Kia Rondo Review Australia | Features, Specification, Price

• Car Reviews,
• Apr 03, 2021

 

 

Undoubtedly, the Kia Rondo is one of the cheapest and smallest 7-seaters offered in Australia made with durability. But, the real question is, whether it will be a good choice or not.

 

According to some users, YES, but if we focus on multiple factors, the answer can be changed to NO!

 

For starters, Kia Rondo is a vehicle that is usable and offers long-term use. Where it is smaller than a minivan, you will find it taller than a typical wagon. With a spacious cabin inside, its compact size will impress you. It delivers an unproblematic FWD. Manufactured in 3 trim levels called LX, EX, and EX Luxury, you will be able to get a lot of features.

 

It will fit your budget while bringing the option of 4- or 6-cylinder power engines. The easy-to-understand interior controls complement the comfortability. Another plus is the excellent visibility and comparatively lengthy warranty.

 

Engine:

All trims are equipped with an engine that runs fast and performs efficiently. You will find its engine placed upfront. The equipment is highly durable and the punchy V6 engine makes it cruises smoothly on highways and city roads. Once you have started driving, Kia Rondo's quick steering will inspire you to bob and roll around corners with a minimum body roll and classic cornering abilities.

 

The perfect combination of engine and transmission makes this compact vehicle absolutely fun to drive. Surprisingly, it might give you a bit of sporty feel when dawdling around town. You would never find Rondo tippy. We can say, the engine is pretty well-equipped designed to carry multiple people.

 

Do you know, what makes it the best? Easy, suitable and commanding driving seat that offers SUV-like position guaranteeing outstanding sight making the traffic management easier. The special feature is its responsive throttle. Remember, the harder you throttle, the higher the noise with a significant interruption in driving comfort.

 

On the downside, firstly, all variants will give you so-so fuel economy. On the road, the oversensitive accelerator pedal gives tiresome feels quickly demanding extra effort. Besides, the gear-shifter is smooth but gets problematic when it kicks back aggressively. Overall, Kia Rondo is not a bad thing to drive due to the well-weighted and directional steering.

 

2nd generation:

As a standard, you can get a 2.4L 4-cyl engine that is designed to produce 175 hp. If you are looking for an exaggerated power and more speed, you must opt for the 2.7L V6 engine offered in 2 trim levels. It comes as an option. Another option you have is the small 2.0L 4-cyl Australian-made engine provided on a 7-passenger vehicle. It comes with a choice of an automatic or manual transmission.

 

3rd generation:

In comparison to the 2nd generation, Kia Rondo lacks speed and power along with torque.

 

The three options you will be getting are:

✓ A 2L "Nu" 4-cyl engine that runs on gasoline and offers 164 hp power that perfectly complements 213 Nm torque

✓ A 1.7L "U2" 4-cyl Turbocharged engine that cruises smoothly on diesel offering maximum power of 134 hp with torque of 320 Nm. The 2016 version is more preferable as it comes with accelerated power up to 139 hp with a higher torque of 340 Nm.

✓ A 1.6L engine that uses gasoline.

 

As far as the transmission is concerned, you can have either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. But, the real gem is the 7-speed DCT that you can get only in the 2016 version of a 1.7L engine.

 

Design:

From the inside, Kia Rondo gives a cozy feel. With an amazingly versatile and top-quality interior, you will be provided a long list of standard and optional specifications. You will definitely be impressed with its easy-to-use controls. The drive is easier due to the clearly marked buttons. The instrumentation seems big and understandable. One thing we can all agree on is that the Cargo space is cavernous with both rear rows lowered, but wretched when both are raised.

 

About its price range, the build quality is brilliant. All variants offer adequate headroom. The layout is placed to improve visibility in all possible ways, such as the infusion of a taller roof and driver-seat adjustment. The available 3rd-row seat is specified for children’s use. To increase the legroom, the second row needs to be slid forward.

 

The exterior is appealing, as well. The chassis is hard-wearing. You will be able to spot Kia Rondo from the distance with its specially tailored layout. A perfect blend of style, fashion, reliability, and comfort!

 

Kia Rondo Si standard features:

✓ 15-inch alloy wheels

✓ Chrome exhaust tips

✓ Tinted windows

✓ Cloth-trimmed seats

✓ Air conditioner (manual)

✓ 2nd-row air vents

✓ Rear luggage cover

✓ Kia Rondo SLi standard features

✓ Sporty-looking black and silver 17-inch alloy wheels

✓ Fog lights (front)

✓ Chrome finessed grille and doorknobs

✓ Roof rails

✓ Climate control

✓ Metal-look interior highlighting

✓ Leather-trimmed seats, steering, and gear knob

 

2nd generation:

In the 2nd generation of Kia Rondo, the following are the standard features offered:

✓ 16-inch alloy wheel

✓ AM/FM

✓ Height-adjustable driver seat

✓ 4-speaker stereo

✓ CD player

✓ Sirius Satellite Radio

✓ MP3 Compatibility

✓ iPod AUX jack

✓ AC

✓ Electric windows and door locks,

✓ Airbags (full length)

✓ 4-wheel disc brakes

✓ ABS

✓ Electronic stability control

✓ Tire pressure monitoring system

✓ Child safety door locks

✓ Tilt steering column

✓ 12v outlets (front and rear)

✓ Touchscreen navigation system

 

If you need something extra, you can enjoy buying the optional specs after you have paid. The list of option specs in Kia Rondo 7 seater includes:

✓ Moonroof

✓ Sunroof (standard on EX Premium)

✓ Leather-wrapped interior

✓ Heated front seats(standard on LX Plus)

✓ Adaptive cruise control

✓ Keyless/remote entry

✓ Infinity 10-speaker stereo

 

3rd generation:

If you are interested in buying a visually appealing car, the 2016 Kia Rondo versions are the best. Having impressively redesigned fascias, the dandy wheels and lights are equipped. The distinctive feature of the enlarged "Tiger Nose" grille is an attractive detail. The visibility and spaciousness for passengers are increased with Rondo’s big windows. You will find the dashboard clean and user-friendly.

 

Kia Rondo 2017 model specifications:

✓ AUX and USB inlet

✓ MP3 Decoder

✓ Bluetooth connectivity

✓ CD player

✓ 6-speaker audio setup

✓ AC with climate control

✓ Door pockets

✓ Remote fuel release

✓ Cargo cover

✓ Corner fixed, light-sensitive, automatic headlights

✓ Fog lamps (front and rear)

✓ Powered windows (front and rear)

✓ Manual anti-glare rear-view mirror

✓ Rain sensitive, intermittent wipers

✓ Metallic finessed dashboard

✓ Trip computer

✓ Digital clock

✓ 12V sockets

✓ Selectable driving mode

✓ Electric, tilt and reach, height adjustable, multi-functional steering

 

Cons of buying Kia Rondo:

✓ You will feel the Kia Rondo engine slightly underpowered and lackluster

✓ Automatic transmission is a bit unrefined

✓ Touchy throttle

✓ Lacks cruise control

✓ No steering wheel reach adjustment

✓ The noisy engine when accelerating hard

✓ Sharp-edged crash-through

✓ Unsatisfactory mid-corner bump absorption

✓ Minimalistic infotainment display

 

Final verdict:

In short, Kia Rondo is an ultra-practical wagon bringing plenty of well-laid features. Consider it a hidden gem worthy of a chance. It comes with honest, functional, and easy-to-love mechanics. This small wagon boasts several desirable attributes all at a market competitive price. The key appeal is its long warranty coverage. Being a nimble on-road performer, it is a smaller alternative to compact SUVs.

 

Well, if you are still confused about purchasing a used car especially when it is too old, you can use extra help. Visit our site to get your vehicle’s theft, accidental, and driving history that will assist you in clearing your decision. You can get the desired history in no time from our 24/7 online portal Quick Revs.