Radically roomy Rondo

Whether it’s a big, burly SUV, a hip little wagon, or a stylish coupe, Kia is putting together quite the well-rounded line-up.

The new-ish Rondo came to Canada for the 2007 model year, but it’s actually in its third generation, having existed overseas as the Carens since 1999. It may not find itself in a popular vehicle class in North America, but it certainly adds a lot of practicality to Kia’s line-up, offering a minivan-style package without the minivan look that is so abhorred here. There may be a lot of compact wagons on the market that could be considered competitors, but Rondo seems most closely matched to the Mazda5.

Our tester is the top of the line EX Luxury model, which comes standard with a V6 engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Though it may seem that Rondo has the advantage here with a six-cylinder engine option (only a 2.3-litre inline-4 is available in the Mazda5), Kia’s V6 is underwhelming. It has more muscle than the Mazda5, but the car doesn’t feel particularly faster. The V6 engine is also quite loud under hard acceleration and it drinks gas more readily. We’re talking higher fuel consumption here, folks!

The Mazda5 gets three rows of seating standard - each with two seats - while only certain Rondo trim levels come with the same (third row is optional on EX and EX-V6, standard on EX Premium and Luxury). Rondo’s second row can seat up to three people, but that’s certainly not something we would suggest. Looking at the Rondo and thinking “seven-seater” just does not compute.

Both models’ second and third row seats fold completely flat in just about any combination you can think of. Accessing the Rondo’s third row isn’t the easiest thing in the world, but even taller people won’t have too much trouble stepping into the low-to-the-ground Kia and past the sliding second row seats. Unfortunately, only the passenger side second row seat has a special tab that allows it to slide forward far enough to let adults into (or out of) the back.

There is a lot of room in the first two rows to keep four occupants more than comfortable, and the third row isn’t a horrible option for short trips - even for adults. The leather that comes standard on the EX Luxury model doesn’t feel of the highest quality, but it’s easy to clean and makes sliding in and out a cinch. The driver has a very commanding view of the road too, thanks to a lot of glass and a high seating position.

The whole point of these vehicles is to haul stuff, whether it’s breathing (people and animals, hopefully), or inanimate (luggage, grocery bags, golf clubs and the like). Both the Rondo and Mazda5 interiors are put together smartly, but if you need all-out room, Kia’s offering takes the cake.

The Rondo not only has a lot of room to hold cargo, it also has all manner of hooks, nets, hidden compartments and cubbies to keep items from scattering every which way. The rear hatch opens tall and is easy to raise and lower with one arm. Roof rails also come standard on all trims but the LX.

A couple changes for the 2009 model year are slightly perplexing. All Rondos get Bluetooth standard - except for the top trim level, while the driver side foot rest has been deleted. The latter change may not seem like a big deal, but our left leg always ended up uncomfortably bent while driving, inside of being stretched out beside the brake pedal.

When all is said and done, if you’re looking for the utmost practicality in a small package, Kia’s Rondo takes the cake. Although, the Mazda5 is more fun to drive.