Review: Kia RP.I Rondo (2013-16)

Overview

Released in June 2013, the Kia RP Rondo 7 was a compact, front-wheel drive people mover. Manufactured in Gwang-ju, South Korea, Kia described the Rondo as having ‘5+2’ seats as the third row of seats was best-suited to smaller children. The Rondo was available with 2.0-litre petrol and 1.7-litre turbo-diesel engines, both of which were mated to six-speed automatic transmissions. Beyond the drivetrains, the Rondo range consisted of Si, SLi and Platinum variants.

In July 2015, the Rondo 7 range was revised as the turbo-diesel engines were withdrawn and SLi variants discontinued.

G4NC petrol and D4FD diesel engines

Of the engines,

the 2.0-litre G4NC ‘Nu’ petrol engine had an aluminium cylinder block and head, direct fuel injection, double overhead camshafts, continuously variable intake and exhaust valve timing (D-CVVT), four valves per cylinder, compression ratio of 11.5:1; and,
the 1.7-litre D4FD ‘U2’ turbo-diesel engine had a cast iron block, an aluminium cylinder head, common-rail injection (operating at 1800 bar), a variable geometry turbocharger, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and compression ratio of 17.0:1.

Kia RP Rondo 7 specifications
Engine	Variant	Years	Trans.	Peak power	Peak torque
2.0-litre petrol I4	Si	2013-16	6sp auto	122 kW at 6500 rpm	213 Nm at 4700 rpm
	SLi	2013-15
	Platinum	2013-16
1.7-litre turbo-diesel I4	Si, SLi	2013-15	6sp auto	100 kW at 4000 rpm	320 Nm at 1750-2500 rpm

Dimensions and interior

Compared to its Kia UN Rondo 7 which it replaced, the RP Rondo was 20 mm shorter (at 4525 mm), 15 mm narrower (1805 mm) and 40 mm lower (1610 mm), though wheelbase length increased by 50 mm (to 2750 mm). Furthermore, an increased proportion of high strength steel contributed to an increase in torsional rigidity of 64 per cent.

Inside, the second row of seats consisted of three individual sliding and folding seats (split 35:30:35), while the third row seats could split 50:50 and fold flat into the floor. In SLi and Platinum variants, the front passenger seat could also fold flat. Storage compartments included under-seat drawers, under-floor storage boxes, the centre console and large door pockets.

Suspension and steering

The Kia RP Rondo 7 had MacPherson strut front suspension and a coupled torsion beam rear axle (CTBA). Furthermore, the Rondo had an electric power-assisted steering system with a combined torque/angle sensor to offset side wind gusts, while the ‘FlexSteer’ function enabled the driver to select from three levels of steering assistance: Normal, Sport and Comfort.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Kia Rondo 7 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Brakes

The Kia Rondo had 300 mm ventilated front brake discs and 284 mm solid rear discs.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , the RP Rondo – fitted with a 1.7-litre turbo-diesel engine – received a five star safety rating which included a 94 per cent adult occupant protection rating and a 76 per cent child occupant protection rating. In the offset crash test, occupant protection was generally rated as good, though adequate ratings were given for protection of the driver’s chest and lower leg. Maximum points were awarded in the side impact test; in the more severe pole test, however, chest protection was rated as marginal.

Features: Rondo Si

Standard features for Kia Rondo Si included 16-inch alloy wheels with 205/55 R16 tyres, a six speaker sound system with a CD player, MP3-compatibility, auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/iPod), Bluetooth connectivity and a 4.3-inch colour touch screen, air conditioning, cloth seats, a six-way adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control (with speed limiter), front and rear fog lights, rear parking sensors, a reversing camera with parking guidelines, automatic headlights, remote central locking with keyless entry, power windows and heated mirrors, power folding mirrors, four 12 volt power outlets, a powered tailgate, trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.

Features: Rondo SLi

The Rondo 7 SLi was further equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/45 R17 tyres, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, leather seat trim, a ten-way power adjustable driver’s seat, daytime LED running lights, front parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, steering wheel gearshift paddles, an electrochromic rear view mirror, roof rails and privacy glass. Visually, the SLi and Platinum variants could be identified by their piano black grille mesh, integrated door mirror indicators and chrome highlights.

Features: Rondo Platinum

The range-topping Rondo 7 Platinum was distinguished by its 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/45 R18 tyres, seven speaker sound system (including subwoofer) with an external amplifier, satellite navigation with a seven-inch touch screen, ventilated front seats, xenon headlights with washers, a heated steering wheel, cooled glovebox, proximity key with push button start, second row window blinds, powered panoramic sunroof and an electronic park brake; Platinum variants were also fitted with LED tail-lights.

Brochures

Specifications

Review: Kia RP.II Rondo (2016-18)