Plenty of features, space, comfort, and quality - all at a highly affordable price. Welcome the all new 2009 Kia Rondo, a fun-to-drive mini-van like functional wagon. A number of sought-after attributes including a choice of four-cylinder or V6 power, an amazingly versatile and high-quality interior and many standard and optional features have made the Rondo a name to reckon with. It is available in the Base, LX, and EX. Five seats are standard in the base while a third row is optional in the LX and standard in the up level EX.
Variety is the key
The Rondo steers its way towards the top position in the crowded market with an enviable ease. Kia’s fame plus innovative comfort and convenience features have made it a strong contender in its class. The Rondo was introduced to US just two years and it has already has a huge fan following.
The LX and LX V6 features 16-inch steel wheels with covers; body-colored exterior door handles; body-colored side moldings; black front grille crossbars; auto-off projection headlights; dual power remote black mirrors; and variable intermittent windshield wipers. Seventeen-inch alloy wheels; chrome exterior door handles; chrome side moldings; chrome front grille crossbars; front fog lights; and dual power heated body-colored mirrors are standard on the EX and EX V6 trims.
The interior of the 2009 Rondo consists of 60/40 multi-fold second row seats; four-way manual passenger’s seat; adjustable headrests for all rows; AM/FM/CD/MP3/SIRIUS audio system with front tweeters; USB auxiliary input jack; air conditioning; power windows; power door locks; cruise control with steering wheel mounted control buttons; tilt steering column; and center console with armrest and dual storage as standard. The 50/50 fold flat third row seats (includes second row fore/aft slide function), leather-wrapped steering wheel/gearshift knob, heated front seats, and six-way manual driver’s seat are standard on the EX and EX V6 trims.
The Plus Package with alloy wheels, Michelin tires, floor mats, and heated seats and the Premium Package with power tilt/sliding sunroof and the Infinity AM/FM/MP3/SIRIUS 315-Watt digital audio system with an in-dash 6-CD changer and navigation are the available packages.
Upgraded engines and performance
The Rondo’s engines have been upgraded for 2009. The standard 2.4L four cylinder engine now generates 175 horsepower (A four-speed automatic is the only transmission available) and delivers 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined while the optional 2.7L V6 that churns out a little bit more -192 horsepower is rated at 18/26/21 mpg (A five-speed automatic is standard).
Safety is priority
Kia has given high priority to the safety. The 2009 Kia Rondo comes with a long list of standard safety features that includes important aspects such as six airbags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control.
Three-point seat belts for all seating positions; energy-absorbing steering column; frontal active headrests; front active headrests; front seat-belt pre-tensioners with force limiters; lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH); airbag and seat-belt Latch sensors; and tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) are also standard.
The 2009 Kia Rondo has received a five-star safety rating in frontal-impact tests from the US government.
