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Vans & Minivans Mazda Mazda5 Mazda 5 vs Kia Rondo
806 messages, Last post on Nov 26, 2009 at 2:38 PM
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Replying to: tinyguy (Dec 02, 2006 6:08 pm) The 17" wheels was a big problem that I had while looking at the Mazda 5. I researched this a little. The Mazda 5 is based on the Mazda 3 which comes stock with 15", 16" or 17" wheels depending on the package. I would guess that any of these wheels would fit the mazda 5, but you would have to try it to see. I did not want to buy a new vehicle and have to go through the hassle of changing the wheels and tires. I think that Mazda should at least offer 16" wheels as an option on the Mazda 5. Everyone knows this is not a sports car, but a mini mini van! Tire it appropriately.
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Replying to: fred222 (Dec 03, 2006 2:57 pm) The thing I am concerned about are the breaks - I remember reading while back whether 15inch rim would be able to handle the breaks in 5 (which I assume are bigger than the ones in 3). I guess 16inch rims would fit on GT unless if they use completely different system on GT vs GS. Ideal would be to get a 15 (or even 14inch) rims and get the equivalent diameter tires on narower trim. I agree 16 inch should be an option. I just read further on Rondo - their high end models (the trim level that comes with 3 rows of seats) also come with only 17inch wheels! Grrr I hope theirs is not as high profile as 5, otherwise I'm gonna have to face similar problem on Rondo. |
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| I guess we should get someone to set up a Rondo-only thread on the Kia board, but I feel this comparison thread is very relavent, as these 2 vehicles are really the only vehicles in their class in North America at this time. As much as I like the sportiness and handling of the '5' with it's 5 speed manual, the fact that the Rondo can tow (1000 kg/2200 lbs un-braked trailer, 1500-2000 kg/3300-4400lbs braked trailer(4 cyl/V6)) seals the deal for me. The fact that it has a driver/passenger armrest, standard roof rails, traction control, stability control, abs with ebd, heated seats, mirrors,wiper de-icer, 5 speed auto (with the V6) and many more comfort & convenience features + a full compliment of airbags(standard) is just icing on the cake. | |
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Replying to: tinyguy (Dec 03, 2006 4:34 pm) This is one of those things where you need to try it and see. If you already have a Mazda 5 you could take to an accommodating shop and have them try different wheels to see if they fit. If the offset is the same, the only thing you need to worry about is clearing the brakes, especially since you will be going to narrower tires to get the same diameter at the higher profile.
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Replying to: tinyguy (Dec 02, 2006 6:08 pm) That being said, I would look for taller gearing or another speed in the Mazda 5 to improve mpg numbers. Also am looking for side air bags in the base model. When I do make a purchase (within a year) I hope KIA is offering a manual transmission. The manumatics dont cut it for me. |
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I got a chance to get in a new Rondo this weekend and have to admit that I was completely blown away by the quality of materials on the interior! I own a Hyundai and a Volvo and had an inferior mindset against Kia because of its history. I am now a convert. I was expecting much more inferior trim and materials but was thrilled at what I found. Tactilely, the interior felt like a Passat or Audi even. Parts that you touch, dash, armrests, turn signals, controls, all had a very solid and rich feel to them. This may sound silly, but it really threw me. The layout is good, on the utilitarian side, but easier to get to. Also, the seating positions are much more upright. You feel like you sit on the seats instead of in them. With the large amount of glass in the cabin, it was a very commanding driving position and easy to see in all directions. My local dealer outside of Philly had 3 on the lot and they are finding me a V6 EX. Looks like a Merry Christmas for the wife. Had looked very seriously at the Mazda5, and can even get an S-plan discount on it. Love the whole Zoom-Zoom thing and loved the 3 when I drove it. However, I can't imagine the 4-cyl keeping up on the PA turnpike with 2 kids and luggage. Can't picture the AC working in the 3rd row during Philly summers. I liked the look of the 5 better, the sliding doors were more practical, but noisier at speed. Overall, a tough call, but in the end, a V6, better warranty, better kit, more space and 5 speed auto win out. Reviews from What Car and other Euro mags give this latest version great reviews and Kia has won another convert. |
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| Need to get something for my 86-year-old mother. She needs something she doesn't have to climb up into, or scrunch down into. She wants good all-round vision. Needs an auto. We live at 5,000+feet, which saps engine power. The V-6 should help. Looking at the LX V6 -- with "Convenience Package" [cruise, keyless], roof rack crossbars and mats, it's still under $20K. | |
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Replying to: fred222 (Dec 04, 2006 8:15 am) 1. The 17 inch wheels. They are designed for performance: to give the 5 better handling than you would achieve in a typical van or tall wagon. They are, consequently, summer oriented and thus leave something to be desired in the snow and ice here in the northeast. For those of you in warmer climates, it is a non-issue. And they are NOT run-flats. 2. The 5 will take a 16" wheel, but NOT a 15" wheel. The 15" wheels will not clear the brake calipers. Last winter I bought a set of 16" wheels with dedicated snow tires on them, so now I simply switch them over each season. This helps the 5 perform better in the different seasons, and allows each set of tires to last that much longer. 3. The 5 does have a Tire Pressure Warning System, "TPWS". but only on the models with the factory navigation. Be advised though, that any vehicle, 5, Kia, or otherwise, which has a TPWS, you will not be able to mount aftermarket wheels and tires on them unless the manufacturer's valve stems will fit, otherwise the TPWS idiot light and buzzer will continue to flash and beep until it wears out, which will be long after you have lost your sanity. 4. The reason the 5's front passenger seat does not have a left armrest is because if it did, you would not be able to open the center console lid. This seems to be a personal preference thing. For us, this was not a concern, as none of our other cars ever had, nor do they now have, armrests. 5. The second and third row seats can be folded down flat with the headrests in place, they just need to be lowered first. 6. Unless you drive with a lead foot, the 5 should provide mid 20's city driving and near 30 on the highway, especially with the standard transmission, as that is what we get. The mileage will improve as the vehicle is broken in, as do most vehicles today. I haven't seen a Rondo in person, but the interior storage in the 5 is much greater than all of its other competitors in my opinion. The transmission is wonderfully smooth, responsive and it drives great. And with over 13,000 miles, we have not had a single issue with the car. Zoom zoom.
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Replying to: edf4 (Dec 04, 2006 4:34 pm) I'm looking forward to seeing one up close. I saw one in the dealer parking lot as I was driving by, but they were closed already. |
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Kia's tow ratings seem a bit optimistic at 1st glance. That said I have towed my 2000lb bass boat behind a Plymouth Colt Vista with a 2.4L, 136 HP & currently use a Forester with a 2.5L 165 HP motor. Both do reasonably well including going across the North Cascade passes (from sea level to 3,000' - not without some huffing & puffing!  ). I have been told that the same cars in Europe have significantly higher tow ratings than their USA counterparts. Something to do with liability issues in the good ol' litigous USA. Perhaps Kia is sticking with the Euro ratings. If I got one, I would opt for the V6 if I were planning to tow over 1,500lbs. Another consideration would be does the transmission have a oil cooler as heat is an AT killer (my Colt tranny gave up at 85,000 miles). If it does not have a tranny cooler & you expect to tow long distances in 80 + temps, an aftermarket cooler would be a good investment. Last but not least, what is the Kia fine print on the warranty if the vehicle is used for towning? So far, all the CDN review have been extremely complimentary of this newest Kia. The more I read, the more it sounds like Kia has a real winner in the Rondo! It will be interesting to see what the reviews have to say once they get to drive the Rondo for a few days.
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