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The world outside of North America appears to move from one place to reduced in vehicles. Go to Europe or Asia, and on the whole, just about everything on wheels is two-thirds to three-quarters of size; hatchbacks, family sedans and mini. Small cars are not connected to other markets, you have the spirit, but have long been this way due to narrow roads and decades of extremely expensive fuel. Yet, despite our dramatic increase in fuel prices over the last year or two, getting small is not a trend here, rather than the norm. The trend continues to grow, however, especially with vans and Kia proactive decision to offer its great hall of small Rondo in North America gave birth to a secure place in the mini-market, ahead of the storm thats will certainly follow.

But what exactly is the Rondo? Its upper part and the part mini sedan, which is a sort of junior-sized crossover vehicle. North America has seen a couple of these carriers family before - Mitsubishi Expo/CR-V, and Eagle Dodge Colt Vista Vista, the Nissan Axxess and the Honda Civic Wagon - but in reality, the only thing at which it is now competing with the Mazda5 Maybe, in size anyway, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class. Kia quote aloud and hatchback - a direct rival, however, as the Dodge Caliber and Toyota Matrix, but they do offer the van-like stature and practicality than Rondo. And if we cannot really classify the Rondo directly as a van, as it only five seats in base trim and should sliding side doors, though minimize confusion by pretending among Europeans; well call it a mini-MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle ).

Rolling all the way from Korea in my carport this week was the EX Kia Rondo, a mid-sized family with a lot of space for a family of six persons, or any combination smaller environment. Having just emerged from a Subaru Outback, I was prepared to be less than impressed by the new Kia, mostly because the Rondo the sticker price is more than $ 1400 less than the Subaru stately. What I discovered is that the price is not everything.

In fact, my 6-foot-4 frame fit much better than the Rondo in the Outback, and with a proper adjustment of leather seats, I was enjoying left almost three inches of additional height under the moon roof. I was also surprised that this little wagon carried a third row of seats that passengers have a 50/50 split for a seat can fold flat, while others remain in place.

In fact, the two rear rows fold flat enough to handle many of your tasks dogmobile with a warning: When flat, the seats leave much “decided” to be covered to prevent loose legs or toys not get stuck . The floor to the roof hatch opens wide enough to fit at least one box (28 inches wide by 31 inches high), and there is even a small storage space under the rear floor for small toys and sweets.

But the best thing about the Rondo is the price. For a base of $20195 - $23495 or fully loaded - the Rondo EX is a good starter wagon for you and your backpack and about.

The Kia Rondo is available in two styles: LX and EX years both engines. The 2.4-liter, four-cylinder model produces 162 horsepower, while the larger, 2.7-litre, V-6 version makes 182 horsepower. Depending on the site of Kia, the total volume of passenger seats for 5 Rondo is 107.8 cubic feet, the volume of loading 31.7 cubic feet behind the second row (5 seats) and 6.5 cubic feet behind the third in row 7 - Seat model. The Rondo can tow up to 1,000 pounds. In addition to the suggested retail price, the options include a Leather Package (leather seats and trim heated seats) for an additional $ 1000 and a Premium Package with power sunroof and Infinity sound system for $1200 in addition . The third row option costs €500. The total price of the model tested is $23,495.