Smaller vehicles and better fuel efficiency are the buzz words for potential buyers. With ever-increasing gas and diesel prices ($4.35/gallon and more for gasoline in many West Coast areas) not many full-size SUVs are being sold, though there are some amazing deals to be had on big rigs.
Two very attractive and highly usable vehicles we've tested recently are the 2008 Volvo C30 and the 2008 Kia Rondo EX. Both are exceptional vehicles for plenty of reasons.
Among its awards, the C30 was named an All-Star by Automobile magazine, and Ward's AutoWorld honored it with its Interior Design Award. All for good reason.
The front-wheel-drive C30 has superb handling characteristics, perhaps the best ease of shifting we've experienced in long time, plus a rear window with superb visibility, lots of interior room for a two-door hatchback, remarkable cargo space, plentiful interior space, very smart styling; plus a simple, clean, and usable interior, from instruments to creature comforts.
Powered by a 227-HP, 2.5-liter, five-cylinder, turbocharged engine, the C30 is mated with that smooth-shifting six-speed manual transmission. The combination is thrilling and very workable.
For a base price of $25,700, our Version 2 C30 (there is Version 1 below and the C30R Design Limited Edition above this model) offers it all-from a Dynamic Suspension system to Dynamic Stability & Traction Control, anti-lock brakes to more than 20 safety and security features.
Our tested unit had six options (metallic paint for $475 is a deal; love the fog lamps for $295) for a total price of just more than $27,000.
The front suspension is an independent-strut type with an antiroll bar, while the rear is a multilink type with coil springs and an antiroll bar.
On the inside, there is a tilt/telescope steering wheel that's wrapped in leather (as is the shifter knob), aluminum interior trim, dust/pollen air filter system, footwell and reading lamps, 12-volt power outlets, rear seat storage compartments, front covered cup holders, and so much more.
It's cute and it just feels good on the interior, enhanced perhaps by a premium audio system that features 10 Dynoaudio speakers, Dolby ProLogic II Surround Sound, and an amp that will knock your socks off.
On the exterior, very hot 18-inch alloy wheels, along with a rear spoiler and 3.5-inch polished sport exhaust pipes, make the exterior very pleasurable to look at. Oh, and the EPA fuel economy estimates are 19 MPG/city and 28/MPG/highway, both actually one MPG under what we experienced. Great package for the money and long-term fuel economy figures.
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Now, perhaps not as sporty at the C30, but certainly well-styled and very usable, is the 2008 Rondo EX V-6. It provided exceptional driver and passenger comfort on a road trip and hauled all the goods we needed with room left over.
Several magazines have named this model the best family crossover utility vehicle and touted its safety features.
Likable attributes on the Rondo are the plenty powerful 2.7-liter, 24-value, DOHC V-6 (there is a less powerful 2.4-liter Inline four-cylinder that's one MPG better fuel economy in-city but not the power of the V-6), Electronic Stability Control, and six-way adjustable driver's seat as standard equipment.
Also very likable, as an option on our tested unit for $1,200, was a power sunroof and Infinity audio system that provided a most pleasant sound.
Two other options we enjoyed were the leather package (leather seats and heated front seats for $1,000) and the third-row seats ($500). The third-row seats (as well as the second row) fold down, so there is still plenty of cargo space (31.7 cubic feet with the two rows of seating folded down).
Base price for the Rondo EX V-6 is $20,195 with a decent standard equipment list from ABS to power rack-and-pinion steering. Add the three options noted and the price is only $22,895 for a CUV that will easily transport four people and plenty of cargo in a comfortable setting.
Fuel economy with a five-speed automatic transmission is 18 MPG/city and 26 MPG/highway. Our test, including a 450-mile road trip, was 17.5 MPG/city and 27 MPG/highway.
It's a very nice vehicle with easy-to-read instruments, comfortable seating, and lots of cargo space-all in a CUV that handles like a luxury car.