2007 Kia Rondo EX V6 (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123.com)

The Toyota Matrix has a lower base price, but once you equip it at the same level as the Kia, you're looking at a $22,510 XR with automatic; again, you won't get heated seats, side airbags or side curtains, and antilock brakes will set you back another $2,475 since they're part of the 'B' package. The Chevrolet HHR LT with options (automatic, antilock brakes, leather-wrapped steering wheel and side-curtain airbags) rings up $24,385. Finally, the Chrysler PT Cruiser with options (automatic, side-curtain airbags, air conditioning, antilock brakes and keyless entry) costs $23,255.

Since I said the Rondo looked a little like a Jeep Compass, let's also compare it even though it's considered as an SUV. The front-wheel drive North model with options (CVT gearbox, cruise control, heated seats and side airbags) costs $22,395, which is about the closest a competitor can get to the Rondo in terms of features for the price. The Compass is not as spacious as the Kia, though.

Fuel consumption should be lower in the Mazda and the Toyota than in the Rondo, as Kia and Hyundai products usually use up slightly more fuel than its Japanese competition. That will offset the Rondo's lower purchase

2007 Kia Rondo EX (Photo: Michel Deslauriers, Auto123.com)

price just a bit. If you mostly drive on the highway, the 2.7-liter V6 might be a interesting option, as it won't use much more fuel than the 2.4, and will be quieter.

The 2007 Kia Rondo is bad news for its rivals, but good news for small families who need a practical vehicle. It's spacious despite its tidy dimensions; it's powerful despite offering 4-cylinder efficiency or 6-cylinder smoothness; it's got a slew of safety features despite its low price. Does this sound like a winner to you? It does to me.