Can the Kia Grand Sedona make room for memories?

It seems big minivans are back in fashion, with the introduction of new versions of this once-popular family vehicle.  Kia has just launched their new Grand Sedona full-size MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) into the South African market.

New style, new name

The Kia Grand Sedona takes over from the previous generation which was known as Kia Sedona.  And Grand the new one is.  With a smarter new look to fall in line with other current Kia angular vehicles, the Grand Sedona is marketed as a true family vehicle, though should also be appealing to corporate applications.

Up to 11 seats ?!

Yes, the Kia Grand Sedona is also Grand space-wise, able to fit 11 seats into the entry-spec CRDi EX model which comes as a choice of 7-seater or 11, with the 11-seater costing R 16 000 extra or exactly R 4 000 per extra seat.  Kia SA is to confirm whether the V6 petrol engine SXL top spec will also later be available with 11 seats.

Make room for memories

The Grand Sedona marketing line is “Make room for memories”.  Clever, as the people in the Grand Sedona will have room in their MPV to be able to create memories of road trips, visits to the beach or city, soccer/running/ballet practice, or any other comfortable family activities. 

At 5115 mm long and just about 2 metres wide, the Grand Sedona allows for generous space accommodation in either 7-seater with 359 to 2718 litres of packing space, though when using the full people capacity in the 11-seater the luggage space drops to 34 litres behind the 4th row seats, but fortunately the rear seats can fold out the way for when more luggage than persons are carried.

Relaxing award-winning interior design

Not just designed for memory space, the Grand Sedona designers also looked at creating an interior that is more sophisticated and luxurious thanks to the use of higher quality materials, and more relaxing and spacious due to the use of premium features and technology.

Elegant individual seats for front and rear passengers are comfort-boosted by rear air conditioning vents to ensure comfort for all. 

Electric sliding side doors on SX and SXL spec make for convenient opening, without the need to pull a heavy door.  These models also get the handy hands-free opening of the tailgate – simply approach the tailgate, and when the Grand Sedona senses the presence of its key, it will open the tailgate, electrically.

In the J.D. Power Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) award in the Minivan / Large MPV segment, the Kia Grand Sedona won the award, and was also included in the Ward’s 10 Best Interiors list earlier this year.

Stand-up 2nd row seats mean these seats move out the way, so passengers climbing into or out of the rear will not have to struggle.  Pop-up sinking 4th row seats in the rearmost of the 11-seater can sink into the floorboard, or be restored instantly by pressing a lever, so no wrestling with clumsy bulky seats.
 
“Power to surprise” equipment and engines

The 3 spec levels available on Grand Sedona are EX, SX and SXL.  The CRDi badge on the tailgate indicates the diesel engine option, which, thanks to high torque and good fuel economy, is the most popular engine choice.  Just as we though the V6 petrol engine is dying out, Kia surprises by offering a 3.3 engine for its smoothness.  The CRDi is available in all 3 spec levels, while the V6 comes in the top 2 trims.

The entry EX model, offered with choice 7 / Eleven seats, starts well – spec items included are 6-speed automatic gearshift, air conditioning front and rear, parking sensors front and rear (a safety-critical must in all MPVs), remote controls on steering wheel, electric lumbar support, centre console with storage box, auto light control and welcome light, MP3/Aux/USB connections and roof rack.

SX models get tri-zone automatic climate control, leather seats, rear-view camera, LED combination tail-lamps, 12-way electric front seat adjustment, autodim inside mirror, auto-folding side mirrors (with integrated indicator), HID headlights, smart entry and button start, smart power tailgate and power sliding dual doors.

SXL spec adds a memory seat package, rear seat warmers, Blind Spot Detection System, subwoofer and amplifier, and a dual sunroof (rather than the usual panoramic sunroof).

The 2.2 CRDi engine is familiar in its successful use in the Kia Sorento SUV, quoted at 147kW and 440Nm.  The 3.3 V6 petrol manages 199kW, though hopefully the torque of 318Nm at a high 5200 does not mean it is sluggish at low to medium revs.

Prices on Grand Sedona

Kia’s renowned 5-year 150 000 km warranty is included, and also a maintenance plan of 5 years 100 000 km.

Competing for market share against other large MPVs will see Kia Grand Sedona up against Hyundai H-1, Volkswagen Kombi and Caravelle (the all-new T6 generation will arrive in SA in coming months) and the just-launched Mercedes-Benz V-Class.

Prices, including taxes, are:

Kia Grand Sedona 2.2CRDi EX	R 499 995
Kia Grand Sedona 2.2CRDi EX 11-seat	R 515 995
Kia Grand Sedona 2.2CRDi SX	R 625 995
Kia Grand Sedona 2.2CRDi SXL	R 669 995
Kia Grand Sedona 3.3 V6 SX	R 605 995
Kia Grand Sedona 3.3 V6 SXL	R 649 995