Five That Put the "Mini" Back in Minivan

Can mini-minivans bring the cool better than their oh-so-uncool full-size brethren?

When minivans were introduced as a genre a quarter-century ago--VW's Microbus/Vanagon notwithstanding--their whole shtick was that they were mini. Today's "minivans," however, have grown nearly as big, heavy, and cumbersome as the Ford Econolines and Dodge Ram vans of the 1980s. If this is what the world meant by "mini," miniskirts would extend all the way to the floor and the Mini Cooper would be the size of a Suburban.

Well, as they say, everything old is new again. And in this economy, everything new is getting small again. Not surprisingly, sales of the two mini-minivans currently for sale in the U.S., the Mazda 5 and the Kia Rondo, have jumped dramatically in recent months, in spite of a new-car market that is undergoing a bit of miniaturization itself.

And more are coming. Next summer, Ford will bring over from Europe its right-sized urban cargo-box, the Ford Transit Connect, and there are more Euro vehicles that would be well matched for U.S. buyers if they were allowed through the Golden Door. All five vehicles on this list--U.S. market or no--possess carlike handling, true versatility, and excellent fuel economy, traits that can't help but put this tres-uncool segment on track to get pretty darn hot. Again.

Kia Rondo

If there is any car company that speaks to the no-nonsense, family-first sensibilities that minivans were meant to serve, it is Kia. Thus, that the dowdy but well-packaged Rondo fits that bill so well surprises few members of our staff.

Of the two mini-minivans available in the U.S. at this time, the Rondo is the cheapest, quietest, and the only one available with seven seats and a choice of four-cylinder or V-6 power (don't expect mind-blowing acceleration from either). And although it looks more like a duck than a supercar, at least it doesn't have the Mazda 5's stigmatized sliding doors.

The Kia Rondo drives well, carries a great warranty, and is easy on the budget (if not on the eyes). And if the 25-percent increase in year-to-date sales is any indication, it's something we'll be seeing a lot more of in the future.

BY STEVE SILER
Car and Driver