Good things do indeed come in small packages.

I'm talking about the Kia Rondo, a new small crossover, and if you've been shopping this summer for a decent car to carry six or so, don't pass this one up. It's a good bet for those who have been turned off by the lofty $30,000 and up price tags for minivans and SUVs, but who still need the passenger room.

	The 2007 Kia Rondo. Click photo for larger image.

The Rondo represents what is supposed to be the first of a wave of new products from the South Korean automaker as it seeks to entice buyers on style as much as on value and safety.

Built on the same platform as Kia's all-new Optima, the Rondo is powered either by a 2.4 liter four cylinder or a 2.7 liter V-6. Both engines offer relatively strong performance when you consider the modest sizes of the engines. Fuel mileage ratings for the four cylinder are 21 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway, and 20/27 for the V-6.

Standard equipment includes four-speed or five-speed automatic transmission, depending on whether you order the V-6 or the four. It also has standard full-length side curtain air bags, anti-lock brakes, stability control, lots of cup holders and cubbies, map and dome lights and a tilt steering wheel.

But the Rondo's big claim to fame will be that it is the cheapest seven-passenger crossover on the market, although it is also available in a five passenger version.

The second row space comes to 40.2 inches of headroom and 38.2 inches of legroom with either version.

When you order the third row, you can adjust the second row seat by moving it forward or backward by nearly a foot to provide more room for passengers or luggage.

I enjoyed my drive in the Rondo and found it to be capable, quiet, and even lively with the four cylinder engine. I think it's going to be hard to justify spending more for the V-6, in fact, because of the smaller engine's robust performance. Prices start at $16,395 and end at about $20,195.

What's Coming in 2008

The rumor mill is going into overdrive talking about a new two-door sports coupe said to be coming from Kia. According to the July issue of Road and Track, it will be shown at the Frankfurt car show, and features a design that some will say looks a lot like the Audi TT. It turns out that the same designer -- Peter Schreyer -- has worked on both designs.

Not long ago, Mr. Schreyer became chief designer at Kia. The new Kia, expected to come sometime in 2008, will be about the size of a TT, too.