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Kia Rondo Platinum

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Kia Rondo SLi

Kia's all-new Rondo released

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7th June, 2013

  • All-new Rondo is a compact people mover
    - up to seven seats
  • Offering two powertrains
    - 2 litre petrol & 1.7 litre diesel

Priced from just $29,990*, Kia's third-generation Rondo is now available in Australia.

Kia’s Executive Vice-President and COO of the International Business Division, Thomas Oh, said the all-new Rondo gives Kia a strong contender for class honours in one of the most important and competitive sectors of the global market.

“Very stylish and sporty looking, new Rondo has a spacious and versatile interior with seven seats, a large cargo bay and storage compartments throughout the cabin,” Mr Oh said.

“This model will have great appeal to families with an active lifestyle who don't want to compromise between style and practicality. It is destined to attract many new customers to our showrooms and introduce them to the benefits of Kia ownership.”

Measuring 4.5-metres long, the new Kia Rondo is a more compact, but also more spacious vehicle than the previous generation model. Cabin space is generous thanks to the new model’s increased wheelbase (up by 50 mm, to 2750 mm), skilful packaging and cab-forward design which places the base of the A-pillar above the front-wheel centre line.

Overall, new Rondo is 20 mm shorter, 15 mm narrower and 40 mm lower. Its overall height (1,610 mm) is the same as the Kia Soul and is one of the lowest in class – giving the model an especially sporty appearance. The contemporary styling of new Rondo is also highlighted by standard LED positioning lights.

Despite the economic situation in some countries, Kia anticipates that global demand for C-segment compact people mover models will continue to rise over the next three years. Compact MPV sales totalled 1.9 million (all brands) around the world in 2012, and Kia predicts that this segment will grow to 2.27 million in 2014 (up 19.6%) and go on to pass the 2.5 million mark in 2015.

Sales of the second-generation Kia Rondo between 2006 and 2012 reached 420,000 units. When new Rondo is on sale in all markets (2014) Kia is planning to manufacture 105,000 units annually – exclusively supplied from its Gwang-ju plant in Korea.

STYLING & DESIGN

Sleek aerodynamics and a dramatic cab-forward design

The all-new Kia Rondo is a completely fresh model from the ground up, and its sleek and sculpted design marks a dramatic shift away from the look of its predecessor. It builds on the functionality and versatility of the original Rondo, with a spacious seven-seat lay out, a generously proportioned luggage bay and numerous stowage spaces, and wraps this family-friendly adaptability in more purposeful sheet metal.

“I wanted to give the new Rondo a sleeker look and feel, to create a design that envelops its functionality and versatility in something altogether more athletic and dynamic,” says Peter Schreyer, President and Chief Design Officer, Kia Motors.

“This new-found visual dynamism is important – this car needs to look appealing and attractive – but during its design and development stages, we never lost sight of the fact that packaging flexibility and adaptability are the reasons why people buy this type of vehicle,” comments Schreyer.

Both Schreyer and Gregory Guillaume, Kia’s Chief Designer Europe, are candid when discussing the design of the new Rondo. “A vehicle like the Rondo is probably one of the hardest of all to get right, in terms of styling, because we are very tightly constrained by the car’s functionality. That packaging versatility cannot in any way be compromised by the design of the car, because to do so would eradicate the car’s raison d'être,” comments Guillaume.

Schreyer and Guillaume’s team made subtle styling cues to enhance the new Rondo’s elegant and balanced proportions and deliver an air of sophistication and refinement. As an example, Schreyer singles out the understated chrome beltline strip that runs from the base of the windscreen, along the lower level of windows and curls up to meet the C-pillar on the SLi and Platinum models. “This element not only adds a premium feel to the clean-cut exterior, but also creates a visual link with the new Sportage, which features the same design motif,” he explains.

One of Schreyer’s design goals was improved visibility – a key element for safe driving, particularly in congested urban areas. “The base of the new Rondo’s windscreen is very low and this works with the front quarter windows and the low and wide sweeping dashboard design to deliver excellent visibility,” adds Schreyer. The panoramic glass roof (Platinum)  that floods the cabin with light further enhances the interior’s sense of spaciousness.

Similarly, the Rondo design team worked hard on ensuring the front and rear overhangs (940mm and 835 mm respectively) were kept as short as possible to boost manoeuvrability when parking and negotiating city traffic.

Neat styling touches abound – the integrated roof rails on the SLi and Platinum models, the sleek rear spoiler, the 35/30/35 split second-row seats that feature fore and aft adjustment, and Kia’s tactile new steering wheel.

“With its perfect balance of proportion, style and functionality, the distinctive new Rondo marks yet another successful and stylish step for Kia’s global design team,” says Schreyer. “There’s a design honesty here – the Rondo is neither over-dressed nor does it feature contrived design elements. It’s a car cleanly and elegantly defined by its functionality.”

New Rondo external size and proportions, together with careful attention to surface detailing and airflow-smoothing panels beneath the car, have cut the Kia’s aerodynamic drag to Cd 0.30 (down from 0.32 for the previous model).

From launch in Australia the new Kia Rondo will be available in a choice of four existing exterior colours – Clear White (solid), Bright Silver (metallic), Titanium Silver (pearl metallic) and Cherry Black (pearl), plus the new Newport Blue (pearl). Later in the year, the all new Inferno Red (metallic) will join the colour palette.

COMFORT & CONVENIENCE

Generous standard equipment with an extensive options list

The all-new Rondo is a truly innovative compact people mover which introduces a wealth of up-to-date, new comfort and technical features to advance every aspect of every journey for all occupants.

While the new Rondo is a family-focused vehicle, driver comfort is assured thanks to the tilt-and-telescopic adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat and the adoption of an organ-type accelerator pedal pivoting on the floor and moving in a way that matches the natural motion of the driver’s foot.

In Australia, Rondo will be offered in three specification levels - Si, SLi and Platinum - with seven seats.

The Rondo Si  model is generously equipped as standard with 16-inch alloys, cruise control, multi-function trip computer, six cup holders and four bottle holders, luggage screen with under floor storage, six-speaker audio system with MP3 compatible CD players, 4.3-inch touch control screen, Bluetooth with media streaming and steering wheel-mounted controls, manual air-conditioning, remote central locking, 6-way driver’s seat adjustment, split-fold second row seats, split fold third row seats, heated electric folding mirrors, electric windows and tinted glass.

On the safety front there is a full suite of active safety features with ABS with EBD and BA; ESC with traction control, VSM (vehicle stability management), HAC (hill assist control), reverse parking sensors, rear view camera, static cornering lamps, three-point ELR seatbelts for all passengers. There are also six airbags, front seatbelt pre-tensioners and impact sensing auto-door unlock.

Step up to the SLi and you add 17-inch alloys, front parking sensors, LED daylight running lamps, leather trim seats, fold flat front passenger seat, 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, outside side mirror-mounted indicators, puddle light on side mirrors, roof rails, privacy glass, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters,4.2-inch colour TFT instrument cluster, auto up-down on all windows and dual-zone climate control.

At the top of the tree is the want-for-nothing Platinum which adds 18-inch alloys, an electronic parking brake, smart key with push button start, HID headlamps with washers, LED rear combination lamps, panoramic sunroof, second row side window curtain blind, cooling glove box, satellite navigation with 7-inch full touch screen, climate controlled front seats and heated steering wheel.

Customers will be offered a choice of Black (one-tone) interior for the seats and cabin trim, in woven cloth or leather – depending on model.

PRACTICALITY

Up to seven seats with great people/cargo versatility

For the all-new Kia Rondo, the longer (2,750 mm) wheelbase and the latest packaging technologies have resulted in a spacious cabin with generous room for up to seven occupants and a larger cargo bay.

To deliver the maximum carrying versatility expected by customers, the front passenger seat backrest can be folded forwards (SLi and Platinum), the second row features sliding/folding seats with a 35/30/35 split and the third row seats split 50/50 and fold flat into the boot floor when not required. The second row seats can slide forwards by 240 mm to give easy access to the third row seats.

Boot space is increased by 17% (compared to the previous model), thanks to the compact design of the CTBA rear suspension which replaces the previous model’s multi-link system. The intrusion of the rear wheel arches is greatly reduced, so that the width of the boot floor is increased by 67 mm to 1,080 mm. The cargo bay is also 24 mm longer (999 mm) and 48 mm taller (499 mm up to the window) than before. To ease the task of loading cargo, the top of the rear bumper has been lowered by 15 mm.

With seven seats occupied, minimum cargo capacity is a tiny 103 litres. With the front and second row seats in use, capacity is increased to 492 litres. Up to 1,650 litres of cargo can be carried when only the front seats are occupied.  By folding the front passenger seat backrest down, narrow objects up to 2,150 mm long can be accommodated.

To meet the additional cargo hauling demands, new Rondo can carry up to 100 kg on its roof, and has a towing capability between 740 and 1,500 kg – depending on model and trailer type.

Numerous storage spaces within cabin

To ensure that new Rondo delivers the maximum versatility demanded by modern active family lifestyles, a total of 13 storage spaces are provided within the cabin.

At the front, glove box capacity is increased 23% (to 8 litres), centre console capacity is up 84% (to 4.8 litres), and the small console tray (ahead of the gear selector) holds 1.3 litres. Two large cup holders are fitted front and rear.

In the back, two new underfloor storage trays (in the second row foot wells) each have a 6.8-litre capacity. New storage pockets in each door can hold 1.0-litre (front) and 0.6-litre (rear) bottles.

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ENGINES

Petrol and diesel power from 100kW to 122kW

Australian Kia Rondo customers will have the choice of two engines across most grades with the 2.0-litre GDI petrol engine (122kW and 213Nm) available in Si, SLi and Platinum while the 1.7-litre diesel (100kW and 320Nm) will be available in the Si and SLi models.

The 2.0-litre NU GDI engine is a lightweight unit which features cast aluminium cylinder block and aluminium cylinder head. It is equipped with an offset crankshaft (to reduce friction), a low-noise timing chain, mechanical lash adjustment, variable intake valve timing and a plastic variable intake manifold and features DOHC, 16 valves and direct injection technology.

Modifications to the engine has resulted in lower C02 emissions – down to 184  g/km for the GDI engine and 170 g/km for the diesel.

The U2 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 its ‘high power’ form.  This unit produces maximum power of 100kW and torque of 320Nm from just 1,750-2,500 rpm.

TRANSMISSIONS

Six-speed transmissions for every new Rondo

Matching customers’ rising expectations, every all-new Rondo for Australia will be fitted with a six-speed  multi-mode automatic gearbox engineered and manufactured in-house.

Engineered to optimise the balance between performance and economy, the new transmission - replacing the outgoing model’s four-speed box - features lower first and second gear ratios (to boost acceleration from standstill), and high top (sixth) gear ratios allowing lower engine revs during high-speed cruising – reducing cabin noise and enhancing refinement, while also lowering both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

This transmission features two operating modes – ’Fully Automatic’ or ‘Sport’.  For city driving, fully automatic mode is ideal. The selector gate is a straight P-R-N-D arrangement, with Sport mode engaged by moving the lever away from  the driver when in D.

Sport mode allows for clutch-less sequential manual gear changes for greater driver involvement – either by pushing the selector lever (forwards for up, back for down), or by using the optional paddle-shifts on the steering wheel. Paddle shifters are available on both petrol and diesel in SLi and Platinum models.

Thanks to the new Rondo’ 58-litre fuel tank, owners should enjoy a typical range of more than 650 km between fill-ups.

RUNNING GEAR

Engineered for agility, stability, comfort and refinement

The suspension and running gear of the all-new Rondo have been comprehensively re-engineered and developed to deliver responsive handling, excellent straight-line stability, and exceptional ride quality and refinement on a wide variety of surfaces.

New Kia Rondo is equipped with MacPherson strut front suspension mounted on an all-new sub-frame to isolate the cabin from road shocks. A decreased tie rod linkage angle from 11.5 to 8.3 degrees and increased king-pin offset from 0.86 to -14.67 mm enhance straight driving stability and improve vehicle self-centering.

At the rear, the new CTBA (coupled torsion beam axle) – which replaces the previous multi-link system – features a vertically mounted shock absorber with a new impact-absorbing top mounting. The system is engineered with a strong connection between the trailing-arms and the stub-axles, and designed to reduce under-steer and bump-steer, while delivering a comfortably compliant ride.

The MDPS electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering features a combined torque/angle sensor to protect against side wind gusts. The steering’s gearing is unusually ‘quick’ for this type of vehicle with just 2.7 turns lock-to-lock to deliver responsive handling.

Kia’s new Flex Steer system is fitted as standard. This offers three different steering weights to match customer preference with Normal, Sport and Comfort modes – while leaving the gearing unchanged.

New Rondo will feature an all-disc braking system – with 300 mm ventilated front, and 284 mm solid rear discs – as standard on all models. The performance of the braking system is supported by ABS anti-lock, electronic brake force distribution and BAS emergency ‘brake assist’ systems. Kia’s tests have demonstrated that braking from 100 km/h takes 40.8 metres.

SAFETY

A stronger structure and enhanced safety systems

Kia has a record for producing vehicles that offer customers high levels of active and passive safety technology.  The all-new body shell made for the latest Rondo incorporates Kia’s latest CAD techniques and structural lessons learned from recent Kia models, especially the new-generation Cerato (Forte) models.

Manufactured with a high percentage 35.9% of high-strength steel, the new body shell is expected to achieve a 5-Star rating in Euro NCAP crash safety tests and a top score in other official national safety tests.

Computer-aided design was used to devise a three-way path to disperse frontal impact forces. The longitudinal engine bay chassis members are formed from 120 kg class high-tensile steel and constructed using large diameter welds. The body shell’s side sills are also built from 120 kg steel. A major change in the construction method for new Rondo is the introduction of structural adhesives, with more than 40 metres of adhesive applied.

The new Rondo’ body shell also benefits from additional cross members linking the front suspension towers, and forming ring-shaped structures at the base of the B-pillars, the C-pillars and around the tailgate opening.

Hot stamping is used to manufacture the B-pillars in 150 kg class steel. This production method heats steel to 900º C, then rapidly cools the steel, while simultaneously pressing it into immensely strong components with greatly enhanced crashworthiness – without adding weight.

Torsional rigidity of the new body shell is increased by 64% (over the previous model), bringing the added benefits of improving refinement and providing a stronger foundation for the suspension and steering – in turn enhancing ride comfort and steering precision.

New elements fitted to the longitudinal engine bay side members, reducing low-speed impact damage, and the rear chassis side members are strengthened – minimising distortion and reducing repair costs. An additional benefit of the CTBA rear suspension lay out is that its robust structure provides the under-seat fuel tank with added protection during a rear impact.

Advanced technology to match customers’ preferences

Available active safety equipment includes: an all-disc braking system with ABS anti-lock, BAS brake force assist system, ESC electronic stability control, HAC hill-start assist control and a VSM vehicle stability management system.

Standard passive safety kit for new Rondo includes six airbags, three-point seatbelts for all occupants and height-adjustable head restraints for all occupants. Front (SLi and Platinum) and rear (all models) parking sensors are available and work with the standard rear-view safety camera.

To maximise visibility at all times, new Rondo is fitted with an ‘opposing-type’ windscreen wiper system, with the left and right blades synchronised to rise in opposite directions, each sweeping to the A-pillar and cleaning an area which is 10% larger than with conventional systems.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

All-new Kia Rondo

Body and chassis
Five-door, seven-seater Compact People Mover, with all-steel unitary construction body shell. Choice of transversely mounted diesel and petrol engines driving the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission

Engines

Petrol

2.0-litre 122kW
Type                            Nu GDI 4-cylinder DOHC
Capacity                      1999 cc (2.0 litres)
Bore x stroke              81x97
Power                          122kW @ 6,500 rpm
Torque                         213 Nm @ 4700 rpm
Compression ratio       11.5:1
Fuelling                        RLFS. E10 compatible
Emissions rating          Euro V

Diesel

1.7-litre 100kW
Type                            U2, VGT, four-cylinder, DOHC
Capacity                      1685 cc (1.7-litres)
Bore x stroke              77.2 x 90.0 mm
Power                          100 kW @ 4000 rpm
Torque                         320 Nm @ 1,750-2,500 rpm
Compression ratio       17.0:1
Fuelling                        CRDi common-rail, high pressure injection, 16 valves
Emissions rating          Euro IV

Transmissions
                                    Petrol                                      Diesel
                                    2.0                                           1.7
Automatic                    6-sp                                         6-sp

Gear Ratios               Petrol                                      Diesel
                                    2.0  AT                                    1.7 AT
1                                  4.212                                       4.639
2                                  2.637                                       2.826
3                                  1.800                                       1.841
4                                  1.386                                       1.386
5                                  1.000                                       1.000
6                                  0.772                                       0.772
Rev                             3.385                                       3.385
Final Drive                   3.510                                       2.885

Suspension and damping
Front                           Fully independent subframe-mounted MacPherson struts, with coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers. Anti-roll stabiliser bar.
Rear                            CTBA (coupled torsion beam axle), with coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers.
Steering
Type                            MDPS motor-driven electric power steering, with Flex Steer option
Wheel turns                 2.7 lock-to-lock
Turning circle              11.0 metres

Brakes
Power                          Single 11.0-inch booster
Front                            300 x 28 mm ventilated discs
Rear                            284 x 10 mm solid discs
Assistance                   ABS with EBD
100-to-0 km/h                40.8 metres

Wheels and tyres

Standard

16 x 6.5 inch alloy

205/55 R16

 

17 x 7.0 inch alloy

225/45 R17

 

18 x 7.5 inch alloy

225/45 R18

Spare              Temporary 16-inch ‘spacesaver’ wheel/tyre

Dimensions (mm)
Exterior
Overall length              4,525
Overall width               1,805  (excluding door mirrors)
Overall height              1,610  (excluding roof rails)
Wheelbase                  2,750
Front track                  1,563-1,573
Rear track                   1,576-1,586
Front overhang             940
Rear overhang              835
Ground clearance         151
Aerodynamics              0.30 Cd

Dimensions (mm)
Interior Front                2nd row           3rd row
Head room                  1,035                1,002                867
Leg room                     1,034                  940                707
Shoulder room            1,438                1,440                1,313

Capacities (litres)
Fuel tank                     58.0

Luggage (VDA) 

103

behind 3rd row seats, to window

 

492

behind 2nd row seats, to window

 

1,650

behind front row seats, to roof

Longest object             2,150 mm         can be carried with front passenger seat folded flat
Max roof load              100 kg

Max towing capacity

740-750 kg (unbraked trailer, depending on model)

 

1,400-1,500 kg (braked trailer, depending on model)

                                    Petrol                                      Diesel
                                    2.0 AT                                     1.7 AT

Weights 
Curb weight (kg)         1,582                                        1,652
Gross weight (kg)       2,200                                        2,270

Performance
Top speed (km/h)          200                                          186
0-to-100 km/h (sec)      10.8                                         12.0

Fuel Consumption and Emissions
Litres / 100 km            7.9                                           6.4
CO2 (g/km)                 184                                          170

PRICING*

Engine

Transmission

Grade

MLP*

2.0L GDI Petrol Engine
(122 kW)

6-speed
Automatic

Si

$29,990*

SLi

$33,990*

Platinum

$38,990*

1.7L Diesel Engine
(100 kW)

Si

$32,490*

SLi

$36,490*

Optional: Premium paint is available at additional cost of $695*


NOTE:

* Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) excludes dealer delivery fees and the numerous statutory charges (commonly known as on-road costs). Additionally, please note that all prices, fees and charges are subject to change without notice, as are the specifications.

E&OE.


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