New Kia Rondo/Carens

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The Rondo will be the name we’ll get when the Carens is sold in north America next year as a 2008 model.

It looks OK, but in a year,it won’t look that great.
It is based on the new Elantra platform, but will get a 2.7 Liter V6 as an option.
That will put it ahead of other 4 door hatch like the PT Cruiser or the Toyota Metrix.

It the price s right, it could be an interesting alternative to more boring sedans like the Corolla or the Elantra.
And a small V6 is a big plus.

Conversation 13 comments

  1. i agree with that it doesnt seem to fit here. this is like the old mpvs we used to have that didnt work here. it just looks like a small wagon with a tall roof, or a short low minivan.

  2. It looks awkward, and probably won’t even be on the map for most buyers. Even in the entry level and subcompact class, the competition is heating up. There’s the Yaris, Versa, and Fit getting ready to take down the Aveo.

    Then there is of course the new Civic posting sales records, and soon to come a new Matrix and a new Corolla.

  3. I so did not notice that originally… but the grille and the taillights do like the Legacy’s. Now, everytime I see a photo of this car, I just think that.

    The last Carens was offered here in Australia for a few years. Still haven’t seen one on the road, but then we’re not really minivan people so much as big sedan/SUV people.

  4. Not at all attractive to sell against the very popular Matrix and Vibe. The bigger engine may help, if it can get better fuel economy than the Koreans usually do.

  5. When seen driving in a Kia, you are viewed by others as exactly what you are…..a cheap ASSHOLE!!!!!!

  6. I got to see a pre production version of these last week. it was an overseas version with a 2.0 diesel with variable geometry turbo and a 6 speed. that won’t make it here, but it’s a damn nice looking car. I’d take it over a toyota or honda anyday. it’s bigger than a matrix, so it doesn’t compete with the yaris like the rio

  7. Today I was looking for a car and came across the KIA RONDO and fell in love!
    I was looking online for pictures to show my husband.
    I am a 38 yr old mom, and I think it’s perfect, and It feels sturdy, I felt safe in it for me and my family. We may order one tomorrow!
    I hope they have ice blue.
    Kia has the BEST warranty, for the last 10 years I have been driving a 96 kia sportage with no complaints.

    Ha- and I am from America, Kia you rock, built in the USA…

    ps’ Kia, thank you for building a plant in Georgia – USA That means alot to me and my family.

    Central Florida mom 🙂

  8. Today I was looking for a car and came across the KIA RONDO and fell in love!
    I was looking online for pictures to show my husband.
    I am a 38 yr old mom, and I think it’s perfect, and It feels sturdy, I felt safe in it for me and my family. We may order one tomorrow!
    I hope they have ice blue.
    Kia has the BEST warranty, for the last 10 years I have been driving a 96 kia sportage with no complaints.

    Ha- and I am from America, Kia you rock, built in the USA…

  9. I would take it over the Mazda5 just for the power & ESC… if Mazda were to drop in a turbo and ESC, well, all bets are off.

    I would also take the Honda Latitude (Honda Stream), which looks like a mini MB R350, but that, too, hasn’t made it to US shores…

  10. Don’t see why the hate. It looks cute, like a van-sized Yaris. That’s perfect for me – Young couple starting family. Need more room but used to driving small cars. Don’t want wasteful SUV and minivans feel too old. Rondo comes in 7-seater so I can have a baby or two and the in-laws!

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