THE DESIGN, TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING OF THE ALL-NEW 2007 KIA RONDO

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., January 22, 2007 – During the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2006, Kia Motors America (KMA) introduced its all-new 2007 Kia Rondo with a different approach – by littering the unveiling with "Rondoism." The enlightening philosophy and ensuing language suggests consumers think differently about the emerging crossover segment and look at Rondo with fresh eyes. A brand-new model for North America, Rondo encompasses Kia’s "Power to Surprise" tag line and fits perfectly into the company’s evolving image as a leader in safety and value.

The Rondo instantly garners attention with its crisp, clean look thanks to a modern dynamic shape. Available in LX and EX trim levels, standard LX features include body-colored door handles, body-colored side moldings and black front grille crossbars packaged with newly designed 16-inch, six-spoke alloy wheels fitted with 205/60HR16 tires. Also standard are a tinted windshield, a rear window washer/wiper as well as front and rear towing hooks.

Upgrading to an EX adds fog lights, 17-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels and 225/50R17 Michelin tires. Chrome accents, which are standard on the EX, include exterior door handles, side moldings and front grille crossbars. EX models also receive dual power heated body-colored side mirrors and a windshield de-icer. Integrated roof rails – sans crossbars – also are standard on EX models and available on most LX trims. In addition, with an all-new model come new Kia colors in the form of Urban Gray and Fine Silver.

The easy-on-the-eyes exterior shape of Rondo can be further enhanced by an accessory body kit, which includes argent-colored fender flares, front/rear/side fascia extensions and a lower rear spoiler. An upper rear spoiler as well as roof rack crossbars are available as standalone options. Other exterior accessories include: front mask, hood and rear bumper protector, sunroof deflector, mud guards, wheel locks, valve stem caps and an engine block heater.

Rondo’s exterior refinement continues to flow into the cabin as well. Standard features include flat woven seat fabric, an AM/FM/CD tuner with four speakers and air conditioning (for most models) along with power windows, door locks and mirrors. The EX upgrades to Double Raschel seat fabric; an MP3-capable AM/FM/CD/Cassette tuner with front tweeters and steering wheel-mounted audio controls; a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; illuminated vanity mirrors; and metal-finish interior door handles. Additional packaging options accentuate the interior with near-luxury level equipment.

The Convenience Package (LX) adds cruise control and keyless entry; the Leather Package (EX) adds heated leather seats; and the Premium Package (EX) adds a power sunroof and upgraded 10-speaker Infinity AM/FM/MP3-capable 315-watt digital audio system with in-dash six-CD changer and 7.5-inch subwoofer. Other interior features include: cargo net, tray and organizer; and all-weather floor mats. Additionally, keyless entry with a remote starter will be an available option starting mid-year.

Inside Rondo an immediate sense of spaciousness in the legroom and headroom departments is evident. The standard five- and optional seven-passenger seating configurations will appeal to consumers looking for the functionality of a minivan, but not the size and heft. Rondo’s interior dimensions are competitive within the crossover segment and with some SUVs, whether the vehicle is fitted with a five- or seven-seat configuration, and have:

Slightly taller and wider than the its closest competitor, the Mazda5, the Rondo provides a more comfortable front row with 41.6 inches of headroom and 41.3 inches of legroom. Second-row space yields 40.2 inches of headroom and 38.2 inches of legroom, regardless of a five- or seven-passenger seating layout. And when optioned with the third row, Rondo’s second row adjusts with a forward/backward sliding range of nearly one foot in travel. The optional third-row seating offers a sensible 35.1 inches of headroom and 31.3 inches of legroom, more than enough room to accommodate the average-sized adult.

The versatile multi-fold second-row seats also provide the flexibility of a 60/40 split, while the third row folds down in a 50/50 split, creating a surprising 32 adjustable seating configurations, allowing Rondo to adapt to a consumer’s ever-evolving cargo space needs. Additionally, both rows fold completely flat for maximized room. Behind the third row is 6.5 cubic feet of storage space. In a seven-passenger configuration, with the third row folded flat, the total cargo volume equals 31.7 cubic feet. However, in a five-passenger Rondo, with the second row of seats folded flat, 35.0 cubic feet of cargo volume is produced. The difference in volume is due to the addition of cup holders and storage bins for third-row passengers.

Practicality does not sacrifice comfort as the driver’s seat offers six-way adjustments, including height adjustment, and the front passenger offers four-way adjustments. In addition, each passenger is well taken care of with an abundance of storage cubbies and multiple cup holders located in every row.

Under the hood, Rondo is built from a solid foundation derived from Kia’s new-generation Optima and shares engine, transmission and several chassis components. The 2.4-liter DOHC in-line four-cylinder engine delivers 162 horsepower and 164 lb-ft of torque, which is:

The vehicle also comes with an available 2.7-liter DOHC sixty-degree V6, making Rondo the only vehicle in its class with a six-cylinder engine. The V6 produces 182 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque. With either a 2.4-liter in-line four-cylinder engine or a 2.7-liter V6, Rondo performs with car-like finesse, despite its slightly larger-than-a-sedan dimensions. The LX comes with a four-speed automatic whereas the EX is equipped as a five-speed automatic, both with a standard Sportmatic™ shift.

The front-wheel drive Rondo utilizes independent front and rear suspensions. Situated in front are MacPherson struts with coil springs while the rear’s multi-link and coil springs complete the layout to provide a comfortable, balanced ride. Standard front and rear anti-roll bars are calibrated for responsive handling, while the hydraulic power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering’s effort and feel are tuned accordingly.

The car-like dynamics of Rondo lead to car-like fuel economy, despite an interior comparative to small SUVs. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder provides an EPA estimated fuel mileage of 21 city and 29 highway miles. The 2.7-liter six-cylinder provides a slightly lower, but still efficient, EPA estimated fuel mileage of 20 city and 27 highway miles. Rondo holds a fuel capacity of 15.8 gallons, which is similar in size to competitors in its segment.

The Kia brand has an established history in addressing vehicle safety, and the all-new Rondo is no exception with a generous amount of standard equipment:

Part of the vehicle’s advanced supplemental restraint system (SRS) are six standard airbags: advanced dual front, dual front seat-mounted side and full-length side curtains. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and a four-channel, four-wheel disc anti-lock braking system (ABS) help maintain vehicle control during difficult driving conditions. Height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters further protect passengers. Front active headrests, side-impact door beams, an energy-absorbing steering column and a front crumple zone provide even more passenger protection. A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is also standard on all models.

Like all Kia models, Rondo is covered by a comprehensive warranty program, which offers unprecedented consumer protection. Included in this program are a 10-year or 100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty; a five-year or 60,000-mile limited basic warranty; and a five-year or 100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan is also part of the comprehensive coverage program.

Kia Motors America – the sales, marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corp. in Seoul, South Korea – offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 630 dealers throughout the United States. For more information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

(*based on comparison of 2006 and available 2007 models)