| NICE PRICE NAZA-KIA RONDO WORDS & PHOTOS: MEL LEE Featured: December 2008 |
Strange name, Rondo. It makes you think of something round or rotund, which,
come to think of it, basically describes the NazaKia’s new midsized MPV.
The Rondo is actually the revised Citra. There is even a tagged-on decal - Citra
II – at the back of the car to confirms it. I guess that is one way of reassuring
those not sure about the new model that it is okay to trust in it as there are
thousands of the former version running around. But then, it could also work the
other way as there must be many people not exactly enamoured with the Naza
offering.
The body shape has not been altered but the Rondo had been rounded off. This
MPV is rotund, and almost featureless in styling cues. It looks like a template for
the genre. The details that differentiate the Citra from its rivals have been
worked out of the Rondo, leaving it plain and simple. The Citra was no great
looker, which means that the Rondo would easily be invisible, more so in black
as it is hard to make out individual sections. Many of the parts and sections are
colour-matched to the body. It is interesting to see who will like the looks of the
Rondo enough to buy it. I cannot recall seeing any new model made to look as
low-key as this one.
Inside, it is quite overwhelmingly dark Korean plastics, the sort with a slimy
sheen. There is no smell (or slime) but it is hardly the epitome of class, and
desirability. There is the durability factor but with our sort of sunlight you would
have to regularly treat the surfaces to something like Armor-all to prevent them
from looking tired and faded.
The dashboard looks like it was moulded in one piece, with raised ‘bug-eyed’
vents for ventilation. Thankfully, Kia did not opt for a central binnacle, otherwise
it would look like the cabin of a Perodua Kancil; the treatment is that similar.
A bit of definition is offered by the central console, which tapers to the gearshift,
the position which is halfway between that of the conventional floor-mounted
version and the dash-mounted design. Ergonomics is commendable for the
essential stuff.
A foot-operated parking brake made it possible to keep the space between the
front seats clear. This has been put to good use, in the form of loads of cubby
spaces.
The steering wheel also looks like it was injection-moulded in one piece. But it
has side mounted buttons to add a bit of dash (only for the EXS). However, only
one bank is in use - for the stereo control; the other side is a set of dummy
switches.
What is highly commendable is the presentation of cubby spaces in the cabin;
there seem to be a spot for everything and anything you can think of. This is
sure to please and impress the occupants, both male and female.
The equipment list, too, is pretty impressive. Even the base model comes with a
6-speaker sound system with MP3 playback, a trip computer, a rear air-cond
vent, folding door mirrors with LED indicators, and a 1-touch up/down power
assist for the driver’s window, among other things.
The driver’s seat has 6-wayadjust while the front passenger’s has 4-way. There
are cupholders in every row of seats. The car comes standard with ABS, EBD,
two airbags in front, side-impact door beams, energy absorbing steering column
and crumble zone in the front. The Rondo has earned a 5-star frontal crash
rating from NHTSA.
Built on the platform of the Optima, the Rondo comes across as a relatively
generous 7-seater.The rearmost seats are split 50:50, and fold away completely
flat. The second row has a 40:60 split/fold feature, as well as a fore-and-aft
adjustment of almost a foot. Clearly, the versatility of the seats is a key selling
point of the Rondo.
Configuring them is not a daunting task, even for the small statured. The Rondo
comes across more like a tall riding stationwagon rather than an MPV like the
Ria or the Avanza. Getting in and out is as effortless as in a sedan, except to the
rearmost section. Even then, it is no more bothersome to do so than in other 7-
seaters.
Once ensconced back there, even full-sized adults would have little to gripe
about, as long as the drive is not too long.
Another highly commendable aspect of the Rondo is its highspeed performance.
I was made very aware of this as I drove it long distance right after a similar
journey in the Mazda5. With an identical-sized engine, the Japanese 7-seater
was impressive up to 160kph; beyond that it felt ‘floaty’ as well as noisy. The
Rondo felt quiet, steady and very bighearted, all the way to 185kph. I could hear
the stereo set on low, even at 170kph.
At 185kph, the tacho was showing 4300rpm. Keeping to that speed for a while
had the computer showing 14.5L/100kph. I got the figure down to 11.5, with a
spate of more sedate driving. (That’s one of the nice things about having a trip
computer - it keeps you entertain, especially on long monotonous drives.)
This bighearted nature of the Rondo can be easily appreciated, more so when
every one of itsr ivals cannot match it. It is especially telling when the vehicle is
fully loaded up and driven on hilly terrain, or long monotonous drives.
The 4-cylinder petrol engine is equipped with CVVT (variable valves) and boasts
of 145bhp and 189Nm. These are impressive outputs, more so when the engine
is able to return some respectable fuel consumption figures when you are up to
it. The inline-4 engine complies with Euro-IV standards.
That is the point with Korean cars nowadays - they have to try so hard against
the might of the Japanese that they are excellent value-for-money purchases, if
you discount the badge value. I am constantly thrilled by their driveability.
The auto-box has only four speeds but with the decent spread of torque the
Rondo seldom comes across as struggling, as its rivals tend be to when urged
along.
Along with the relative lack of harshness, the fuel consumption is better. For
sure, brisk drives are amore enjoyable proposition with this car. The
transmission is a Sportmatic - an automatic with manual-shift option. It is one of
the better applications I have come across; downshifts are pretty effective in
setting up the car for the bends, unlike with some other cars that feel ‘numb’
when you play with the gears. Response of the Rondo’s system is quick and
sharp, making the rather tall vehicle not that daunting to hustle about in the
twisty bits. The manual-mode shifts automatically at redline, as well as downshifts
when the car slows.
The car has a pleasantly surprising manner of moving off; it feels eager, which is
great for city driving. Add in the slightly raised driving stance and the Rondo
ought to win itself fans amongst those who have to do battle in thick traffic. The
turning circle is about average.
Like with most all Korean vehicles in recent times, the Rondo has a well sorted-
out suspension; it is a nice balance of ride and handling, making the vehicle feel
more European than Asian. This compact MPV comes with front and rear anti-
roll bars.
The EXS version comes with 16" rims, which are shod with much better tyres
than the usual standard-fit Korean rubbers. They are Goodyear NCT5s, which
enable the Rondo to deliver the sort of dynamics that the chassis promises. Ride
comfort has not been compromised, and neither has the noise level. Owners of
Korean cars would do well to junk those
standard-fit tyres. Any of our locally-made units would do a better job.
The steering, however, feels light, due to the system being overservo'd.
I guess it is to make the car easier for the ladies to drive.
The Rondo is easy enough to manoeuvre in tight spots; it actually feels smaller
than it is, probably because of its balanced profile, and having its edges clearly
defined. And also due to the high ride height.
And, finally, the most commendable aspect of the Rondo Ð its price. It
is a 2.0L mid-sized 7-seater MPV that sells for only RM85K, on the road with
insurance. This EXS version goes for RM88,888. (The extras are the fully
automatic climate control, steering wheel-mounted controls, roof rack, and 16"
wheels with Goodyear Eagle NCT5 tyres.)
The other offerings that you can you get for this sort of money are:
the Chevrolet Optra Magnum 1.6 Base (RM88K), the Hyundai
Matrix 1.6 (RM83K), the Nissan Grand Livina 1.6 (RM89K), the Perodua Nautica
1.5 (RM90K), the Skoda Fabia Combi 1.4 (RM85K), the Suzuki SX4 1.6
(RM90K), and the Toyota Rush 1.5 (RM88K).
We are not in a position to figure out how Naza-Kia can price the Rondo at such
a level but we can assure you that it is not a typo, and also the price looks to
remain. (There may be some further attractive offers coming as the
company is likely to embark on its usual aggressive campaigns, to 'move metal'.
You may also want to check out the resale value of Citra, or talk to some of the
owners, and Naza-Kia customers.
Nevertheless, the buy-in point for this impressively-appointed 7-seater is
unmatched, mind-bogglingly so. It is actually the same as for the Optima, but
unlike the executive sedan the Rondo has a lot more going for it. It has much
wider appeal as it is in the below-RM90K point. The present
economic situation may well place it in a favourable light. Naza-Kia claim that
some 300 units have been sold at time of writing.
The Rondo looks like a natural step-up from the likes of the Perodua Kenari, and
even Myvi. It is where a Proton offering should be. There is one coming but that
is some months away. It will be interesting to see if our national car company can
offer as good a package as the Rondo, and an even better pricing for their
compact people-carrier.
For now, you just cannot afford not to look at the Rondo, if you are
in the market. mel
come to think of it, basically describes the NazaKia’s new midsized MPV.
The Rondo is actually the revised Citra. There is even a tagged-on decal - Citra
II – at the back of the car to confirms it. I guess that is one way of reassuring
those not sure about the new model that it is okay to trust in it as there are
thousands of the former version running around. But then, it could also work the
other way as there must be many people not exactly enamoured with the Naza
offering.
The body shape has not been altered but the Rondo had been rounded off. This
MPV is rotund, and almost featureless in styling cues. It looks like a template for
the genre. The details that differentiate the Citra from its rivals have been
worked out of the Rondo, leaving it plain and simple. The Citra was no great
looker, which means that the Rondo would easily be invisible, more so in black
as it is hard to make out individual sections. Many of the parts and sections are
colour-matched to the body. It is interesting to see who will like the looks of the
Rondo enough to buy it. I cannot recall seeing any new model made to look as
low-key as this one.
Inside, it is quite overwhelmingly dark Korean plastics, the sort with a slimy
sheen. There is no smell (or slime) but it is hardly the epitome of class, and
desirability. There is the durability factor but with our sort of sunlight you would
have to regularly treat the surfaces to something like Armor-all to prevent them
from looking tired and faded.
The dashboard looks like it was moulded in one piece, with raised ‘bug-eyed’
vents for ventilation. Thankfully, Kia did not opt for a central binnacle, otherwise
it would look like the cabin of a Perodua Kancil; the treatment is that similar.
A bit of definition is offered by the central console, which tapers to the gearshift,
the position which is halfway between that of the conventional floor-mounted
version and the dash-mounted design. Ergonomics is commendable for the
essential stuff.
A foot-operated parking brake made it possible to keep the space between the
front seats clear. This has been put to good use, in the form of loads of cubby
spaces.
The steering wheel also looks like it was injection-moulded in one piece. But it
has side mounted buttons to add a bit of dash (only for the EXS). However, only
one bank is in use - for the stereo control; the other side is a set of dummy
switches.
What is highly commendable is the presentation of cubby spaces in the cabin;
there seem to be a spot for everything and anything you can think of. This is
sure to please and impress the occupants, both male and female.
The equipment list, too, is pretty impressive. Even the base model comes with a
6-speaker sound system with MP3 playback, a trip computer, a rear air-cond
vent, folding door mirrors with LED indicators, and a 1-touch up/down power
assist for the driver’s window, among other things.
The driver’s seat has 6-wayadjust while the front passenger’s has 4-way. There
are cupholders in every row of seats. The car comes standard with ABS, EBD,
two airbags in front, side-impact door beams, energy absorbing steering column
and crumble zone in the front. The Rondo has earned a 5-star frontal crash
rating from NHTSA.
Built on the platform of the Optima, the Rondo comes across as a relatively
generous 7-seater.The rearmost seats are split 50:50, and fold away completely
flat. The second row has a 40:60 split/fold feature, as well as a fore-and-aft
adjustment of almost a foot. Clearly, the versatility of the seats is a key selling
point of the Rondo.
Configuring them is not a daunting task, even for the small statured. The Rondo
comes across more like a tall riding stationwagon rather than an MPV like the
Ria or the Avanza. Getting in and out is as effortless as in a sedan, except to the
rearmost section. Even then, it is no more bothersome to do so than in other 7-
seaters.
Once ensconced back there, even full-sized adults would have little to gripe
about, as long as the drive is not too long.
Another highly commendable aspect of the Rondo is its highspeed performance.
I was made very aware of this as I drove it long distance right after a similar
journey in the Mazda5. With an identical-sized engine, the Japanese 7-seater
was impressive up to 160kph; beyond that it felt ‘floaty’ as well as noisy. The
Rondo felt quiet, steady and very bighearted, all the way to 185kph. I could hear
the stereo set on low, even at 170kph.
At 185kph, the tacho was showing 4300rpm. Keeping to that speed for a while
had the computer showing 14.5L/100kph. I got the figure down to 11.5, with a
spate of more sedate driving. (That’s one of the nice things about having a trip
computer - it keeps you entertain, especially on long monotonous drives.)
This bighearted nature of the Rondo can be easily appreciated, more so when
every one of itsr ivals cannot match it. It is especially telling when the vehicle is
fully loaded up and driven on hilly terrain, or long monotonous drives.
The 4-cylinder petrol engine is equipped with CVVT (variable valves) and boasts
of 145bhp and 189Nm. These are impressive outputs, more so when the engine
is able to return some respectable fuel consumption figures when you are up to
it. The inline-4 engine complies with Euro-IV standards.
That is the point with Korean cars nowadays - they have to try so hard against
the might of the Japanese that they are excellent value-for-money purchases, if
you discount the badge value. I am constantly thrilled by their driveability.
The auto-box has only four speeds but with the decent spread of torque the
Rondo seldom comes across as struggling, as its rivals tend be to when urged
along.
Along with the relative lack of harshness, the fuel consumption is better. For
sure, brisk drives are amore enjoyable proposition with this car. The
transmission is a Sportmatic - an automatic with manual-shift option. It is one of
the better applications I have come across; downshifts are pretty effective in
setting up the car for the bends, unlike with some other cars that feel ‘numb’
when you play with the gears. Response of the Rondo’s system is quick and
sharp, making the rather tall vehicle not that daunting to hustle about in the
twisty bits. The manual-mode shifts automatically at redline, as well as downshifts
when the car slows.
The car has a pleasantly surprising manner of moving off; it feels eager, which is
great for city driving. Add in the slightly raised driving stance and the Rondo
ought to win itself fans amongst those who have to do battle in thick traffic. The
turning circle is about average.
Like with most all Korean vehicles in recent times, the Rondo has a well sorted-
out suspension; it is a nice balance of ride and handling, making the vehicle feel
more European than Asian. This compact MPV comes with front and rear anti-
roll bars.
The EXS version comes with 16" rims, which are shod with much better tyres
than the usual standard-fit Korean rubbers. They are Goodyear NCT5s, which
enable the Rondo to deliver the sort of dynamics that the chassis promises. Ride
comfort has not been compromised, and neither has the noise level. Owners of
Korean cars would do well to junk those
standard-fit tyres. Any of our locally-made units would do a better job.
The steering, however, feels light, due to the system being overservo'd.
I guess it is to make the car easier for the ladies to drive.
The Rondo is easy enough to manoeuvre in tight spots; it actually feels smaller
than it is, probably because of its balanced profile, and having its edges clearly
defined. And also due to the high ride height.
And, finally, the most commendable aspect of the Rondo Ð its price. It
is a 2.0L mid-sized 7-seater MPV that sells for only RM85K, on the road with
insurance. This EXS version goes for RM88,888. (The extras are the fully
automatic climate control, steering wheel-mounted controls, roof rack, and 16"
wheels with Goodyear Eagle NCT5 tyres.)
The other offerings that you can you get for this sort of money are:
the Chevrolet Optra Magnum 1.6 Base (RM88K), the Hyundai
Matrix 1.6 (RM83K), the Nissan Grand Livina 1.6 (RM89K), the Perodua Nautica
1.5 (RM90K), the Skoda Fabia Combi 1.4 (RM85K), the Suzuki SX4 1.6
(RM90K), and the Toyota Rush 1.5 (RM88K).
We are not in a position to figure out how Naza-Kia can price the Rondo at such
a level but we can assure you that it is not a typo, and also the price looks to
remain. (There may be some further attractive offers coming as the
company is likely to embark on its usual aggressive campaigns, to 'move metal'.
You may also want to check out the resale value of Citra, or talk to some of the
owners, and Naza-Kia customers.
Nevertheless, the buy-in point for this impressively-appointed 7-seater is
unmatched, mind-bogglingly so. It is actually the same as for the Optima, but
unlike the executive sedan the Rondo has a lot more going for it. It has much
wider appeal as it is in the below-RM90K point. The present
economic situation may well place it in a favourable light. Naza-Kia claim that
some 300 units have been sold at time of writing.
The Rondo looks like a natural step-up from the likes of the Perodua Kenari, and
even Myvi. It is where a Proton offering should be. There is one coming but that
is some months away. It will be interesting to see if our national car company can
offer as good a package as the Rondo, and an even better pricing for their
compact people-carrier.
For now, you just cannot afford not to look at the Rondo, if you are
in the market. mel
THIS IS A 2.0L
7-SEATER WITH
A STARTING
PRICE OF
MERELY RM85K.
THE TOPLINE
VERSION IS
RM89K.
THERE IS
NOTHING ELSE
CLOSE, IN
TERMS OF
ENGINE OUTPUT.
BUT DOES THE
NICE PRICE
COMES WITH
NASTY
SURPRISES.
READ ON.
7-SEATER WITH
A STARTING
PRICE OF
MERELY RM85K.
THE TOPLINE
VERSION IS
RM89K.
THERE IS
NOTHING ELSE
CLOSE, IN
TERMS OF
ENGINE OUTPUT.
BUT DOES THE
NICE PRICE
COMES WITH
NASTY
SURPRISES.
READ ON.
CLICK FOR PHOTOS
NAZA-KIA CITRA II RONDO
2.0L INLINE-4 PETROL.
145PS. 189NM.
0-100KPH: 11.3S.
TOP SPEED: 185KPH.
EX-RM85K / EXS-RM89K.
LOCALLY ASSEMBLED
The Rondo, or Citra II, is
another Naza local-
assembly product,
‘licensed by Kia’, and
with an unbelievably
attractive price.
2.0L INLINE-4 PETROL.
145PS. 189NM.
0-100KPH: 11.3S.
TOP SPEED: 185KPH.
EX-RM85K / EXS-RM89K.
LOCALLY ASSEMBLED
The Rondo, or Citra II, is
another Naza local-
assembly product,
‘licensed by Kia’, and
with an unbelievably
attractive price.