Kia to Make Rondo Mini-Minivan
Photos
Smaller Minivan should Appeal to Young, Growing Families
The mini-minivan (or compact multi-purpose vehicle) will soon hit the North American market with full force. These C-Segment (Golf, Focus) sized cars are all the rage in Europe, providing the space and versatility of a minivan, without the cumbersome size, fuel consumption or lackluster performance. The ripple that started this tsunami was the Renault Megane-based Scenic, but soon after, nearly every automaker, from Volkswagen to Opel to Ford had its own versions. One brand that you might not have suspected - Kia - also got in on the action, with the mildly successful, but often forgotten Carens.
For whatever reason, be it that the automakers didnt think that North Americans would take to car-based mini-minivans, or that they were too caught up in the SUV craze, some have made their way here and awareness of these mini-minivans is growing. Latecomer Mazda was first in North America with the 5, and its been catching on. And, like any good idea, others will soon follow, but the players on this battlefield will be different than before - itll be a full-frontal assault from the Koreans on the Japanese, by way of the worlds fastest growing automaker.
From the two preliminary sketches that Kia released, it appears that the third-generation Carens will look more like a hatchback than the Mazdas more minivan-like profile, and as such, it most likely will not have the 5s practical sliding side doors. Insofar, its a handsome looking machine with large, chunky headlamps and Kias new six-point grille, but things get wacky at the back. The upper flanks of the tail lamps jut outwards at the window-line, giving the tailgate a concave-like look. To attract buyers, the car will be accented with jewel-like detailing on the head and tail lights, and flush-mounted exhaust pipes.
Not a whole lot is known about the Carens with regards to its chassis and drivetrain, however, given that it will be C-Segment sized, expect it to be built off the next-generation compact platform, that it will be larger in all dimensions than the car it replaces, and it will seat seven with a third row that folds flat into the floor like its bigger brother, the Sedona. The Carens will most likely be the first production vehicle to use Kias forthcoming compact car platform, which will also be used on the next-generation Spectra.
Its been well known that Kia has intentions of bringing over a compact minivan to North America; the brand secretly showcased the Multi-S at this years Chicago Auto Show, piquing the curiosity of many a showgoer. Its now been confirmed that North America will be getting the third-generation Carens, albeit, with a different name; it will be badged as the Kia Rondo. Kia will be showing the Rondo at the forthcoming Salon International del Automovil de Madrid, Spains biggest auto show, on May 25th, possibly arriving as soon as this fall.
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