UN Rondo 7

The Rondo 7 was more than just a new version of the long-forgotten 2001 Kia Carens - it is Kia’s attempt at melding a hatchback and seven-seat people mover into the one car.

Kia counts among the Rondo 7’s principal competition the Volkswagen Caddy Life, the Skoda Roomster and Toyota AvensisThe Rondo 7’s platform is essentially Magentis, with stampings, suspension, steering and brake components derived from the Kia sedan.

The 2.0-litre petrol engine, the only engine on offer at the launch, develops 106kW of power at 6000rpm and 189Nm of torque at 4250rpmThe Rondo 7 is available with a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel in other markets (the same unit used in the Sportage) but this engine is not planned to arrive in Australia until around April 2009.

Only the entry-level LX has a five-speed manual (with four-speed auto optional) while the EX and EX-L have the auto as standard.