Kia Shows Off All-new Rondo at Sydney International Motor Show

SYDNEY – Oct 18, 2012: Kia will unveil an all-new Rondo at this year’s Australian International Motor Show. The new compact MPV is designed and engineered from a clean sheet to meet the needs of modern families.

With sleek aerodynamics, a cab-forward design, choice of four possible powertrains (Australian specifications are yet to be decided), low CO2 emissions (from 118 g/km), seven seats and a broad range of convenience and safety features, the new third-generation Rondo 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 4.5-metres long, the new Kia Rondo is 20mm shorter, 15mm narrower and 40mm lower than the previous generation model. Its overall height (1610mm) is the same as the Kia Soul and is one of the lowest in class – giving the model a more 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.

For the new Rondo, the long wheelbase and the latest packaging technologies have resulted in a spacious cabin with generous room for up to seven occupants.

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.

Engine specifications for the Australian market are yet to be confirmed.

Both petrol engines feature gasoline direct injection to boost power output without increasing fuel consumption. The 1.6-litre GDI engine, introduced to Australia in the award-winning Rio, generates a maximum of 99 kW and 165 Nm. The 2.0-litre unit delivers 130 kW and 211 Nm maximum torque. The fastest accelerating new Rondo, the 2.0-litre model, reaches 100 kph in 9.7 seconds and top speeds range from 181 to 203 kph.

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.

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 more utilitarian look of its predecessor.

It builds on the functionality and versatility of the original Rondo, with a spacious five-plus-two seating layout, a generously proportioned luggage bay and numerous stowage spaces, but wraps this family-friendly adaptability in more purposeful sheet metal.

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.