Kia Rondo: A Manual Transmission MPV That Offers a Unique Driving Experience
The Kia Rondo is a popular MPV that was introduced to Vietnam in 2015. At that time, the MPV market in Vietnam was not as competitive as it is today, and the models available in the segment were rather bland. The Kia Rondo itself did not attract much attention due to its relatively high price.
I had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Hiep (40 years old, Hanoi, works in the banking industry), the owner of a Kia Rondo with a manual transmission. Both of the cars that Mr. Hiep has owned have been manual transmissions.
Hello Mr. Hiep! Can you tell us why you chose the Kia Rondo with the manual transmission?
Hello readers! I have been driving manual transmission cars ever since I obtained my B2 license. It’s not because I work in the transportation industry; I simply prefer it. Driving a manual transmission car gives me more control over the vehicle, and it keeps my hands and feet busy, unlike an automatic transmission, which is much more effortless.
Purchasing this car was a matter of destiny. Before buying the Rondo, I had intended to purchase a Suzuki Ertiga. I also looked at several other vehicles, such as the Mitsubishi Xpander, Chevrolet Orlando, and Toyota Innova. All four of those vehicles had automatic transmissions, but when I discovered the Rondo, it felt like it was meant to be.
This car was parked in the back of a used car dealership. The owner had acquired it in 2019 and had initially planned to sell it as a service vehicle due to its manual transmission.
However, because of the COVID-19 outbreak in 2019, the car remained at the dealership for two years. At the time, the odometer reading was only 17,000 km. I believe the odometer may have been tampered with, but not by much.
Why did you choose this Kia Rondo over the other four vehicles?
I test drove the Suzuki Ertiga and found it to be quite noisy, even more so than the previous Kia Morning I had driven. The Mitsubishi Xpander is a popular choice for transportation services, which is not my style. The Chevrolet Orlando was an older model that I missed out on because I couldn’t agree on a price.
After continuing my search, I came across this Kia Rondo with a manual transmission. Although it appeared compact from the outside, I realized its spaciousness once I stepped inside. It has seven seats, but I typically only have four or five passengers, so I fold down the third row to create more storage space for trips and outings.
I have transported seven people in this vehicle before, but it is not comfortable for adults in the third row due to the limited space.
My opinion is that if you’re looking for a seven-seater, you should choose a larger vehicle like the Kia Carnival or Toyota Innova to ensure a comfortable ride for passengers in the third row.
Mr. Hiep, do you think the mileage of a used car is an important factor?
The actual mileage of a used car is not as important as the overall condition of the vehicle, particularly the chassis, engine, and other mechanical components. Thanks to my experience with my first car, I have learned how to properly inspect a vehicle.
The engine compartment is a crucial area to examine. If it is clean, well-maintained, and shows no signs of disassembly, it is a good indicator of the car’s condition. Of course, scratches on the exterior are unavoidable in a used car, so you don’t need to pay too much attention to them.
I should also mention that after completing my driving lessons, I purchased a Kia Morning with a manual transmission. I bought it from a private seller. At the time, I was inexperienced in buying used cars, and it was only after two years that I discovered that the Kia Morning I had purchased was previously used as a service vehicle.
Many people believe that driving a manual transmission car in the city is a “nightmare,” causing fatigue and frustration due to the need to constantly depress the clutch and the potential for the car to stall. With your experience driving two manual transmission cars, do you share this view?
I’m not sure how others drive, but I personally don’t find manual transmission cars tiring. The Kia Rondo’s clutch is very light, making it easy to drive without causing fatigue. I prefer to be actively engaged with my vehicle.
When this model was released, the manufacturer offered both manual and automatic transmission options. Why did you choose the manual transmission?
I did my research before making a decision. While the car I bought has a manual transmission, its features and equipment are on par with the automatic transmission model. In fact, this manual transmission model comes with a rearview camera, while the automatic transmission model does not. So, in terms of features, there is not much difference. As for my personal preference, I enjoy driving manual transmission cars.
Manual transmission cars offer a certain level of excitement and sportiness when shifting gears and accelerating. Kia is not known for its sporty performance. How do you find the driving experience in this Rondo?
Despite being a manual transmission car, the Rondo has three driving modes. While it is said that Honda vehicles offer a sporty driving experience, I have not driven one myself. However, I can say that the Kia Rondo handles corners quite well and has a solid steering feel.
My family and I have taken the Rondo on numerous trips to the Northwest region. It is a great vehicle for mountain roads, not only because of its manual transmission but also because of its low center of gravity, which is different from the high-center-of-gravity vehicles I have driven in the past, such as the Xpander and Ertiga.
Manual transmission cars tend to depreciate significantly when resold. You have a used car that is no longer in production. Are you concerned about the potential loss of value?
I was not concerned about depreciation when I purchased the car. I bought it to use daily and for pleasure, not to worry about how much value it would lose when I sold it. Cars are simply a means of transportation, and they will always lose value over time.
If you were to upgrade to a newer vehicle, would you still choose a manual transmission?
I believe my next vehicle will be a new Sorento. Most manufacturers are phasing out manual transmission options these days, with the exception of the Honda Civic Type R, which is a true sports car. However, its price is well beyond my budget. As you can see, it now takes significant financial resources to drive a manual transmission car.
“Chaotic” Car Dash Cam: Unleash the Power of Safety Recording
“Wow, this is the phrase that many people exclaim after doing their research. Which is the best dash cam? Are cheap dash cams truly “cheap”? How much should one spend on a dash cam that is suitable? These are common questions when someone begins to explore and select this device.”
[CAR REVIEW] Hyundai Custin: Luxurious, Spacious, Modern, and Incredibly Comfortable
Filling the gap above the Stargazer and rival Kia Carnival, joint venture TC Motor has quickly responded to the market with the Hyundai Custin – a name that may sound unfamiliar but is truly promising.
[CAR REVIEW] The Newly Launched BMW iX3 in Vietnam: Compact, Practical, and Expensive
As the second electric car introduced by BMW, the iX3 caters well to everyday urban usage needs. However, it will still take time to reach customers.
[Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance Review: Astonishing Transformations]
In the Lexus RX 500h 2023, two contrasting elements coexist harmoniously, which are luxury and sportiness, comfort and agility, smoothness and power. This crossover model is the strongest evidence of Japanese prowess: optimizing to perfection what was already excellent.
In conclusion, the Honda BR-V L 2023 is a standout SUV that offers unbeatable value for money. With its practicality, performance, design, technology, and affordability, this vehicle ticks all the boxes. Whether you’re a family looking for a spacious and comfortable ride or an adventure enthusiast seeking a reliable companion, the Honda BR-V L 2023 is the answer. Don’t miss out on this exceptional SUV – it’s truly worth every penny.
The Honda BR-V offers users unmatched value that no other affordable 7-seater MPV in its segment can match. It is truly a worthy choice for a versatile family vehicle.
