Overview

CAR-LIKE PERFORMANCE & HANDLING

Available in two variants, EX and EXS, both with a 2.0L DOHC CVVT engine, Rondo is built on the same platform as the Kia Optima, sharing engine, transmission and chassis components. The four-cylinder delivers 145 horsepower and 189 Newton-metres of torque. Both variants are mated to an electronically controlled Sportmatic™ transmission. The front-wheel drive Rondo features independent front and rear suspensions. Situated in front are MacPherson struts with coil springs while the rear's multi-link and coil springs complete the layout to provide a comfortable, balanced ride. Standard front and rear anti-roll bars are calibrated for precise and responsive handling, while the hydraulic power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering's effort and feel are tuned accordingly.

FRESH & FUNCTIONAL EXTERIOR

Rondo exudes a fresh, clean look with a modern dynamic shape. Available in EX and EXS trim levels, standard EX features include body-colored door handles, body-colored side moldings and black front grille crossbars packaged with 15-inch alloy wheels fitted with Goodyear Eagle NCT5 tyres. Upgrading to an EXS adds a roof rack, 16-inch alloy wheels and Goodyear Eagle NCT5 tyres. Fog lights, six jet windscreen washers and an excellent build quality are common features for both variants.

INTERIOR SPACE WITH COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE

Exterior refinement continues to flow into the cabin. Standard features include a sixspeaker AM/FM/CD tuner, air conditioning (Fully Automatic/Climate Control for the EXS), along with power windows and door locks, as well as a steering wheel mounted audio remote control, which is for the EXS only. A Trip Computer offers convenient information on fuel consumption, distance to empty, average speed and running time.

Inside Rondo, an immediate sense of spaciousness and huge cabin space is evident. The standard seven-passenger seating configurations will appeal to consumers looking for the functionality of an MPV, but not the size and heft. Larger than its closest competitor, Rondo provides a comfortable front row with 1,043mm of headroom and 1,042mm of legroom. Second-row space is fixed at 1,015mm inches of headroom and 975mm of legroom regardless of a five- or seven-passenger seating layout. The third-row seating offers a sensible 887mm of headroom and 800mm of legroom, more than enough room to accommodate the average-sized adult. And when optioned with the third row, Rondo's second row adjusts with a forward/backward sliding range of nearly one foot in travel.

The versatile second-row seats also provide flexible seating with a 60/40 multi-fold split, while the third row folds down in a 50/50 split. Additionally, both rows fold completely flat for maximized cargo room. Practicality does not sacrifice comfort as the driver's seat offers six-way adjustments, including height adjustment, and the front passenger seat offers a four-way adjustment. Each passenger is also well taken care of with an abundance of storage cubbies and multiple cup holders located in every row.

CLASS-LEADING SAFETY

Rondo, a recipient of the five-star frontal crash rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in only its first year on the market, comes wellequipped with an unprecedented amount of standard safety equipment, including two standard airbags up front. Also standard is a four-channel four-wheel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), which help maintain vehicle control during difficult driving conditions. Side-impact door beams, an energy-absorbing steering column and a front crumple zone provide more passenger protection.