The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday September 12, 2007 - 21 2007 Kia Rondo This unpretentious family car punches way above its weight class By Michael Goetz OAKVILLE BEAVER The Kia Rondo is a sleeper. Not in the streetracer sense, where one packs a nuclear engine into something discreet, but in the family car sense. Like something Ned Flanders might take delight in. I can picture him now, driving the Rondo around the suburbs, giggling to himself, smug in the knowledge that he only had to pay 25 large for a seven-man van, while his neighbours don't even know it's a seven-man van. And these are the same neighbours who felt compelled to shell out for a Suburban or an Expedition to move their families around (Homer's brief fling with the Canyonero excluded). Well, it turns out we must all have a little of Ned Flanders in us, because the Rondo was a hit here at the office during its two-week stay. Everyone who drove it loved it, including Yours Truly. And this is a gang very much predisposed to tidier, sportier machinery. But before we tear up about how it pulled at our heartstrings, let's review its technical underpinnings. Though new to North America, the Rondo has been sold in other markets since 1999 (where it has always has been known as the Kia Carens). The 2007 model is actually the third generation of Carens/Rondo, and is based on the platform that also underpins Hyundai Sonata and Kia Magentis. As such, it features two of the powertrain combos found on those midsize sedans; specifically the 162-hp, 2.4-litre "four" mated to the four-speed automatic, and the 182-hp, 2.7litre V6 mated to the five-speed automatic. Car-like independent suspension all round is also part of the package, as is a very comprehensive list of standard safety equipment: two frontal and two front-seat side airbags for driver and front passenger; two long rear side bags to cover off both rear rows of seating; stability and traction control; and ABS with electronic brake-force distribution. Styling? Well, what can you say? Conservative? Inconspicuous? Bland? Boring? Homely? Take your pick. But such nondescript styling really Continued on Page 24 SUPPLIER PRICING September 14, 15 & 16 200 litres of free gas* Over 150 vehicles in Stock! 0% financing on most vehicles 3 DAYS ONLY. HUGE SAVINGS! TAKE ADVANTAGE OF GM PRICING Semi Annual Inspection Special $59.95 Receive a Free Oil, Lube & Filter plus all a free top up on all fluids with any Semi Annual Inspection 2007 GM Executive Vehicles up to $14,000 off Choose from a variety of brands. Buick · Pontiac GMC · Cadillac www.kerroakville.com 41 SOUTH SERVICE ROAD, OAKVILLE 0 1 -888-21 5-4849 just west of Dorval Drive *Ad required to redeem 200 litres of gas. Gas available with new/used in stock purchase or lease. Finance 0% O.A.C. See dealer for details.