Kia Rondo takes five
Kia has buffed-up, re-shuffled and downpriced its Rondo people-mover to squeeze more value and provide appeal to a wider range of potential customersWith the introduction of a new, $26,990 (before on-road costs) five-seat S version and the dropping of the previous $39,990 Platinum flagship, the previous entry-level Si seven-seater, at an unchanged $31,490, effectively becomes top dog in the Kia Rondo range.
The re-alignment announced today (October 12) by Kia will hopefully breathe new life into the Korean company’s small MPV which has never, according to Kia Motors Australia chief operating officer Damien Meredith, ”enjoyed the positive market attention that it deserves.”
The cheaper five-seat version is not the only change in the latest iteration of the Rondo.
While the new two-tier range retains the familiar 122kW/213Nm 2.0-litre engine, six-speed auto, front-drive format, the mini MPV benefits from refreshed styling, essentially limited to the front end, which aligns it with current Kias via a much bolder front end including a larger grille and redesigned lower fascia featuring horizontal “fog” lights in more prominent apertures.
New 16-inch alloy wheel designs (Si only) are part of the deal too – although the rear view looks totally unchanged.
The interior too is essentially unchanged, while standard gear in both S and Si versions includes cruise control (with speed limiter), rear-view camera and rear parking sensors. The Si also picks up alloy wheels and satellite navigation.
Kia waxes enthusiastic about the Rondo’s cargo-carrying abilities: The five-seater will take 536 litres in the boot with all seats in place, expanding to 1694 litres seats-folded. The seven-seat Si takes 492 litres and 1650 litres respectively.
Similar to the Kia Soul, which has also received an update as well as a price readjustment, the Rondo does not feature strongly in sales for the company with just 109 examples sold so far this year. Last year was barely any better with sales for the corresponding period of just 173 vehicles.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
