Review and photos by
Jil McIntosh, CanadianDriver.com

What’s the secret behind buying an economical car? Price is certainly a factor, but so is functionality. The most economical car may well be the one that does what’s needed of it without overkill. And that brings me to the 2011 Kia Rondo.

2011 Kia Rondo EX-V6

Depending on your needs, it can potentially work as a car, a minivan or compact SUV, thanks to its height, car-like driving characteristics and an available third row for seating up to seven passengers. It hasn’t had a major overhaul since its introduction for 2007, but don’t let that stop you from putting it on your test-drive list. It isn’t the most sophisticated model out there, but it’s definitely one of the most useful.

No doubt due to American buyers’ dislike of hatchbacks, it’s no longer offered in the U.S. market. In Canada, the 2011 model is on sale now, and Kia Canada says that it will continue into the 2012 model year. (more…)