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New Kia model that just sort of appeared...

caddycruiser

By caddycruiser
in Kia

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caddycruiser Newbie

caddycruiser

Posted
Posted (edited)

I usually am pretty good about staying up to date with new model intros and such, but this one isn't even on the manufacturer's website...yet, it has already appeared on a dealer's lot. What is it? The new Kia Rondo crossover.

Last I even heard anything about this, they were discussing some unmasked spy shots, and now here it is for sale (and still not on the Kia site):

http://www.dullesauto.com/Kia/273026_1.html

Posted Image

Looks pretty good, if a bit dorky, for whatever market it is covering. And still, weird that it sorta popped out of nowhere...

Edited by caddycruiser
Flybrian Newbie

Flybrian

Posted
Posted

Its being soft-marketed. As a vehicle, it looks nothing like the decent-appearing concept sketches and is a traditional Kia mismatch of other styling cues.

ocnblu Newbie

ocnblu

Posted
Posted

It's so scary ugly, it made that hairy-chested Grand Cherokee SRT-8 jump up on the sidewalk.

Looks very top-heavy.

Paolino Apprentice

Paolino

Posted
Posted

what does "soft marketed" mean?

217575[/snapback]

It's flacid.
FAPTurbo Newbie

FAPTurbo

Posted
Posted

Ew... Oh well, I have the bad feeling it'd sell.

These little SUV's are slowly losing their "rugged" looks. I know they never get taken off road, but it was a little more pleasing to the eye.

Flybrian Newbie

Flybrian

Posted
Posted

what does "soft marketed" mean?

217575[/snapback]

Its rolled out with little to no fanfare or announcement. I don't know if its intentional like the XRS - the Corolla that was so cool no one knew about or bought it - or if it just happened that way like the Suzuki Reno.

4gm Newbie

4gm

Posted
Posted (edited)

It looks like it belongs somewhere in Eastern Europe. I'm offended by it's looks and I'm not sure why.

Edited by 4gm
DetroitNut90 Newbie

DetroitNut90

Posted
Posted (edited)

It's a blob...with a really low beltline. And big eyes.

Not my cup of tea.

Edit: I just saw the interior. Reminds me of a cartoon-ish Caliber.

Edited by DetroitNut90
Farkas Newbie

Farkas

Posted
Posted (edited)

To be honest, I don't mind it. I don't find its styling to be retina scarring. I'm more worried about it holding up (literally and in value) after you drive it off the lot.

Would be a Mazda 5 competitor, or a Vibe/Matrix/HHR competitor?

Edited by Farkas
bobo Apprentice

bobo

Posted
Posted

It's not nearly as good-looking as the concept drawings had suggested, but there are more visually offending vehicles out there. Not bad for $17K.

thegriffon Newbie

thegriffon

Posted
Posted

To be honest, I don't mind it.  I don't find its styling to be retina scarring.  I'm more worried about it holding up (literally and in value) after you drive it off the lot.

Would be a Mazda 5 competitor, or a Vibe/Matrix/HHR competitor?

217708[/snapback]

Mazda5. SedonaLite, is exactly right.

They won't have much stock till next year, so they aren't actively promoting it. They sold 3 last month, and I wouldn't expect them to sell very many for some time.

!!!TED!!! Newbie

!!!TED!!!

Posted
Posted

LOL! It does look like a fat Matrix!

Kia has a way of just having models appear out of thin air. I was caught of guard by this too.

The Saturday issue of the Toronto Star Wheels section has a roadtest.

Heres a link to the online version: RONDO TEST

BlkHhr104 Newbie

BlkHhr104

Posted
Posted

Hey I have the 07 Kia booklet and I saw the 07 Spectra its not pleasing, but the 07 Amanti has an awsome interior and the 07 Sorento looks good as well, and as for this little Rondo it has like 5 or 6 colors haha I get the feeling of it not lasting long.

FAPTurbo Newbie

FAPTurbo

Posted
Posted

LOL! It does look like a fat Matrix!

Kia has a way of just having models appear out of thin air. I was caught of guard by this too.

The Saturday issue of the Toronto Star Wheels section has a roadtest.

Heres a link to the online version: RONDO TEST

217849[/snapback]

Oh great... the test gets done in my city, woohoo...

That side profile in the review makes it look atrocious... no... style... whatsoever.

Not to Jeep and Kia. Just because it's an FWD, economical runabout does NOT mean you get a pass on styling... Not these days...

caddycruiser Newbie

caddycruiser

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Still weird that it isn't even mentioned on Kia's site yet. For a lot of shoppers, I would presume they'd step on the lot and wonder what the heck the thing was...

Doesn't look bad, IMHO, just your typical somewhat gawky or weird proportioned mini crossover, which do both well and poorly. Just all depends.

MyerShift Newbie

MyerShift

Posted
Posted

Hmm.

I didn't think this was actually coming yet.

Last I knew, it was still rumoured.

And, yuck.

No thanks.

I'll take a Caliber or something else.

GMman Newbie

GMman

Posted
Posted

Looks like every other japanese/korean economy car. Stupid.

Anybody here old enough to remember the soft drink back in the 80's called Rondo?

  • 2 weeks later...
arumage Newbie

arumage

Posted
Posted

The rear end, and tiny wheels makes this vehicle a dud.

Yes, it is styling from the 1990s.

219024[/snapback]

16" wheels on the base model

17" wheels on the upper model

You're right... the wheels are too small. :stupid:

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