Mazda5 vs KIA Rondo comparisons and articles (merged)

[bearymore]

I agree, I think it will sell more than the 5. The reason being that it appeals to the more mainstream crowd. I have always seen mazda as the company that gears cars towards many younger (but older than teens)drivers that want a sporty driving experience, The kia rondo is marketed toward the mainstream consumer e.g. offering extra seating, long warranty, and many standard safety features. Check out this review of the rondo done by canadian driver it's pretty thorough also. http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdrives/07rondo.htm

That review is a little peculiar. It claims that the Kia has double the cargo space behind the second row of seats compared to the 5. Considering that the dimensions of the two vehicles are almost identical, that would be an engineering feat worthy of a Nobel Prize.

In any case, I actually measured the cargo space in both cars when I had the Kia last summer. They were identical. Because of that, I just don't find it believable that the reviewer had ever driven a 5. On the basis of appearances alone, the Kia's cargo space looks smaller because it is shorter than the Mazda's. It is wider (that's why the actual areas are identical), but perceptually, because it is shorter, it looks smaller. If the reviewer had driven a 5 he would have known that the space differences he cited had to be in error.

 

[JimboNC]

I dont see any significant differences between the sketches and real thing other than that the real one is lacking the aggressive drop and 22s. Besides, whens the last time you saw an artist sketch actually end up on the road with few exceptions they usually get watered down.

This one isn't watered down and it's a Mazda!

http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/29/la-auto-show-mazda-nagare-concept-wedges-into-the-spotlight/

 

[jandree22]

This one isn't watered down and it's a Mazda!

http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/29/la-auto-show-mazda-nagare-concept-wedges-into-the-spotlight/

hehe, good luck finding that little gem at your local Mazda dealership

 

[opus]

Worse yet, it is a foam and clay model, read "NO ENGINE!!" . I have always wondered why the car companies throw these complete pie in the sky concepts in front of the public. I mean, if you have a concept it should mean that there is some possibility we will see it in 2 or 3 years, not 10. That is one area where Chrysler has done some of its best work, concepts that have some chance of meeting production.

 

[dommo_g]

Worse yet, it is a foam and clay model, read "NO ENGINE!!" . I have always wondered why the car companies throw these complete pie in the sky concepts in front of the public. I mean, if you have a concept it should mean that there is some possibility we will see it in 2 or 3 years, not 10. That is one area where Chrysler has done some of its best work, concepts that have some chance of meeting production.

Chrysler/Dodge FTW

 

[jandree22]

That is one area where Chrysler has done some of its best work, concepts that have some chance of meeting production.

This was from a few months ago at the PA Auto Show. I forget the specs, but needless to say they were pretty mind-boggling (first)

Chrysler

 

[zoomzoom mazda5]

I'm over 40 but the kia rondo is not my style, maybe for some folks. zoomzoom

 

[Kid Red]

Who cares, it doesn't have a sliding door and that was 75% of my decision.

 

[revjay]

Mz5 vs Rondo comparison (merged)

My wife and I became quickly enamoured with the Mazda5 at first sight more than a year ago...we have been planning to purchase a GT edition (CDN) spring 2007.

A few weeks ago, we spotted the KIA Rondo, took the I-4 and V-6 versions out...loved it...loved the 7 pass. capability.

I have a few hangups about this vehicle...but I thought it would be fun to see what the Mazda faithful have to say...I know I'll get everything from the "KIA is crap" response to "do whatever you want...it's your money"...I get it...I'm just wondering if someone out there has some insight that I have not yet thought of...

Bring it on!

 

[Foolish]

Kia's aren't bad. I like the sliding doors on the 5, though, and as a Mazda geek, I'd go with it.

I suspect the Kia's warrenty kicks the Mazda's ass, but as a friend of mine asked, is the warrenty really a good deal if the car is always in the shop? So, the question then, is will it always be in the shop?

To summarize: Mazda5 sliding doors good, Kia warrenty good, Kia V-6 good-maybe, Mazda5 stick shift good. Buy what you like.

 

[Lt. Dan]

http://members.tripod.com/~aiki_joe/i_hate_kia/

Done.

 

[monsta]

They are much to look at IMO. The concept pictures were much better! Maybe they are just a new wheel and tire package away.

Seems it is basically the same price (assuming 4-cyclinder models) for all the same stuff as the Touring. I'm not sure what a GT is.

Tough call...I think it may come down to which one you can get for the least $$.

 

[the_saint]

Kia is still a fledgling car company IMO. Granted they have made tremendous improvments in the last 10 years, but I am still leary of them. Mazda has been around (and reliable) much much longer than Kia.

I'd stick with Mazda.

 

[coolmazda5]

What about the Mazda5 combination of look, feel, fun and functionality?

Just take a look of some recent pictures and comments around Mazda5. Would you get those for the "Rondo"? I've seen the good and the bad for the Mazda5 (as for any other vehicle), yet most of them are rather great!

BTW, our Mazda5 still gets heads turning around even after owning it since 2005, not bad huh?

Hope to support your decision in favor of the 5!

 

[II-Savy]

No way I'd buy a Kia. The Koreans just don't know how to do it yet. There are a TON better vehicles out there! They are making progress but everyone else is also improving...other manufactures don't stagnate while Kia jumps ahead.

 

[RODSCALIP5]

Drive them back to back and go from there. KIA= Hyundai, which is not bad at all.

 

[X10James]

as others have mentioned, the sliding doors were a big reason I went with the Mazda instead of other things in the same price and size range. If you have kids in a car seat you will not believe how much easier it is to get them in and out with sliding doors!

Drive them both again, one after the other, and decide which handling you like better. Then do some serious reliability research

 

[Zoom5Zoom]

KIA is a easy way to spell cheap.........

KI KI KI KIA should only grow grass from it...

 

[NYMZ5]

On looks alone I'ld go with the Mazda, the Kia is not very attractive IMO

 

[Andrewsmc]

there.. cheap pos's.