Boston.com's view

I can almost hear Len Hunt, chief operating officer of Kia Motors America, channeling The Beach Boys:

“Help me, Rondo, help, help me, Rondo.”

And if today’s test car, the 2007 Kia Rondo EX, does for Kia what “Help Me Rhonda” did for Brian Wilson and the boys, then the company will have gained an edge in the booming crossover market. Crossovers are generally described as vehicles that combine the features of minivans, SUVs, and station wagons.

My guess is that if Kia can get people into the showrooms to test the Rondo, they will succeed.

The first time I saw it, I thought it looked like a nice little crossover — sort of small, yet at the same time tall. It’s an illusion created, in part, by the sleek hood. That’s in contrast to the abrupt fronts of traditional minivans and the looming presence of SUV fronts.

Behind that hood is a compartment that will comfortably seat either five or seven passengers. I don’t know how Kia packed so much leg room and head room into this vehicle.

A greenhouse of side windows rises high to a roof demarcated by standard rails. The windows afford great views, and the high position of the driver’s seat provides the perspective of an SUV. But the Rondo doesn’t drive like an SUV or a minivan. Like many crossovers, the Rondo rides atop a car platform, in this case, the Kia Optima sedan.

There are two basic trim levels, LX and EX, and features can be added to both versions. Four-cylinder models start at about $17,000 in the LX, while the EX, with a more powerful six-cylinder option, leaves the line at just over $20,000.

But before parsing options, packages, and power plants, understand that Kia has stepped boldly where some companies have only reluctantly begun to go in this price range.

Electronic stability control, antilock brakes, front, side, and curtain air bags, front-to-rear, are standard. This is a solid statement from a company that first began to lure buyers with a 100,000-mile, 10-year power train warranty.

The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivers a serviceable 162 horsepower and 164 lb.-ft. of torque. I would not put this engine in the seven-seater if you plan to use all the seats. If, however, you are happy with just five seats on occasion and want to save a bit on fuel, four cylinders are plenty, since the car doesn’t weigh much more than a ton-and-a-half.

But if you regularly need seven seats, or plan on hauling gear, it’s worth jumping to the 2.7-liter V-6 with 182 horsepower and 182 lb.-ft. of torque. Not a big leap in power, but it’s enough to get you up and over New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway in the fall with a full load.

A four-speed automatic transmission comes with the smaller engine, and the V-6 is equipped with a five-speed automatic (with a manual option).

Handling is remarkably smooth, with only slight hints of tippiness from a cabin that sits so high. Weight distribution was sent downward, owing to the sedan-based underpinnings. The suspension is a bit soft, though that’s acceptable since the Rondo is not meant to be tossed through corners. But it does soak up springtime frost heaves without jarring occupants.

The interior features a well-designed cockpit up front, with dual-toned dash-to-glove-box-to-floor, and door-wraparound styling. The central control pod flows back and down for easy contact, with large knobs and buttons that control climate, sound, and other options.

Our base EX model went up in price by about $3,000, thanks to some add-ons. A leather package — seat trim, heated front seats — cost $1,000 more, a premium package with a power sunroof and upgraded sound system tacked on an additional $1,200, and easily-accessible third-row seat cost $500.

The Beach Boys’ Rhonda was supposed to help the plaintive singer get someone out of his heart. Len Hunt’s Rondo is looking to win over some hearts.

Base price/as tested: $20,195

Fuel economy: 22.9 miles per gallon in Globe testing/regular fuel

Annual fuel cost: $1,555 (at $2.74 per gallon, regular, 13,000 miles per year)

Kia is reaching into all nooks and crannies for sales and, so far, is managing to keep prices down while adding content and safety.

Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive

Seating: Five or seven

Horsepower: 182

Torque: 182 lb.-ft.

Length: 179.0 inches

Wheelbase: 106.3 inches

Height: 67.7 inches

Width: 71.7 inches

Curb weight: 3,740 pounds

THE SKINNY

These days, if an automaker is not in the crossover market, it is probably losing sales. It’s all about market segments.

Nice touch: The substantial ledge above the glove box, below the dash. Great use of space that normally is wasted.

Annoyance: Fat trim on triangular windows at rear pillars cuts vision. Is it for looks or is there important bracing behind there?

Watch for: Kia to keep expanding into all the markets it can reach. The challenge: don’t overreach by moving too quickly.