Johannesburg - Kia’s Sedona has graduated from the class of ordinary minivans and moved into the swanky people-mover category where some serious luxo-buses compete. It’s also gained a nameplate prefix in the process.
The Grand Sedona, as it’s now justifiably called, is the third-generation version of the Korean MPV, and though it remains in the same seven-seat genre as its predecessors, it’s now a much more stylish, spacious and high-quality offering. It was a smart move for Kia to provide a previous-generation Sedona for side-by-side comparison at the new version’s South African media launch last week because advancements are huge.
There’s a lot of sheet metal and glass here, and it’s undeniably box-shaped, but as far as MPVs go this is an attractive one with a similar “Tiger Nose” grille and angry face as the all other models in Kia’s current range. The Sedona’s most natural rival will be Chrysler’s Grand Voyager, and possibly VW’s Caravelle (and Merc’s V-Class at a push), but Kia’s done a good job to make this a more car-like vehicle than its high-topped competitors. It’s almost a giant station wagon.
There’s a centre console between the front seats (no walk through) with loads of storage crannies, power sockets and USB ports. The dashboard is soft, modern and fashionably styled, and bedecked with features to suitably host either family travel or short VIP shuttle hops. At the back there are two rows of seats – a pair of sliding buckets in the middle, and a triple bench at the rear.
There is technically space for seven, but truthfully, the middle spot at the back is more of an emergency jump-seat than anything else.
However, unlike most SUVs with seven-seat capabilities, there’s an immense amount of cargo space here. Because the spare wheel is mounted underneath the centre of the car, there’s a very deep (960 litre) stowage space in the boot which will easily swallow luggage for all passengers. With the third row folded into this well, space grows to 2220 litres, and with the second row folded, or stood up rather, maximum cargo space is a gigantic 4022 litres.
A Grand Sedona with four rows and 11 seats will also be available soon, but with little to no cargo room this would be for specialised passenger transport only.
HEFTY TORQUE
Two engine choices include a 2.2 turbodiesel with 147kW and 440Nm, and a 3.3 V6 petrol with 199kW and 318Nm. Each comes with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The 2.2 CRDi with its hefty torque will likely be the volume seller in our market, and it was this model which I drove over a relatively long 700km launch route. Terrain involved mostly long, straight highways which the Sedona gobbled in quiet comfort, but it was also remarkably composed over a short gravel section too.
This might just be the ideal weekday school-runner and weekend game reserve getaway vehicle for larger families.
A base spec EX model (diesel only) comes standard with six airbags, 17 inch alloys, front and rear parking sensors, separate airconditioning at the rear, and a Bluetooth-compatible stereo with six speakers.
Middle SX versions add 18 inch rims, leather upholstery, 12-way electric (front) seats, tri-zone climate control, a colour instrument cluster display, a 4.3” touchscreen system with reversing camera, HID headlights and a power tailgate. Top SXL spec gets heated and cooled front seats, heated middle seats, a heated steering wheel, an eight-speaker Infinity stereo system, a dual sunroof, and blind spot detectors.
PRICES:
2.2 CRDi EX 7-Seat - R499 995
2.2 CRDi EX 11-Seat - R515 995
2.2 CRDi SX 7-Seat - R625 995
2.2 CRDi SXL 7-Seat - R669 995
3.3 V6 SX 7-Seat - R605 995
3.3 V6 SXL 7-seat - R649 995
3.3 V6 SXL 11-Seat - TBC
All models come with a five-year or 150 000km warranty, a five-year or 100 000km maintenance plans and three years unlimited roadside assistance.
Star Motoring
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