The Kia Rondo – Limitless Boundaries

 

 

The term soccer mum car is very popular in the US and often puts an image of an MPV with a design appeal of a fat lizard coupled with a fuel consumption rating of a Hummer. Soccer mum vehicles often do emergency brakes, sudden sharp turns and at times, signal one side but turn the other way. This breed of road user often cause endless misery and time loss as they hold up entire stretches of angry motorist with horns blaring while sitting ignorantly inside waiting for her little ones to come down from tuition class.

 

And so when I was presented the prospect of having the Naza Kia Rondo for an extended review over the Hari Raya holidays, I was, understandably less enthusiastic. Nevertheless, having an MPV that sits 7 sounds like a good thing to have on long weekends and I was doing some house moving so it should come in handy.

 

Now, the Rondo is also know as Carens in other markets and in Malaysia, it can also be called Citra II. Confused? Take this for example; there’s this variant of Curry Noodle where in KL, we call it Prawn Noodles, in Penang, it’s known as Hokkien Noodles. It’s the same dish, with the same ingredients but depending on where you eat it, it has a different name. Kapish?

 

The Rondo was launched in September 2008 and somewhere in 2009/2010, there was a small revision of kit where the introduction model did not have 1st row split folding whereas the current version features a 40:60 split (more on this later). Now, after 4 years on the road, we see a number of them running around, driven by an equal number from both gender. So, it’s probably just as appropriate to call it a soccer dad car too.

 

Design

 

 

 

Ok, it’s not THAT bad a looker. Kia calls the Rondo an MPV with SUV styling. I’ve been driving it for a week now and the SUV face kinda still eludes me. I probably lack imagination.

 

 

 

As an MPV however, it looks modern enough. I actually wonder if Peter Schreyer was involved in the Rondo design because it looks as though the Rondo sports a somewhat primitive “Tiger Roaring” grille. The twin creases that runs from the headlights to the end of the bonnet lends an air of dynamism. Overall, the front fascia has a very family oriented look that’s as easy on the eye. Don’t expect it to stir any hot racing blood within.

 

 

Featured here is the EXS variant which has roof rails. The designers did a good job balancing the side profile with the lower door sills matching the rails on top. The windows has a practical aspect of being big which means visibility is excellent within but from the outside, they look a tad too tall which lends the effect of the car looking tallish and clumsy.

 

 

 

 

For front headlights, you get manual halogen reflectors whereas the rear lamps uses halogen bulbs too.

 

 

 

Measuring 4,545mm in length, 1,820mm in width and 1,700mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,700mm, the Rondo just a tad smaller than a Proton Exora. Parking is relatively easy but I feel the inclusion of rear view cameras would help mum park it better like a pro.

 

 

 

Looking from the back, it’s not hard to see why it’s got a soccer mum (or dad) image. The ratio of glass height and door panel height is almost the same and the car tapers down to a large bottom, it’s like seeing an image of an auntie who’s had one too many TV drama sitcoms and far too little exercise.

 

 

 

The Rondo comes with powered side mirrors with integrated blinkers. Heck, even a VW Passat doesn’t have this

 

 

Performance

 

 

 

Pulling the Rondo is the old GEMA-based 2.0 DOHC CVVT engine (same as the one found in the earlier generation Optima and Mitsubishi Lancer) that gives you 145PS @ 6,000rpm and 189Nm of torque at 4,250rpm. It’s mated to a 4 speed conventional automatic gearbox with sequential manual shifting. Engine response is surprisingly good and it doesn’t take much foot pressure to get the car moving. Unfortunately, with only 4 ratios to play with, it does get noisy as the rev counter goes up and at cruising speed of 110kph, the rpm hovers around 2,800rpm.

 

 

No official zero to hundred figures but really, as a people mover, that stat is pretty irrelevant. What more important is the size and the ride comfort.

 

 

Ride and Handling

 

 

Comfort is very high on the Rondo. For those who don’t already know, the Smart Tunnel in KL has one of the worse paved tarmac on earth. Going at it in a car with stiff suspensions like a Peugeot 308THP would jar you so much, grandmas and grandpas should probably hang on tighter to their dentures least they fall off. But on the Rondo, it was as if you’re on a carpet ride. The soft suspension soaks up the uneven road and bumps better than a diaper on a baby … so much so that for smaller bumps, I find myself not slowing down as often as I would in a sedan.

 

 

On the other hand, a soft suspension usually leads to greater body roll which in turn means you can’t corner as fast. This is true with the Rondo … it’s not design to be a racer nor is it a drifter so don’t bother driving too fast around those bends. It’s a good thing soccer mums usually have a level temperament behind the wheels; those teenagers behind sup-ped up Kancils can go however fast they want.

 

 

But if soccer mum needs to use the bathroom urgently no thanks to the curry mee she ate earlier, the Rondo can still tackle corners fairly well with its front McPherson Struts and Multi-link rear suspensions. It’s just a pity that the steering is too light to give proper feedback to the driver. Push it faster, the front wheels start to lose traction and begin to wail. Ignore this more and the car will understeer itself into the bush instead of turning where you want to go. Sensible driving gets you and your occupants safely where you want to go.

 

 

 

Cabin Convenience

 

 

 

The first impression I got when stepping into the captain’s chair was how expansive the view is from here. The dashboard is set low and I especially appreciate the small triangle set on the A pillars which reduces its thickness and helps increase an-already-good all round visibility.

 

 

 

The EXS variant reviewed here gets steering mounted audio controls. The obvious 3 buttons are mode, toggle up and toggle down whereas volume controls are very easy to use as it’s on the back side of the 3 buttons and you use your left middle and ring fingers to push upwards (towards you) for loud or soft.

 

 

 

What’s bad is the number of empty buttons staring back at you. I’m guessing the blanked out steering buttons on the right are cruise control (not available in our spec) where as the buttons on the right side of the dashboard are probably ESC (not available in our spec), fog light (integrated to the main beam stalk) and rear windscreen heater (integrated to the center air conditioning controls).

 

 

 

The dash meters are easy to read, just like how soccer parents like it. You do get a multi info display which cycles info such as trip A, trip B, average fuel consumption, instant fuel consumption, distance to empty, at the touch of the TRIP button.

 

 

 

The first time when I drove it, it was embarrassing in the sense that I couldn’t get the car to move! I quickly found the foot brake but no matter how hard I stepped on it, it refused to release! Then, I saw this:

 

 

A hand release lever which also automatically engages the central locking mechanism once you pull this lever. Nice!

 

So, we call this a foot-hand- brake? This is the first time I come across a vehicle with this configuration …. and the pervert-ish side of me was thinking …. hmmm, since the release is by hand, can we like drift this baby?? The answer, to my dismay was no …. not because we couldn’t manually engage/disengage the hand/foot brake, but because the brake is not firm enough to cause rear wheel lock. Syuks …. but then being an MPV, we shouldn’t be thinking such ridiculous thoughts, should we? No, we were merely …. exploring the limits of the chassis! Yeah, right.

 

 

Moving people is what’s best for MPVs and the Rondo executes this brilliantly! The 1st rear row bench have tracks and this allows it to slide forward or back, creating more space for the 3rd row or, if the 3rd row is not raised, more space for the 2nd row.

 

 

 

 

If there aren’t any rear passengers on the 3rd row, 2nd row legroom is superb and the back rest (which are 60:40 split folding) can be reclined so that passengers seated here can travel more comfortably ….

 

 

 

Admit it; even the infamous 9gag picture depicts the boss leaning backwards and this car allows it.

 

 

 

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Bosses (in which what parents call their kids too) needs to be sufficiently chilled and they get rear air conditioning vents.

 

 

 

 

Cup holders are found on the side door instead of the center console

 

 

Speaking of air conditioning ….

 

 

 

The EXS model has automatic climate control and is simple enough to use. However, unlike present Kia models, you don’t get 6 CD changer, no Bluetooth, no iPod/iPhone connectivity.

 

 

In the official Rondo catalog, there are 7 seat configurations (with what I could count is 21 variations from these configurations) and after some effort at learning seat-origami, here’s how it looks after I’ve re-enacted them:

 

 

Full 7 seater config

 

 

Instructions:

 

1. Shift the 2nd row back rest to a slightly more upright position
2. Pull strings at the back of the 3rd row until you hear a click

 

 

 

 

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In this configuration, the 3rd row 50:50 split folding seats are raised and depending on how far forward the 1st row bench is pushed, the 3rd row can accommodate adults of my height.

 

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3rd row passengers also get cup holders and small cubicle to put their phones and other accessories. Sadly, there are no air conditioning vents for the 3rd row.

 

 

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3rd row fold and dive config

 

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Instructions:

 

1. Shift the 2nd row back rest to a slightly more upright position
2. Pull strings at the back of the 3rd row and push the backrest down until flat

 

 

 

 

This is the most common configuration most small families will use as it frees up luggage space behind. With the 3rd row seats up, your only option for luggage would be to install a Thule roof rack.

 

 

 2nd & 3rd row split & fold-dive config

 

 

Instruction:

 

1. Pull the side lever of the 2nd row and pull the backrest forward until folded flat
2. Pull strings at the back of the 3rd row and push the backrest down until flat

 

 

This configuration is ideal for long items such as the odd Ikea long, narrow showcase

 

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2nd row split folding and 3rd row fold & dive

 

 

Instruction:

 

 

1. Pull the side lever of the 2nd row and pull the backrest forward until folded flat
2. Pull strings at the back of the 3rd row and push the backrest down until flat. Repeat left and right.

 

 

 

Do this is you need as much cargo space as possible while needing 3 persons in the car.

 

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Cargo flat config

 

 

Instructions:

 

1. Pull the side lever of the 2nd row and pull the backrest forward until folded flat. Repeat for both left and right.
2. Pull strings at the back of the 3rd row and push the backrest down until flat. Repeat for both left and right.

 

 

 

This effectively turns the Rondo into a 2 seater cargo mover. I had the liberty of moving a couple of mattresses over the weekend and boy, can this baby swallow a lot.

 

 

 

 

The only other Kia that can take as much is a Sorento and that costs almost 2 x Rondos!

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So far what we’ve seen are common for MPVs. What may be less common are the following configurations which are perfect if you decided to take a road adventure and found all the hotels are fully booked. No problem …. spend the night in comfort in the Rondo!

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1st, 2nd Row Flat Bed config

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Instruction:

1. Raise the 3rd row seats
2. Slide the 2nd row bench as far rear as possible by lifting a lever below the bench
3. Remove the head rests of both front seats
4. Recline both front seats as low as possible

 

 

 

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Looks cozy, doesn’t it? If you want to be more intimate, try the next “Bed” configuration

 

 

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2nd & 3rd Row Bed Flat config

 

 

Instructions:

 

1. Raise the 3rd row seats
2. Move the 1st row seats as far forward as possible
3. Slide the 2nd row bench as far forward as possible by lifting a lever below the bench
4. Remove all three head rests on the 2nd row backrest
5. Recline the 2nd row backrest as low as possible

 

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Remember not to rock the bus …. errr, I mean car too much while you’re spending the night with your partner inside least you attract the wrong kind of attention.

 

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The only thing missing in this configuration is a 40″ LED TV. Of all the cars I’ve reviewed and taken pictures so far, only the Rondo has tempted me to stop and take a break in those seats.

 

 

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Other amnesties includes:-

 

 

 

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The ultimate Teh tarik hook! I wonder why don’t more cars come with it.

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A center armrest with 2 tier compartment. The top compartment holds Smart Tags whereas the lower (and deeper) compartment has a 12V port inside.

 

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You’ll find 2 cup holders as well as a larger and smaller cubicle. I find the smaller cubicle to be perfect to hold iPhones.  As the center is designed flowing downwards, ladies with smaller handbags may find it convenient to place their bags here instead of the side seats where the opportunity for robbers on 2 wheels to break in goes up.

 

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Soccer mum needs to look good too so the illuminated vanity mirrors for both driver and front passenger are much appreciated additions for the fairer gender.

 

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In the event of a flat, soccer dad will find the spare tire underneath at the rear and the tools necessary for the change is behind the 3rd row seat.

 

 

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Safety

 

 

• Dual SRS airbags
• Immobilizer
• Child lock
• ABS
• EBD

 

 

Specifications

 

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The Rondo comes in 2 specifications; the standard EX and the car shown here, the EXS and specifications is as follows:

 

 

EX

 

 

Exterior

 

• Front chrome coated grille
• Electric adjustable, electric folding side mirrors with integrated LED side signal
• Projector type headlamps
• Front fog lamps
• LED rear lamps
• 205/65 R15 tire size

 

Interior

• Metal grain center fascia trim
• Trip computer instrument panel
• Sunglasses holder
• Sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors
• 2 DIN head unit with radio/CD/MP3/WMA
• 4 speaker system
• Manual climate control air conditioning
• Second row air conditioning vents
• Chromatic rear view mirrors
• PVC gear shift knob
• Double raschel mesh fabric seats
• 60:40 split folding 1st row seat with headrest adjusters
• 50:50 split folding 2nd row seat
• ELR type front seat belts with height adjuster and pre-tensioner
• ELR type 1st row side seat belts with 3 point center seat belt
• ELR type 2nd row seat belts

 

EXS

 

In addition to the EX unless specified otherwise

 

• 205/60 R16 tire size instead of 205/65 R15
• Roof rack
• Automatic climate control air conditioning
• Steering mounted audio controls

 

 

Ownership and Maintenance

 

Like most Kia nowadays, the Rondo comes with 5 years warranty with unlimited mileage. As for the maintenance routine, here’s what you can expect:-

Again, monthly repayment is based on the assumption of 90%  loan and monthly interest rate of 2.5%

 

In my time of having the car, I scored about 20-22 cents per kilometer which is consistent with what most Rondo owners report.

 

 

So, should you get one? With the EX priced at RM86,088 and the reviewed EXS at RM90,088, you’ve got 2 other MPV to choose from with a budget below RM100,000 ; the Nissan Grand Livina (GL) and Proton Exora. Both are very strong contenders in this segment with the GL 1.8L being the priciest starting at RM98,815 and has the best resale value with proven technology and being a Japanese make, after sales experience is like clockwork. Fuss free maintenance and a reliable ride makes a powerful combo that women (and the men who buy for their mums/wives) buyers find it hard to resist. Unfortunately, the GL being 100mm shorter in wheelbase, 125mm shorter in length, 130mm thinner in width and 110mm shorter in height when compared with the Rondo translates to a much smaller cabin.

 

 

Where Japanese quality is burning on one end, you’ve got the Proton Exora Bold burning on the other. The Exora is the largest among the 3, trumping the Rondo with 30mm longer wheelbase, 47mm longer, slightly thinner with an 11mm deficit and shorter in height by just 9mm and acres of space is what you’ll find inside. Coupled with a turbocharged CFE engine, power and NVH has been greatly improved compared to its non-turbo brethren.  While Proton have come a long way in improving its quality, there are many who have sworn not to touch the brand again so with the Exora, it’s a branding issue.

 

 

This leaves the Rondo sitting in between. It’s for the practicality of a larger MPV compared to the GL while having the image of a foreign brand. As for me, I actually enjoyed driving it despite initially cringing at the thought of being given this car. Even my family nod their heads in appreciation of its comfort, versatility and overall build quality. I do wish they’d upgrade the engine and gearbox to a more advance unit like the Theta II found in the Sportage and K5 so it’s good to hear that the 3rd generation Rondo/Carens will be making a debut in the upcoming Paris Motor Show. As good as the present Rondo is, its technology has been overshadowed by newer MPVs that promises better styling, performance, fuel consumption, handling as well as other features.

 

 

Having said that, I would imagine changing the tires to a more silent type, a good set of car tints and upgrading the in car entertainment would make me a very happy Rondo driver. The next time a young chick stares at me from the next car and wondering what kind of an uncle I am for driving this car ….. Baby, you don’t know what you’re missing in here   😛