Sydney show: Kia ushers in Rondo

KIA has revealed the car it hopes will re-invigorate the mini-MPV market at the Australian International Motor Show.

Called the Rondo (rather than the Carens, which is used in some markets), the compact seven-seat wagon will go on sale next January.

It is a replacement for the previous-generation Carens that was introduced here in 2000 and dropped two years later due to poor sales.

Described as a crossover wagon, the new Rondo features seven seats, with the last row of two seats able to fold away into the floor.

The launch models will be available with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a choice of a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.

If the Rondo sells strongly, Kia Australia could add a diesel engine to the line-up.

Pricing is yet to be locked in, but the Rondo is expected to start from around $25,000.

It will compete with the Skoda Roomster, which was also revealed in Sydney today, along with the Renault Scenic and similar mini-MPVs.

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