed in a few areas.
2007 4cyl, 5 seat EX
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Comments
DRL's are a no-win situation, people complain either way, although I see less complaints on the GM sites than I did ten years ago.
- I agree on the factory tinting
- make the sunroof available on 5 person model
- get rid of the ashtrays and create more storage
- (daylight running lights are standard in Canada)
- offer the beige exterior / interior as in the US
- I agree on the visor extension (Santa Fe has that)
1.Better contrast on the stereo display - larger EQ display listings. The stereo unit is a major visual disappointment.
2.Satellite compatible stereo needed
3.Cargo net??
4.Sunroof wind deflector
5.The remote transmitter on the Key Fob is a bit weak
6.Better dealer support making options known, i.e. Cargo Cover
7.Privacy glass even is it is optional (should be standard in the EX model)
8.Other than the above, it is a well thought out and executed vehicle. Very enjoyable so far!
2007 4 cyl, 5 seat EX with Premium package
I love my Rondo, but I'm 5'6" with short arms (at least, short compared to some of you 6-footers!). No matter how I configure the seat and steering wheel, my elbows don't reach the armrest while I'm driving, which makes for very tiring long drives. :sick:
Anyone have any suggestions on anything I could buy or make to alleviate this?
I know there are ducts under the two front seats, but for the life of me, I can't feel anything coming out of them. Is there a special setting to make them work, or are they not for air conditioning?
You might be able to use the floor vent adjustments on the front selector dial to get air out of the floor vents, but the front seat occupants will roast.
Suggestions? I would try a stout pillow or a covered piece of firm foam between the front seats. It won't work for me, because I never go anywhere without my coffee and the pillow would be in the way all of the time.
2) Offer standard factory tinting of rear and side rear windows.
7) No KIA optional mud flaps?
8) Add daytime running lights
I have just purchased a 2007 Rondo EX V6 Luxury 7 seater with all of the above as standard equipment. I live in Canada. I guess you can't get these in the US?
1. improved gas mileage (like crv, matrix, etc)
2. higher center armrest
3. bluetooth or mp3 jack
4. intermintent rear wiper
5. Add slide out extension to sun visor
6. I would prefer a straight shift from Park to drive. The offsets are just a pain.
7. keylock on passenger side front door (I don't usually carry the keyfob with me)
8. ventelation issues..
- can't get fresh outside temp air from the vent (it is always heated somewhat)
- ventalation off s/not be in middle of dial
- rear seats need ceiling vents
- a/c doesn't get the car really cold (only cool)
9. a manual with a more 'hardcore' info
(for instance, it doesn't even tell you the type of headlite bulbs used. I wanted to upgrade to bright white and when I asked why its not in the manual the dealer said this is 'dealer info' fyi: low-H7 high-9L)
10. smaller rear roof post (ie the rear side windows s/be straight on the bottom, not angled upwards which reduces the size of the rear window and hinders vision for driver rear shoulder checks)
comments anyone?
We always want better mileage regardless of the vehicle, but with your reference to the CR-V, there is very little difference. The CR-V is rated at 28/39 CDN mpg in the FWD model and the Rondo is 26/38 both with 2.4 litre engines, of course its different on the Matrix as its a much smaller engine (1.8) and the vehicle is lighter (by 600 lbs) giving you 34/45, which really is more like competition to the Spectra 5 (2.0 litre) 32/46 or the Rio 5 at 35/50 with a 1.6 engine.
I agree with alamocity, you couldn't ask for a better site to get detailed info on your KIA than kiatechinfo its fantastic.
I find that if I turn the A/C on to the highest setting for about 10 seconds, and then switch it back to the vent, that small amount of heating shuts off and I can get plain, unheated, fresh air through the vent.
Why it works that way, I have no clue. :confuse:
My solution was to turn off the fan and just rely on the air coming from the rolled down windows, or turn on the AC and leave it on. Thankfully, we had mostly a cool summer, so it wasn't a major problem.
I'll have to try your solution, taximom5. So for about ten seconds, you have the AC on, temperature dial at the coolest position, and fan on at full tilt? Anyway, the long, cool monsoon season has started in Vancouver, so it's not like I need immediate relief.
As well, both our remote unlock fobs only operate from a distance of 10 ft or less. The fobs for my 1998 Escort wagon operate from about 30 ft. Maybe it's a safety issue - if you unlock from too far away, someone can get to your car before you? I dunno.
If you install studded winter tires, like I have, then the Rondo transforms from a quiet serene ride to a very loud thrumming ride on dry pavement (it has not really snowed here yet). But I can put up with that for safety's sake. My 98 Escort is just as loud with it's winter tires, but that car is 9 yrs old and that is to be expected.
Anyway, we love our Rondo, and at 4800 kms (about 2900 miles), we have had Zero issues with reliability or quality. Mileage continues to be about 24-25 mpg (per 4.54 liter Canadian gallon) around town and 31-32 mpg on the highway. The headlights are fantastic! The seat heaters are a bit slow to warm, but get nice and cosy once they do warm up (it's -6 degrees C here now this morning). Real nice stereo (my 80's music has never sounded so goo) and we love the 3rd row's ease of operation for occasional use. A tremendous value in a practical efficient vehicle.
That's odd about your remote locks, as they say in the manual they operate up to 30', I haven't checked it by measuring it, but I would say that is fairly accurate for the way I've used it. I've found that it even works through the solid wall on my house and unlocks it. Maybe there is some sort of sensitivity adjustment when its installed.
I have some suggestions for KIA for the Rondo Canadian models - put back the rear side storage area light that operates through the rear door and reinstall the glove box light! Also bring back the rubber cup holder extensions and base rubber mats for the console and the elastic strap in the glove box. All of these items were dropped for the 2008 model, which we purchased, and this realy upsets me - why would they do such a idiotic thing!
It will be interesting to see if the US 2008 models produce these dumb changes when they get them. The Canadian 2008 models have been out since late August.
Other than that its a great vehicle, excellent build quality, hard to fault and I agree with you on the stereo, excellent sound through the six speakers and dash layout is fantastic and looks great when everything is lit up at night - looks like a flight cockpit! We also enjoy the great visibility and ease of getting in and out.
The only issue I've had was one of the heated rear window strands did not work but has been repaired and now works great. My local dealer has been excellent so far.
I found the heated seats work very fast and can feel it within 1 km from turning it on. Great on those cold mornings before the car has a chance to warm up.
I found that this site has mud flaps, cargo net, cargo cover, sunroof wind deflector and many more items. you may want to try looking there. Thanks
However, I do not care for the configuration of the front seat head rests. Did take one from the rear and try it on the drivers seat, which was oK.
2 Outlaw all dark tinting in everything. I'm tired of not being able to see idiot in other vehicle. Also make law so driver of car can see through any vehicle to there are no blind spots.
3 Good question.
4 Did not know that.
5 How often are you shifting?
6 Sun roof is a waste.Especially if you want privacy from State Troopers flying overhead.
7 Find some if you need them.
8 Just leave switch on and let key control, but then need adjustment to brighten displays during daytime.
And more of mine.
9 Fix those headrests in front!
10 Larger diameter steering wheel with some padding and less road feel!
11 Gas milage sucks! Town Car gets way better on highway.
11 Some good arm rests.
12 A jack for MP3 or tape or whatever.
13 Camber and Caster adjustments so vehicle can be properly aligned.
14 (Maybe an issue with mine) Get rid of full time engine braking in Drive, which hurts gas milage.
15 (Maybe an issue with mine) Could be a diverter problem but in selected positions where there should be no air from dash vents I get it. Only way to stop is close vents.
16. Handling and ride sucks.
Other than that I can't think of anything else that I would change. I love my Rondo and I have been having it since April and have 12500 miles with no reliability problems.
morestain resistant. I'd also like to see another vent or two in the back - maybe on the ceiling blowing down? It seems too easy to block the vent on the center console, and nothing reaches the optional third row as it's now set up. And much better mpg ... we got 18 mpg city this winter, and on a recent highway trip got 25.5 mpg ...2. make privacy glass standard or include the cargo area cover.
3. add programmable automatic arm (security alarm) after ignition off and all doors closed, and programmable door locking when shifter is in "D".
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2. Cargo cover yes. Ban all privacy glass because it is a safety hazard.
3. There is some programming available, but not sure what options are there. The first part is bad idea. Too many would lock keys inside, especially women leaving purse and keys inside. With manual locking, you might be forced to think about key before proceeding. If using remote from outside, not a problem. Maybe when external fingerprint keypad is available.
Personally, I would like the option of the door relocking automatically upon entry (detects weight on seat). And not automatically unlocking when put in park. Trouble can come via opportunity.
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If it gets warmer as you drive and coolant heats up, then you have a leaking or not fully closing diverter door allowing air across the heater core to enter. Older high end vehicles had a valve in the heater hose that stopped the heating of the core totally. I had one vehicle without that valve, no A/C, and the door leaked some of that hot air most of the time. I had considered installing a valve of some sort just to stop heating the heater core.
Good luck.
Is your Rondo experiencing poor fuel economy? Our prior 2007 EX V6 regularly saw 33 mpg Imperial (about 30 mpg US) on the highway at 110 km/hr (65-70 mph) with four people and luggage, and about 24-25 around town. We now have a 2011 EX V6 and so far it seems to be achieving the same numbers, though it only has about 1500 miles on it so far. Actually, on my first highway trip when the Rondo was brand new (ie. less than 100 miles on the odo), I was by myself and saw as high as 36 mpg at 60 mph. That trip added 400 miles to the car.
Never got what I would call good fuel economy. At least not what the Rondo was advertised as getting. I have a 2007 EX V6. Right from the beginning I was getting in the mid teens city & upper teens/low 20's hwy.
I'm not a hyper-miler but I try to take it easy. I put in a K&N air filter, synthetic oil, etc., etc. It wasn't until about 9,000 miles that I saw an improvement. Now get upper teens city & mid twenties hwy. Most of my driving is city. I guess the car's computer adapts to one's particular driving habits.
Been on this post for a few years now and noticed other owners situations vary widely.
I always found that our trip computer was optimistic. I kept my own log that I calculated myself, and the computer was usually off by .2 to .3 litres/100km (not much really, maybe 1/2 mpg?).
Our 2007 V6 was never hyper-miled, and 33 mpg Imperial was a number that we repeatedly obtained on the highway. If had I slowed to the speed limit, then I would likely have gotten more. As for around town, I admit that we live in a small town (10,000) so it can't really be considered urban.
I never changed the air filter (only had to clean it once) and used normal engine oil. I did keep all tires 2 psi above the door jamb rating, since I find that all my cars respond better to steering input that way. 2psi isn't much, not enough to firm up the ride to an uncomfortable level.
I wonder if you had the CPU reflashed, if that would affect your low mpg's? It did wonders for my 2002 PT Cruiser, which had a number of driveability problems until the CPU was reflashed (cost me about $60) at the dealer. It certainly increased the car's fuel economy.