Should Honda be nervous about this new crossover?

The Spies are in Arizona tonight getting ready to test the new Kia Rondo crossover tomorrow.

Is it a more affordable, better bang for the buck Honda CR-V, Toyota Matrix or Pontiac Vibe?

Here are a few preview pics to wet your appetite before the full gallery is up tomorrow.

Make sure you check out the hospitality bar in the circular tub...It's the best one we've ever come across at a press event...Beverage Nirvana!

S4cabriofoxone - 1/23/2007 12:11:52 AM

+4 Boost

No, it's ugly, the CR-V is better.

001, congrats! The pictures didn't take time to load!

jon21 - 1/23/2007 4:45:19 PM

-1 Boost

I never had any problem loading Agent001's nice images with 3Mb DSL at home or 6 Optical Fibers connection at work. Maybe, someone needs to upgrade their connection from 14.4K dialup to DSL or Cable or Fiber Optical connection.

Nice pictures as always Agent001!

S4cabriofoxone - 1/23/2007 10:37:14 PM

+1 Boost

I don't use dial-up.

EL34i - 1/23/2007 12:49:36 AM

+9 Boost

I think Kia's design studios should be worried about unemployment.

Also, I like the kitschy-hipness of that hotel! It just screams "El34 and Orange County".

courtstone - 1/23/2007 12:28:33 PM

+5 Boost

LOL...I so agree with that unemployment comment, I think it was designed by the same designed team that created the Pontiac Aztec.

EL34 - 1/23/2007 12:55:34 AM

-8 Boost

Honda should be nervous as well as Toyota.

That's not Orange County, it's Arizona.

Lexus - 1/23/2007 1:12:14 AM

+3 Boost

No, Honda has nothing to worry or any auto company no need to worry. Because anyone can try to design a good looking car/suv/rrv. Will this kia suv/crv has the realability of the Honda or Toyota brand. The answer is "NO" Honda has really quality cars themselve, just like the Toyota.

Lexus

mobiustech - 1/23/2007 1:37:43 AM

+1 Boost

No not really.

What Honda has to be concerned with is the Saturn 2008 VUE. With 4 different engine configurations and various models, the only real competition will be the Ford Escape, the best seller in the segment. The VUE has been a so-ran design, but looking at the 2008 model, its highly desirable, and carries Saturns long reputation of reliabilty and Lexus high customer service record.

aznstuart - 1/23/2007 8:04:07 PM

+1 Boost

The Honda CR-V sold the most in the Compact SUV segment for 2006.

Lexus - 1/23/2007 1:35:51 AM

+2 Boost

correction, Honda has really good quality cars themselve.

Murcielago_LP640 - 1/23/2007 2:39:52 AM

+1 Boost

Umm...that's not an SUV.

That's a Kia Carens in Europe and its a Compact MPV. Or a minivan for the USA..

mstangpny07 - 1/23/2007 8:07:09 AM

+1 Boost

yes, it is a 4 door minivan.

truckmen - 1/23/2007 3:25:57 AM

+6 Boost

Honda executives can take a worry free vacation after seeing this. There is nothing interesting about this! The only way I would consider this is if it costs $12,000. or less providing the safety standards are up to par and it had comparable fuel consumption as the Honda.Comparable to the Hundi Pony as far as boring is concerned.

narmeen13 - 1/23/2007 8:36:01 AM

+3 Boost

Looking at that.... NO . why should they!?!

nphas042 - 1/23/2007 9:40:05 AM

+2 Boost

Food!!!

courtstone - 1/23/2007 12:27:23 PM

+6 Boost

OMG! Agent 001? Do you really think this is any competition for the CRV? Give me a break, it doesn't even look good. It barely looks like a SUV. Honda or any other brand has nothing to worry about.

Sauceboy01 - 1/23/2007 1:16:34 PM

-3 Boost

I think this would appeal to the lower income Asian Families in Garden Grove.

EL34 - 1/23/2007 1:35:27 PM

+1 Boost

Garden Grove is mostly Hispanic now days.

JCF110 - 1/23/2007 5:18:44 PM

+4 Boost

I live amongst very many Asians whom very few are lower class, and Asians do not like Hyundai's and Kia's very much - I see countless Toyota's and Honda's on my way to school everyday, and very few Hyundai's and Kia's.

S4cabriofoxone - 1/23/2007 10:39:00 PM

+1 Boost

I think it would appeal to the non-rich suburbs of Chicago, such as Wilmette and Lincolnwood. Ugh.

lol...

07mcs - 1/23/2007 3:46:53 PM

+3 Boost

This SUV is ugly, the CR-V on the other hand is very handsome

no1listensanyway - 1/23/2007 5:26:09 PM

+1 Boost

Well at least the food and girls look good.

JCF110 - 1/24/2007 12:15:22 PM

+2 Boost

The design team of this car should be shot, along with the designers of the Pontiac Aztec!