Take a look at this 2013 KIA Rondo and tell me you don’t miss it. The KIA Rondo was discontinued in the United States in 2010 and I think we were shortchanged. It was a great little wagon and sold like hotcakes its first few years in the USA.
KIA had more goodies in other markets for the five/seven passenger wagon. but they kept the Rondo rather boring in the USA. For one thing, they never had the manual transmission option available here. That one omission kept it from battling head to hear with the zippy Mazda5 – which does have a manual option.Â
Unlike the minivan-ish Mazda5, the 2013 KIA Rondo is more of a traditional wagon with five doors that open conventionally. A 164 horsepower 2-liter, four-cylinder engine makes 156 lbs-feet of torque. A six-speed manual and six-speed automatic are available. Rear-view parking monitor, panoramic sunroof and leather are available on top of the 18-inch wheels, heated/cooled driver’s seat and dual climate control. There are lots of other features available, but no word on hybrids, turbos or sales returning to the United States.
Bummer.
Currently, Canadians pay about $20,000 for a base-model KIA Rondo. I’m assuming that the premium for the 2013 KIA Rondo will be minimal. I dunno… maybe a bottle of Labbats, an old Rush LP and a poster Ben Jonson will help convince KIA to include the USA (over Canada) for this slick looking KIA.
It’s just a thought.
For now, enjoy this 2014 KIA Forte 5-door video!
You know what? On second thought – Canada can keep the 2013 KIA Rondo – I’ll keep the Rush album and brew.
I grow tired of begging KIA.
They can keep the Ben Jonson poster.
