Review: Kia UN Rondo 7 (2008-13)

Review: Kia UN.I Rondo 7 (2008-10)

Overview

Released in April 2008, the Kia UN Series I (UN.I) Rondo 7 was a seven seat people mover. Manufactured in Gwangju, South Korea, the front-wheel drive Rondo 7 was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The Rondo 7 range consisted of three variants: the entry-level LX, mid-range EX and range-topping EX-L.

G4KA engine

The 2.0-litre G4KA ‘Theta’ petrol engine had an aluminium block and cylinder head, double overhead camshafts (chain-driven), four valves per cylinder, continuously variable intake valve timing (CVVT) and a compression ratio of 10.5:1.

Dimensions and suspension

Sharing its platform with the MG Magentis , albeit with a unique rear floor, the Rondo 7 was 4545 mm long, 1820 mm wide, 1650 mm high and had a 2700 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the Rondo 7 was fitted with MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Rondo 7 LX and EX comprised dual front airbags ABS, electronic brake force distribution, traction control, electronic stability control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. Beyond this, the EX-L was also fitted with front side airbags and full length curtain airbags. From December 2009, the EX was also fitted with front side airbags and full length curtain airbags, while the EX-L received a rear camera.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , the Rondo received a four star adult occupant protection rating when fitted with dual front airbags, front side airbags and curtain airbags – as per the EX-L variant – with a score of 27.21 out of 37. In the frontal offset crash test, protection from serious chest and leg injury was marginal for the driver and foot protection was weak due to clutch pedal movement.

Features: Rondo 7 LX, EX and EX-L

Standard features for the Rondo 7 LX included a six speaker sound system with CD player, MP3-compatibility and auxiliary inputs, air conditioning, automatic headlights, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a tilt adjustable steering column, height adjustable driver’s seat, 12 volt power outlets, an alarm and immobiliser. Inside, both the second and third rows of seats could split (60/40 and 50/50 respectively) and fold flat into the floor.

Compared to the LX, the Rondo 7 EX was further equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, upgraded interior cloth trim, front fog lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel and leather gear shift and roof rails. Finally, the range-topping Rondo 7 EX-L was differentiated by its climate control air conditioning, leather seats and powered tilt/slide sunroof.

Review: Kia UN.II Rondo 7 (2010-13)

Overview

Released in October 2010, the UN Series II (UN.II) Rondo 7 introduced a revised range, improved safety equipment and additional standard features. The range itself consisted of Si and SLi variants, although the engines and transmissions were carried over.

Safety equipment

Compared to its UN.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the UN.II Rondo 7 was extended to include front side airbags and full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for all three rows of occupants). The SLi variant was further equipped with active front seat head restraints.

Features: Rondo 7 Si and SLi

Compared to its EX predecessor, standard features for the UN.II Rondo 7 Si were extended to include 15-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth connectivity and a multi-function steering wheel.

Compared to the Si, the SLi added 17-inch alloy wheels, climate control air conditioning, leather seats, front fog lights and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob. The SLi was also fitted with roof rails and could be identified by its chrome grille and door handles.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Kia Carens