Super Sport Car Evolution: Kia Carens

Monday, April 25, 2011

Kia Carens

The Kia Carens is a compact MPV launched in 1999 by the Korean manufacturer Kia and marketed worldwide under various nameplates, prominently as the Kia Rondo. The model was discontinued in Australia in 2001, with production continuing elsewhere for a new model which was launched in 2002. In 2006, Kia presented a second generation Carens for model year 2007. The Carens/Rondo followed Kia's introduction at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show of the Multi-S, essentially the Carens/Rondo in concept form � the S standing for Sporty, Spacious and Smart. The Multi-S differed significantly from the production model only its inclusion of a dual-panel sunroof running the length of the roof. The name Rondo, derives from the musical term Rondo.

In North America and Australia, the car is called the Rondo and Rondo7 respectively. The Rondo made its debut at the 2007 Los Angeles International Auto Show. The Rondo began sales in early 2007 as a 2007 model year vehicle in the United States, while in Canada it went on sale in December 2006. In Australia, sales commenced April 2008. In the United States, Kia sold more than 20,000 units in each of the first two model years exceeding internal sales goals. Sales rapidly declined in the 2009 model year and never recovered. As of August 2010, Kia discontinued the Rondo in the United States pointing customers to the newly-designed 2011 Sportage on Kia.com; however the 2011 Carens/Rondo facelift (adopting Kia's new grille from its Forte vehicle) continues to be sold in Canada due to better sales there. Available as a 5- or optional 7-passenger vehicle with either a standard 175 hp 2.4l 4-cylinder engine or an optional 192 hp 2.7l V6 engine in two trim levels. In Australia, it is only available as a 7-passenger vehicle with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine and a choice of an automatic or manual transmission, depending on trim level. Standard features depending on market include: 16-inch alloy wheels, AM/FM/CD player/Sirius Satellite Radio/MP3 Capability, iPod auxiliary jack, Air Conditioning, Power Windows and Door Locks, Front/Side/Full length Side Curtain airbags, 4-wheel Disc Brakes, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, LATCH, Child safety door locks, Tilt steering column, Front and Rear 12-volt outlets, Front and Rear Cupholders. Options include: Moonroof, Leather interior, Heated front seats, Cruise Control, Keyless entry, Infinity 10-speaker stereo.