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NEWS
Kia launches second-generation Rondo MPV
Prices are up but Kia's compact seven-seater delivers improved packaging, enhanced efficiency – and a diesel optionKia has launched the second generation of its Rondo compact MPV with the diesel engine option long promised but not previously forthcoming.
With petrol variants starting at $29,990 plus on roads and new diesel variants starting at $32,490, prices are up noticeably on the outgoing model, but so is the vehicle’s appeal in virtually every respect. It’s smaller and more car-like on the outside, with more usable space and storage indoors. A clean-sheet mechanical overhaul gives it a more potent yet more frugal petrol engine and a new diesel option, with new suspension and running gear making for a better drive.
The compact seven-seater has assumed the design language noted linesmith Peter Schreyer has been rolling out across the company’s line-up over the last two years.
Schreyer's new cab-forward design shrinks the car in every direction: it’s 20mm shorter, 15mm narrower and 40mm lower than the outgoing model, helping pull aerodynamic drag down to 0.30 from 0.32. But a 50mm increase in wheelbase, to 2750mm, and a complete interior makeover means a marked improvement in cabin space, particularly for mid-row passengers.
Space for people and stuff are the MPV’s reason for living, and Schreyer and Kia have given them plenty of consideration here. A complete redesign of the rear suspension cuts wheel-arch intrusion into the boot, expanding cargo bay width by 67mm, length by 24mm and height by 48mm. It adds up to 17 per cent more space, ranging from 103 litres with three rows of seats up, through 492 litres with the third row down, to 1650 litres with the 35/30/35 split-fold second-row seats down. For added versatility and comfort, mid-row seats are adjustable fore and aft. The loading lip has also been lowered 15mm for better access. Up-spec models can tote an extra 100kg on the roof rails.
Up front, the glove box has grown 23 per cent to eight litres and the centre console 84 per cent to 4.8 litres, with a small console tray ahead of the shifter good for 1.3 litres. The new Rondo also gains 6.8-litre underfloor storage trays beneath the mid row footwells. Along with the six cup-holders for front and mid-row, the storage pockets in each door are good for bottles of 1.0-litre capacity in front and 600ml in the rear.
In Australia, Kia will offer the Rondo in three spec levels. The base Si comes with 16-inch alloys, cruise control, multi-function trip computer, a luggage screen, six-speaker audio with MP3/CD player, a 4.3-inch touch control screen, Bluetooth with media streaming and steering wheel-mounted controls, air-conditioning, remote central locking, split-fold second and third row seats, heated electric folding mirrors, power windows and tinted glass.
The mid-spec SLi gets 17-inch alloys, front parking beepers, LED daytime runners, leather trim seats, fold-flat front passenger seat, 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, indicators and puddle lighting on the wing mirrors, roof rails, privacy glass, paddle shifters, a 4.2-inch colour TFT instrument cluster, auto switching on all windows and dual-zone climate control.
The top-shelf Platinum adds 18-inch alloys, an electronic park brake, keyless entry and start, HID headlights with washers, LED taillights, a panoramic sunroof, side window curtain blinds on the mid row, glovebox cooling, sat-nav with seven-inch full touch screen, heated/cooled front seats and a heated steering wheel.
Kia is serving up the Rondo with two transverse engine options, petrol and diesel. The 122kW/213Nm 2.0-litre GDI petrol four sees power and torque up from the outgoing model’s 106kW/189Nm.
With peak torque available from 4700rpm, Kia claims a 0-100km/h sprint time of 10.8 seconds. Fuel consumption is down, the official combined cycle figure dropping to 7.9L/100km (from 8.6) and CO2 emissions to a Euro V-compliant 184g/km CO2 (from 206).
The 100kW/320Nm 1.7-litre turbodiesel four is new to the Rondo. It turns on its 320Nm from 1750-2500rpm, taking it from 0-100km/h in 12.0 seconds while sipping 6.4L/100km and emitting a Euro IV-compliant 170g/km CO2.
Kia has replaced the superseded five-speed manual/four-speed auto option with a six-speed auto transmissions for both mills.
The underpinnings have been completely redesigned to improve ride, handling, self-centring and straight-line stability on Australian roads. Up front, new mountings for the MacPherson struts improve insulation from the rough stuff. At the rear, they’ve replaced the former multilink system with a new coupled torsion beam axle and better damping, helping make the ride suppler and neutralise the steering. Ride, handling and steering also benefit from 64 per cent improvement in torsional rigidity.
All three specs get the Flex Steer variable steering weight system standard, allowing you to switch between Normal, Sport and Comfort.
The full suite of safety gear expected in this segment is standard across the range: six airbags, front seatbelt pre-tensioners and impact sensing auto-door unlock, stability and traction control, ABS with the usual electronic brake enhancements, vehicle stability management, hill-start assist, rear parking beepers, rear-view camera, static cornering lamps and lap-sash belts all round.
No crash numbers are through yet, but with Euro NCAP testing pending, Kia is confident the Rondo will earn five stars.
Prices
2.0 GDI petrol
Si – $29,990
SLi – $33,990
Platinum – $38,990
1.7-litre diesel
Si – $32,490
SLi – $36,490
A premium paint option adds $695.
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Written byJeremy Bass
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