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2014 Rondo (Carens)

40 messages,  Last post on May 14, 2013 at 8:27 PM

You are in the Kia Rondo Forum.

What is this discussion about? Kia Rondo, Car Buying, Wagon

Messages Page 4 of 5

#25 of 40 Re: 2014 Kia Rondo [bgw] by conwelpic

Feb 28, 2013 (3:24 pm)

Replying to: bgw (Feb 28, 2013 4:47 am)
hi, its been a while Yes I took those photos at the Toronto auto show. It was a bit awkward as it was locked with just the front windows open and surrounded with a glass fence. I was looking forward to going over it in detail due to my past ownership of one.
I was checking back and my '08 Rondo with the 2.4L was only 162hp at the time and never encountered any power problems with it but then mine was only a 5-seater model. I have heard rumours that a 2.4L maybe an optional engine but at a later time, but no confirmation on that. Still haven't see the Canadian specs for this new model but will post as soon as they become available to me.
Hard to compare old to new as they are so dramatically different vehicles, the only carry over is the name. That front windshield has a massive slope on it (one thing that really stood out to me when I first saw it), so they must have done extensive wind tunnel testing on it. It's the same height as my Soul, its the virtually the same length as the old one but with a 2" longer wheelbase which has got to help with interior room.

#26 of 40 wins award by conwelpic

Mar 13, 2013 (8:50 am)

the all new Carens/Rondo won the prestigious Red Dot design award in Europe.
 
The new model is now in full production starting in February, so we should see it on our Canadian shores in the next month or two.

#27 of 40 2014 Rondo Canadian MSRP by conwelpic

Mar 26, 2013 (10:54 am)

Here's the MSRP for the Canadian models:
 
LX MT - $21,695
LX AT - $23,995
LX AT 7-seat - $25,195
 
EX AT - $26,995
EX AT 7-seat - $28,195
EX Luxury - $32,195
 
if any Canadians want spec details, let me know and I will post it.

#28 of 40 new site by conwelpic

Apr 05, 2013 (3:51 pm)

new microsite on the all new Rondo http://www.kia.ca/rondo/index.html

#29 of 40 Re: new site [conwelpic] by bgw

Apr 07, 2013 (4:12 pm)

Replying to: conwelpic (Apr 05, 2013 3:51 pm)
Hey conwelpic,
I just looked at the site you mentioned. Pretty nice vehicle! I signed up for more info. Too bad there isn't a V6, since both our Rondo's were V6's, but I wonder if the 6sp manual would be available in the EX? Hmmmmm.

#30 of 40 Re: new site [bgw] by conwelpic

Apr 08, 2013 (6:44 am)

Replying to: bgw (Apr 07, 2013 4:12 pm)
Sorry but no V6 anymore, just one engine now the 2.0L Nu GDI and also the 6 speed manual will only be available in the base LX 5-seater model. The 6 speed auto does have the manual shift capability like the older previous transmission. However the new model is 300 lbs lighter than the previous one. I have full details info, so any specific question just ask.

#31 of 40 some specs of the old version vs the new by conwelpic

Apr 16, 2013 (9:41 am)

#32 of 40 test drove a 2014 Rondo EX by conwelpic

Apr 23, 2013 (6:37 am)

I drove the 2014 Rondo EX yesterday in the 5-seater version (the only one they had available) and my wife and I took it out for a drive on the 401 (interstate type highway), and noted (maybe not precise), but at 90 kmph = 2000 rpm, 100 = 2200, 110 = 2500, 120 = 2700. Forget what it says on paper, if you didn't know what was under the hood you wouldn't have guessed it was a 2.0L. It has lots of power for accelerating from the entry ramp and from going from say 90 - 120 kmph without any problem or hesitation. It would drop a gear quick if necessary to do this, but the engine noise was subdued (at least compared to my 2.0L Soul engine). It was quiet, at idle with no radio on and conditions around you very quiet you can just barely hear the engine ticking over. I would not say the ride over bumps was "cushy" so you will feel them but not harsh.
 
Conclusion: In my particular case as I used to own a '08 Rondo EX 2.4L, I find this engine more than adequate (easily matches the 2.4L) for my particular use and in fact if I was to purchase a Rondo again, the model I drove would be the configuration I would purchase (just not the colour). It has a lot more features than my old EX, like folding outside mirrors, leather seating, push-button start (first time I've driven a car with that feature), auto climate control, rear centre armrest, sliding rear seats that partially recline. Things were a little tight on this vehicle as it only had 54 km on it when I took it out. If you are interested in this type of vehicle, before you pass judgement due to the engine size, drive it first.
 
I took a lot of photos going over the vehicle in extreme detail (it has some neat stuff) and will start posting them on this thread as soon as can get them sorted out and organized.

#33 of 40 Re: test drove a 2014 Rondo EX [conwelpic] by bgw

Apr 23, 2013 (1:58 pm)

Replying to: conwelpic (Apr 23, 2013 6:37 am)
Conwelpic, your posts are always informative. Looking forward to the photos.

#34 of 40 Re: test drove a 2014 Rondo EX [bgw] by conwelpic

Apr 23, 2013 (3:31 pm)

Replying to: bgw (Apr 23, 2013 1:58 pm)
there is many photos here's a few to start off. I also forgot to mention that I noticed the front seats were very nicely bolstered too. (right click and select view picture to see all of it, as they are chopped off in the this initial view)
 

 
something that is not in the current model, the 2nd row seats slide and partially recline. Also there is a centre armrest with cupholders.

 

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