But, wow, what function.
No space is left unused for storage, including shelves, cubbies, flip-and-fold second-row seat, underfloor storage galore and an option for a third-row seat ($500).
Gee, a young driver could get just about anything he or she needed into this car, except a date.
Five months later the topline EX test car arrived in a good-looking shade of Velvet Blue and was showing off 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome roof rails and a bunch more chrome elsewhere. It's a much younger look. The angular rear-end styling is space-shuttle modern and not bad to have to follow in traffic.
And, OK, the name's cute like a perky, Frisbee-catching dog wearing a bandanna at the collar. The name comes from music, as in a movement of a sonata, which happens to be the name of the mid-size Hyundai sedan, Kia's group partner. How'd they let that happen?
The front-wheel-drive Rondo is sold in base, LX and EX trim levels with a 162-horsepower and four-cylinder engine or a 182-hp, V-6 engine. Pricing ranges from $16,995 for the base model without air conditioning to $22,495 for a topline EX with the V-6 and a few options.
Four-cylinder models use a four-speed automatic; the V-6s have a five-speed. But the four-cylinder's 21/29 mpg EPA rating isn't much better than the V-6's 20/27 because of the five-speed.
Standard LX features include air conditioning, four-speed automatic transmission, roof rails and body-color side mirrors, door handles, side moldings, black front grille crossbars and 16-inch alloy wheels.
The EX adds fog lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, Michelin tires and more chrome (door handles, side moldings, grille crossbars and integrated roof rails without crossbars).
Safety features include side curtain air bags, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, electronic stability control and 5 mph bumpers (where many makers use 2.5 mph bumpers).
Also notable is the five-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty.
It's not easy to be a rational and emotional design statement in this tall-wagon segment, of which about the only other competitor is the Mazda5. But the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Chevrolet HHR and Toyota Matrix also fit the segment.
And I did enjoy the qualities of Rondo.
It has a tight body structure and is well sound-isolated from road harshness and ambient noise. It doesn't ride like an economy wagon. In fact, it could easily be dressed up with a luxury-technology package. And keyless entry with a remote starter should be available now.
The car is solid and easy to live with.
The drive height is ideal for good visibility. There is easy step-in and exit. And air flow with the sunroof wide open is enjoyable.
As a non-minivan, the back seat is roomy with a flat floor for true three-across seating. The seat fabric in the EX model is durable and of good woven quality. The second row has heat and AC vents and fore-aft slide, which also adjusts cargo space.
Each row has overhead lights and plenty of grab handles for hoisting into the optional third seat. The seat back is divided 60/40 for cargo utility, but folding the large section also compromises the center seat.
The fold-flat, two-seat third row is raised, has good foot room as well as cup holders and storage boxes on each side. But the head rests are right at the back window.
Forget first impressions in this case. Rondo exceeds expectations and its likable personality is the best cosmetic treatment available.
And that leaves the Jeep Compass as the homeliest vehicle of 2007.
Mark Maynard is driving in cyberspace at mark.maynard@uniontrib.com.
SPECS BOX
2007 Kia Rondo EX
Body style: midsize, front-wheel-drive, five-to seven-passenger wagon
Engine: 182-hp, 2.7-liter, DOHC V-6
Transmission: five-speed automatic
DIMENSIONS
Cargo space: 6.5 cubic feet behind third row; 31.7 behind second row
Front head/leg room: 41.6/41.3 inches
Middle head/leg room: 40.2/38.2 inches
Rear head/leg room: 35.1/31.3 inches
Length/wheelbase: 179/106.3 inches
Curb weight: 3,511 pounds, with third row bench
FEATURES
Standard equipment includes: remote locking, power windows-locks-mirrors (heated), carpeted floor mats, premium seat fabric, six-way height-adjustable driver seat, folding and reclining second-row seat, dual covered and lighted vanity mirrors, six-speaker CD/MP3 audio system, cruise control, tilt steering, roof rails, fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob, chrome door handles and other exterior trim pieces, power steering (35.4-foot turning circle), four-wheel disc brakes, 17-inch alloy wheels
Safety equipment includes: front and side curtain air bags; active front headrests, front seat belt pre-tensioners and force limiters, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, tire pressure monitoring system, electronic stability control and 5-mph bumpers
PRICING
Base: $20,795 including $600 freight charge; price as tested, $22,495
Options on test car: premium package, $1,200, adds power sunroof and Infinity CD audio system; third-row seat, $500
The competition: Mazda5, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Chevrolet HHR, Toyota Matrix
Where assembled: Korea
PLUSES: Great personality, interior function, solid architecture; five-year warranty.
MINUSES: Homely styling without roof rails and large alloy wheels. Third-row headrests right at the rear glass.
SIDEBAR
Digital air gauge
By Mark Maynard
Mechanical tire-pressure gauges are often a pain in the hand to use, which is one reason drivers find excuses not to check tire pressures at least monthly.
I've found an easier way to check by using the Accutire digital air gauge, $18. Its ergonomic shape, rubber grip and large readout removes much of the effort in checking tire pressures.
To operate, press the nozzle of the gauge firmly onto the tire valve until no air is escaping. The gauge emits a beep when the reading is complete.
Your vehicle's recommended tire pressures - front and rear - can be recorded in the gauge, too, and appear next to the current reading. You'll always know what the correct pressure should be.
The battery-powered gauge is also an LED flashlight and easily fits in a glove box or door pocket.
Ordering and information: www.tirerack.com.
