2011 Kia Rondo Review
Price
from: RM83,694
to: RM87,590
Installment
from: RM798/mth
to: RM835/mth
2011 Kia Rondo at a glance
The 2011 Kia Rondo shows how much Kia has progressed through the years. With a solid-feeling cabin and spacious, versatile interior, the 2011 Kia Rondo offers plenty of value for the class-undercutting price it is asking for.
2011 Kia Rondo quick specs
| Body Style | MPV |
| Class | Mid-size Utility |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
2011 Kia Rondo ratings (overall rating : 3/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
From the last-generation Kia Citra, the current Kia Rondo has grown up a lot as a package, but design-wise, the difference is less pronounced. The 2011 Kia Rondo now looks sharper if not much nicer, wearing a compact design that masks the generous amounts of room inside. The dashboard design is one of clarity, with well-placed controls throughout.
Handling
The 2011 Kia Rondo is a compact people carrier, which should put expectations into perspective. The considerable body lean and feel-deficient steering are hardly encouraging, while the grip level is no more than moderate. Having said that, the handling is safe and predictable. This is a car for transportation than for driving pleasure.
Comfort
The comfort-biased suspension serves up a supple ride, but bigger bumps can unsettle the ride. Wind and road noise are noticeable at cruising speeds, and the engine can be more refined when hurried. Drivers get seat height adjustments and tilt steering column, which should be sufficient for most to attain their preferred driving position. All controls are well-placed and simple to operate, providing for good user ergonomics.
Quality + Reliability
Kia, like Hyundai, has consistently produced cars which are sturdily assembled and reliable over time. And this holds true for the 2011 Kia Rondo. The cabin is solidly constructed, but once again, we would love more appealing and softer-to-touch plastics. If the Kia Citra is any indication, the 2011 Kia Rondo should at least be as reliable.
Performance
The 2.0-litre DOHC CVVT is mated to a four-speed automatic gearbox. The output of 143 bhp and 189 Nm feels underwhelming on the roads, and that is before seven people and their luggage on board. The 2.0-litre can be noisy when strained, but there is little choice if you want decent acceleration while carrying full load.
Roominess
The 2011 Kia Rondo offers plenty of room for its compact size. There are seven seats, of which the front two and middle three occupants get to sit in comfort, while those relegated to the last row can still enjoy decent room as long as the middle row is not slid back to the maximum. The boot capacity is predictably limited with all seven seats in place. But when the need arises, middle seats can 60:40 split-fold, rearmost seats can 50:50 split-fold, and all five rear seats can fold flat for additional space.
Running Costs
The 2.0-litre has a respectable fuel economy of 11.9 km/litre. Servicing should be affordable. Depreciation will be the main concern as the Kia/Naza badge inspires less confidence in the second-hand market compared to more established brands. Buyers of the Kia Rondo should expect to see more depreciation than for highly regarded rivals like the Honda Stream and Toyota Wish.
Value for Money
There are more expensive mid-size MPVs such as the Toyota Wish, Honda Stream or Mazda 5. Then there are lower-costing ones such as the Nissan Livina and Toyota Avanza. The 2011 Kia Rondo is positioned against the more premium mid-size MPVs at prices lower than the Nissan Livina's. As a people-carrier, the 2011 Kia Rondo carries out its purpose well at a very reasonable price, while at the same time showing how much Kia has progressed through the years.
Equipment
The 2011 Kia Rondo EX comes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), dual front airbags, child lock, manual air-conditioning, trip computer, roof rack, side mirrors with LED indicators and electronic folding, power windows, 15-inch alloy wheels, front fog lamps, keyless entry, alarm system and immobiliser, and Radio/CD/MP3 player with four speakers. The EXS variant adds automatic climate control, steering wheel mounted audio control, 16-inch alloy wheels and adjustable roof rack.
Environment
A carbon dioxide emission level of 200 g/km from the 2.0-litre can be considered inefficient, but the fuel economy is at least respectable. Japanese and European rivals are more environmentally-aware due to their strict environmental regulations back home. Keep in mind that constantly carrying seven on board will lower the carbon dioxide emitted per passenger, something many five-seater sedans/SUVs cannot do.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Solid-feeling cabin
Spacious, versatile interior
Value for money
Mediocre handling
Cabin plastics can be better
Underwhelming engine performance
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