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Back to October 2012 Motorsports News Archive
| 23-10-2012 at 02:00: Kia Shows Off All-new Rondo | |
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The Rondo has a choice of four different powertrains, Australian specifications not yet released, and offers seven seats and a broad range of convenience and safety features. The Rondo is the third-generation and is set to attract even more customers to the Kia brand. “The all-new Rondo enhances Kia’s presence in a segment that, in Europe, is one of the most important and competitive new car categories,” said Tony Barlow, Kia Motors Australia’s Chief Operating Officer. “For Australia, the segment is much smaller but in the stylish new Rondo we believe we have a car that will give a viable and attractive option to those who have a need for extra seating but do not wish to drive an SUV. “The new Rondo will have great appeal to families with an active lifestyle who don‘t want to compromise between style and practicality.” Measuring up against the outgoing model the new Kia Rondo is 20mm shorter, 15mm narrower and 40mm lower. Its overall height (1610mm) is the same as the Kia Soul and is one of the lowest in class which gives the model a sporty appearance. Cabin space is generous thanks to the new model’s increased wheelbase (up by 50mm) and cab-forward design which places the base of the A-pillar above the front-wheel centre line. To deliver the maximum carrying versatility expected by MPV customers, the front passenger seat backrest can fold forwards, the second row features three individual sliding/folding seats split 33/33/33 and the third row seats split 50/50 and fold flat into the trunk floor when not required. A comfortable environment for the driver and passengers is assured by either manual or automatic air-conditioning depending on model, rear air vents and optional side window blinds. A special wide-angle mirror in the overhead console allows parents to safely monitor their children while on the move. Storage compartments are conveniently located throughout the new Rondo with under-seat drawers, under-floor storage boxes, a deep centre console cubby hole and large door pockets. Cruise control with a speed limiter will be standard on all models. Available features will include an electric parking brake, smart key with engine start/stop button, a six-speaker audio system with optional amplifier and sub-woofer, puddle lights in the exterior front door handles, and an optional large powered panoramic glass sunroof. In Europe, Rondo will have a choice of four engines. Two diesel and two petrol power units, which offer a broader power spread than the previous model – ranging from 84.6 kW to 130 kW with competitive fuel economy and CO2 emissions from 118 to 167 g/km for manual models. The 1.7-litre diesel engine is already popular in a variety of Kia vehicles around the world and in new Rondo it will be available in two versions. The low power version generates 84.6 kW maximum power and 260 Nm maximum torque. The high power unit produces 100 kW and 330 Nm. To help optimise the balance between performance and economy, every new Rondo will be fitted with a six-speed transmission. Low first and second gear ratios boost low-speed acceleration, while high top (sixth) gear ratios allow low engine revs during high-speed cruising – reducing cabin noise, enhancing refinement and lowering fuel consumption. In Europe, an all-disc braking system – with 300 mm ventilated front, and 284 mm solid rear discs – is standard on all models. The performance of the braking system is supported by ABS anti-lock, electronic brake force distribution and emergency ‘brake assist’ systems. Braking from 100 kph takes 40.8 metres. The standard wheel and tyre package for Europe is a 16-inch steel wheel with 205/55 R16 low rolling resistance tyres, or similar size alloy wheels. To suit customer preference, new 17-inch silver and 18-inch dark grey alloy wheels with lower-profile tyres are also available. Kia has a strong record for producing vehicles that offer customers high levels of active and passive safety technology. The all-new bodyshell created for the new Rondo incorporates Kia’s latest CAD techniques and structural lessons from recent Kia models. Manufactured with a high percentage of high-strength steel, the new bodyshell will contribute to new Rondo earning an anticipated 5-Star rating in Euro NCAP and ANCAP crash safety tests. Innovative ‘active’ safety features available for the new Rondo in some markets will include LDWS (Lane Departure Warning System) and SPAS (Smart Parking Assist System). LDWS uses a forward-facing video camera to monitor the car’s position in relation to lane markings and triggers a warning in case of unintended lane departures at speeds above 60 kph. SPAS features automatic steering control by ultrasonic sensors and an on-board computer to safely perform parallel parking. The computer ‘takes over’ the task of steering, while the driver remains in control of the accelerator and brake. Safety during parking manoeuvres can be enhanced by using the available rear-view safety camera, while visibility during night-time driving can be enhanced by specifying HID Xenon headlamps. Kia Motors Australia will launch the new Rondo in 2013 with the list of features and engine specifications to be confirmed. Photos by Rudi Khoury |
Kia’s all-new Rondo come out from under the covers last week at the opening of the Australian International Motor Show and the new compact MPV is designed for modern families.
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