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New Kia Carens / Rondo MPV On Sale in Europe in 2013

Hyundai ix30 / Kia Rondo 7 photos
Photo: CarPix
Hyundai ix30 / Kia RondoHyundai ix30 / Kia RondoHyundai ix30 / Kia RondoHyundai ix30 / Kia RondoHyundai ix30 / Kia RondoHyundai ix30 / Kia Rondo
Kia has strong hopes for success in the European market, despite the worst market conditions in 14 years. At the forefront of this Korean offensive is a new design language and a number of new products to be launched.
The offensive started with the new Sportage SUV launched in 2010, and continued with the Rio and Picanto. More recently, the new Cee’d, their most popular car in Europe, has gone on sale as a hatchback and wagon, with the sporty three-door to follow.

This whole offensive will end with a new minivan set to go on sale next year, according Paul Philpott, Kia Europe's Chief Operating Officer.

"We will launch a five-seat and seven-seat compact minivan that will replace both the Carens and Carnival," Philpott said, without giving further details to Automotive News Europe.

Of course, he is referring to the Kia Rondo / Carens we’re showing you, which is being developed together with a Hyundai version called the ix30. Yes, it is a sort of crossover/MPV hybrid and should be offered with optional all-wheel drive. As a Kia it will be known as the Rondo, and will be offered in two different seating configurations.

There will be a five-seater for normal families and a seven-seater with flexible arrangement. Its design will be focused on the practical side of things by the looks of this prototype spotted in Norther Sweden.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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