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Mazda MAZDASPEED3 vs. Kia Rondo Review

How the Mazda MAZDASPEED3 stacks up against the Kia Rondo - by Nigel Cooper, Topanga CA

2010 Mazda MAZDASPEED3
Price Range: $22,740 - $24,455
2009 Kia Rondo
Price Range: $17,495 - $22,295
Mazda MAZDASPEED3 vs. Kia Rondo Review

Utility
Drivers with frequent kid-duty might favor the Kia Rondo over the MAZDASPEED MAZDA3.

Performance
Regarding horsepower, the Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3 packs quite a wallop and will knock the Kia Rondo down a few rungs. On the flip side, note that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums. With its very low horsepower-to-weight ratio, the Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3 will knock you back into your seat when you step on the gas.

Dimensions
The Kia Rondo is a little more ponderous than the MAZDASPEED MAZDA3. The Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3's tank is approximately the same size as the Kia Rondo's, though the Rondo's is somewhat bigger. The Rondo rides lower than the Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3, which is a good thing for its center of gravity and ease of access. The Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3 and the Kia Rondo compete for the same parking spaces.

Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. It costs approximately the same to get the Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3 to the dealership as the Kia. With respect to MSRP, the Kia Rondo costs significantly less than the Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3.

Handling
The Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3 and the Kia Rondo have approximately comparable tires. With their similar turning radii, the Kia Rondo and the MAZDASPEED MAZDA3 definitely handle roughly the same into and out of tight spots.

Drivetrain
The Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3's engine is markedly smaller than the Kia Rondo's. Remember that smaller engines can be stressed more; on the flip side, smaller engines typically get better gas mileage. Torque is the force that lets you accelerate quickly, and in this respect, the Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3 is markedly more powerful than the Rondo.

Comfort
Taller drivers will substantially enjoy the extra head room in the Kia Rondo's front cabin compared to the Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3. The Rondo provides more head- and leg-room to your passengers than the Mazda MAZDASPEED MAZDA3 does.

Overview
The basic warranty that comes with the Mazda isn't quite as generous as the Kia Rondo's.

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