Aussie Motoring

by Stuart Livesey

Before winter arrives Kia plans on having the Kia Rondo available in Australia.

If you don’t quite recognise the model name then think Kia Carens in overseas markets and you’re right on the button.

Overseas the Kia Carens comes in a variety of equipment levels and is available in either 2 litre petrol or a 2 litre diesel versions with either a 6 speed manual or a tiptronic automatic transmission. The Carens seats 6 in three rows and comes with a variety of features including rear-park assist.

Overseas the Kia Carens is marketed as a fusion between an SUV and a people mover.

Here in Australia the Kia Rondo may come with the diesel option and it may also come with the option of some rather eye-catching colours including this one - otherwise known as Violet Iris.

Final details - including price - are yet to be decided.

It’s a seven seater MPV and it’s soon to make it’s debut at the Madrid Motor Show

Kia Motors Corporation today issued a ‘preview sketch’ of its exciting all-new Carens compact MPV (to be named ‘Rondo’ in North America), and confirmed that this model will make its world premiere at the forthcoming Salon International del Automovil de Madrid. The Carens will be revealed to the world for the first time at the bi-annual Spanish motor show, held in the capital’s Parque Ferial Juan Carlos 1 exhibition complex from May 25.

Longer, wider and taller than the model it replaces, the all-new Kia Carens will be available with seven seats for the first time in Europe. The rear seats fold down flat into the boot floor when not required.

Underlining the importance of the European marketplace to Kia, the Carens launch will be the fifth new model — following the Picanto, Rio, Sportage and Carnival — to make its debut at a European motor show. Full details of the all-new Carens will be announced at Kia’s motor show press conference on Thursday, May 25.