Chicago Auto Show: Kia Rondo gets SXy

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 14:06:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Chicago Auto Show, Kia

High-res live and media pics available by clicking image

Following in the footsteps of its other "sporty" SX models, Kia unveiled its new Rondo SX in Chicago today. Playing up the versatility of the new people hauler, Kia's VP of Marketing, Ian Beavis, said the new Rondo SX should appeal to those who want to have a more aggressive package on a budget. The SX was done all in-house by lowering the suspension, adding some bigger rubber, a new mesh grille, rear valance, red trimmed interior accents, and a new cold air intake and cat-back exhaust to add 10 hp to the Rondo's 2.7-liter V6. In the SX, it's rated at 192. The 2007 Kia Rondo was intro'd at the Los Angeles Auto Show back in November, with a slew of "Rondoisms" describing all of the new terms people had to invent to cover the new things this versatile vehicle could do. Well, here in Chi-Town, the Rondoisms returned and the unveiling of the SX was even accompanied by song as a rainbow-clad chorus sang Let The Sun Shine In. No, really.

One small tidbit slipped out of the lips of Len Hunt, executive vice president and COO of KMA, right after the presentation too. He said that the enthusiast market is small but showing what can be done on a small budget is what these special addition cars are all about. Something Kia owners can replicate pretty easily on their own. He even mentioned in passing that a light turbo application has been considered as well. "The Rondo SX Concept is proof that smart, spacious vehicles don't need to be boring, and that consumers can still be passionate about a daily driver." When asked how he sees the Rondo stacking up against the similar Mazda5, he said that sliding doors equal minivan in the minds of most consumers and that the Rondo is definitely not a minivan. He also said that we might see a new side of the Rondo in New York, where it has been pitched as a 21st century cab. Full press release and specs after the jump.

[Source: Kia]

Gallery: Kia Rondo SX

Continue reading Chicago Auto Show: Kia Rondo gets SXy

Chicago Auto Show: Kia Rondo gets SXy originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Feb 2007 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago Sneak Peek: Kia Rondo SX Concept

John Neff — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Concept Cars, Tuners, Minivan/Van, Kia

click above to view a pair of high-resolution images

Kia will be using the 2007 Chicago Auto Show as the venue to debut its Rondo SX Concept. We don't have much information on the car, besides the fact that it's based on the Rondo and features a more aggressive front end with a big lower air intake and a revised rear with what we assume to be faux diffusers nestled between a pair of tailpipes. A glimpse of the driver side front wheel shows five-spoke alloy rims that are definitely not available on the current Rondo, as well. Kia says that the suspension will be tuned for performance and that there are other performance mods on the Rondo SX. The regular Rondo can be had with either a 162-hp 2.4L four-cylinder or a 182-hp 2.7L V6, so hopefully the Rondo SX will feature one of these engines pumping out more power than stock.

[Source: Kia]

Gallery: Chicago Sneak Peek - Kia Rondo SX Concept

Chicago Sneak Peek: Kia Rondo SX Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Jan 2007 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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