Kia has unveiled the all-new seven-seat Rondo people mover (called ‘Carens’ in Europe) at the Paris Motor Show.
The all-new Kia Rondo heads-down a completely different design route than the current secnd-generation version – the newcomer adopting a sporty, aerodynamic/cab-forward look which again reinforced Kia’s pre-eminent position as a design-lead automotive company. In Europe, the Kia Rondo will be sold with either five or seven seats and those sleek new looks have delivered a longer wheelbase which means extra interior space.
Interestingly, at 4.5-metres in length, the all-new Kia Rondo is actually 20mm shorter, 15mm narrower and 40mm shorter than the current model but the wheelbase is 50mm longer, combining with the A-pillar moving forwards (its base now above the front axle centre-line) to deliver the much-appreciated extra room inside.
In keeping with its role as a family vehicle, the all-new Kia Rondo ramps-up the interior versatility with features such as the front passenger seat which can fold flat to handle extra-long loads, the second row comprises three individual seats which can slide and fold separately and the third row split-folds 50/50 and can be folded away when not in use. There’s also air-conditioning vents for the third row passengers and a wide rear-vision mirror enables parents seated-up-front to keep an eye on youngsters in the rear.
In Europe, Kia will launch the all-new Carens (Rondo) with a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines. Petrol comes in the form of a 2.0-litre (130kW/211Nm) and 1.6-litre GDI (99kW/165Nm), while the diesel lineup comprises two versions of Kia’s 1.7-litre turbo-diesel – one with 85kW/260Nm and the other with 100kW/330Nm.
Locally, we expect Kia Australia will stick with the 2.0-litre petrol engine for the all-new Rondo and hopefully this will be supplemented with the high-performance 2.0-litre turbo-diesel.
Drive is via six-speed manual and automatic transmissions.
Underneath is a completely new chassis with MacPherson strut front/torsion beam suspension and electric power steering with Kia’s new FlexSteer system.
Kia Australia will announce the local details of the all-new Rondo closer to launch.
