Not an SUV

The background is very dry

The Cerato is sold, and now this is the "family" car.

It's a Kia Rondo (called "Carens" in most other markets, and they're no longer sold in Oz.
That cessation of sales should not be an issue, as the vehicle, like all Kias these days,  comes with a seven year warranty.

These things have the same running gear (motor, transmission, steering, brakes etc. as the Cerato, but have a different body.

Dimensionally, they're the same length and width as the Cerato, but much taller. In that respect, the Rondo resembles an SUV, with an elevated seat height and much easier passenger access.

That's why we bought it. We're both at the age where entry and egress is an issue, and in this car it's a doddle, compared with most small hatches. There are other advantages, such as increased luggage capacity, and a better driver's view because of the elevated seating position.

This particular specification (The "S" - although it's sporty in name only) has a third row of seats, although they're really only suitable for children. We have folded them down, and put a dog-liner in the rear. We can harness the dogs to the rear most seat belts, and they can travel in comfort and safety back there.

The car was a demonstrator with 10000 kms on the clock, and finding it was a hassle. There was nothing local, so we had to use a Kia dealer in Brisbane.

It drives very much like the Cerato, but is quieter, roomier, and has slightly later tech.

Kias are always well-equipped, and they are also well put together. I guess if you're going to warranty your product for seven years, that's a given.

But the best thing is that it's not an SUV.

Why pay to cart around a lot of extra metal?

Buy My Kia

This Dec 2015 Kia Cerato is for sale.

It's done 25000k and has been well looked after.

It comes with a couple of accessories, namely a reversing camera installed in the rear vision mirror, and a tow bar which has never been used.

It has the balance of Kia's 7 year warranty.

We're looking at $12000 ONO.

Check the photos and email me on 1735099@gmail.com if you're interested.

Car has a tow bar - never used.

Seats have always had covers on.

One trim curbed

Mercury silver

Dec 2015 build

Small windscreen chip

Service book, keys and owner's manual.

Small stone chip

Update - It's sold.

Travelling North

An early start was the go.

I've been a bit slack with postings of late, gentle reader.

the major distraction has been enrolling at Uni after a gap of 39 years.

The tertiary institutions that I earned RPL* from have had problems with their archives, caused, I understand by the most recent Brisbane floods.

Anyway, they have resurrected sufficient of my academic record to mollify the campus I'm dealing with, so it's all good.

Roadworks were a pain.

To fill in the time whilst waiting to get started at the beginning of semester 2, I took a long road trip north - to Mackay, to be exact, where my 90-year-old aunt was celebrating her birthday.

There were many cousins, most whom I haven't seen for 30+ years, so it was interesting (and revelatory). I seem to have worn better than most of them.

It's all that clean living.

Travel stained at Bororen.

Anyway, I pointed the nose of the MX5 north, and set out early.

An MX5 SE is not designed for long distance cruising, but this little machine acquitted itself well.

It has an excellent driving position, and cruises at about 3000rpm. An overdrive would be nice, but it doesn’t feel (or sound) stressed at this rev range.

Safely in Mackay.

The only problem I had was in 110km/hr zones, because the turbo kicks in at about 105km/hr in top gear, and holding it below the limit required lots of concentration.

It used 7.5lit/100kms of 98 octane, which is pretty good. Prices were surprisingly consistent except for Mackay city.

Despite wet weather and loads of caravans, the trip north ws enjoyable, and the journey back, in fine weather, was great fun.

Agnes Water

EV chargers at Marlborough.